Paba:Speakers at a fair in Paba upazila have emphasized the importance of conserving indigenous seeds, protecting agricultural biodiversity, and promoting eco-friendly farming practices to ensure a future rich in nutrition and safe food.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the 'Safe Food and Agroecology Fair' was organized by Talukdharmapur Nari Unnayan Sangathan at the Agroecology Learning Center in Talukdharmapur village. The event, supported by BARCIK and the Green Coalition, coincided with World Food Day 2026 and featured exhibitions on safe food, indigenous seeds, agricultural biodiversity, and organic pest management.
Speakers at the fair advocated for policy support to conserve local seeds, promote safe food production, and encourage agroecology-based farming. They also called for the legal recognition of women farmers. Shilpi Khatun, a supervisor at the learning center, highlighted the necessity of conserving and exchanging indigenous seeds for food security and farmers' self-reliance.
Agroecology practitioner Rakiba Khatun emphasized that organic pest management could produce safe food, reduce production costs, and protect soil health and the environment. Additionally, BARCIK Regional Coordinator Shahidul Islam and Barendra Youth Forum President Atiqur Rahman underscored the significance of biodiversity conservation, local farming knowledge, and youth engagement in developing a sustainable food system.