Recognition of locally developed paddy varieties by farmers stressed

Framers here have underscored the need for recognition of locally developed paddy varieties by them tapping their indigenous knowledge.

The importance came at a dialogue and view-sharing meeting titled "Importance of Farmers Agriculture Research and Security" held at Muktijuddho Pathagar in the city on Sunday.

Bangladesh Resource Centre for Indigenous Knowledge (BARCIK), a right-based development organization, hosted the programme attended by farmers and agriculture related people.

Nur Muhammad, a self-educated farmer of Tanore Upazila, said at the function he has been conducting research on around 200 native paddy varieties for the last around 14 years and got better yield.

The national award-winning farmer for agriculture sought state-level recognition of his developed varieties.

Like Nur Muhammad, there are many other farmers who earned dignity in the field of protecting native paddy varieties but they suffer a lot due to lack of recognition, the meeting was told.

During his keynote presentation, Shahidul Islam, Barind Region Coordinator of BARCIK, puts forward a set of recommendations on how to protect the farmers rights.

National Award-winning farmer Rahim Uddin Sarker, agriculture researcher Raihan Kabir, Joyeeta award winner Rahima Khatun, farmer Abdul Hamid and ethnic minority student leader Sabitry Hembrom also spoke.

Source: BSS