Batiaghata: Experts at a native seed fair today stressed the need to collect, preserve, and expand indigenous seed varieties, saying such initiatives can help boost crop production, enhance soil fertility, and strengthen the rural economy. They emphasized that traditional local varieties are being lost amid the widespread cultivation of modern high-yielding varieties, making preservation efforts increasingly important for safeguarding the local agricultural economy.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the remarks were made at a daylong ‘Rural Seed Fair 2026’, held in a festive atmosphere at the Batiaghata Upazila auditorium. The event aimed at collecting, preserving, and expanding indigenous seed varieties that are gradually disappearing. The fair was jointly organized by LOKOZ and Maitree Krishok (Farmers) Federation, two non-government organizations, with support from the Germany-based organization MIZREO.
Experts at the fair stated that such seed exchanges would play a significant role in expanding cultivation in the upcoming season and strengthening farmers’ self-reliance. Speaking as the chief guest, Batiaghata Upazila Nirbahi Officer Khandaker Kamruzzaman highlighted the importance of indigenous seed varieties as a major safeguard in the era of climate change. He acknowledged the role of marginal women farmers in preserving these seeds through generations.
Special guest Upazila Agriculture Officer Abu Bakkar Siddique remarked that seeds are the lifeblood of a nation and warned that dependence on external sources for seeds could threaten food security. He indicated that the fair demonstrated a pathway towards self-sufficiency. The event was presided over by LOKOZ Treasurer Ajit Kumar Torofdar and addressed by the organization’s Executive Director Debaprasad Sarkar.
Over 50 women farmers from 17 villages participated at the center of the event. They displayed several hundred varieties of nearly extinct indigenous paddy, vegetables, pulses, and oilseeds that they have preserved over the years. Stalls showcased different local paddy varieties, including Morichshail, Ranisaloot, Hijli, Digha, Morogshail, and Kalamanik, alongside seeds of various traditional vegetables. The women farmers not only exhibited the seeds but also exchanged them among themselves and distributed or sold them to visitors.
Among others, Upazila Livestock Officer Dr. Md Tarikul Islam, Upazila Social Services Officer Nigar Sultana, Youth Development Officer Md Abu Bakkar Molla, and Upazila BRDB Officer Sultana Nasrin also spoke at the program. Based on the number, diversity, quality, and presentation of seeds displayed at the stalls, a selection panel awarded first prize to Karuna Mondal of Sukdara village in Batiaghata upazila, second prize to widow Nomita Sarkar, and third prize to Shiuli Mondal of Halia village of the same upazila. All participating women farmers were also honored at the event.
‘I have preserved rare native seeds, including paddy, over the last 10 to 11 years. Many farmers from different places come to me to collect seeds at a fair price,’ Karuna Mondal told BSS during the fair. Talking to BSS this afternoon, Palash Das, Coordinator of LOKOZ, mentioned that the initiative encourages farmers, especially women, to preserve and expand native seed varieties. Local public representatives, agriculture officials, journalists, and several hundred farmers attended the daylong event.