Twenty-two farmers, activists and community leaders from Bangladesh’s Barind region received Agroecology Leadership Awards for advancing biodiversity conservation, indigenous seed preservation, sustainable farming and nature-based agricultural practices.
Twenty-two farmers, environmental activists and community leaders from Bangladesh’s drought-prone Barind region have been honored with Agroecology Leadership Awards in recognition of their contributions to environmentally friendly farming, biodiversity conservation, indigenous seed preservation and sustainable agricultural practices.
The awards were presented on Thursday (June 4) at Moyenpur village under Mundumala Municipality in Tanore upazila of Rajshahi. The ceremony took place beneath a nearly 500-year-old banyan tree, regarded as a symbol of nature conservation, biodiversity and agricultural heritage.
The recognition was organized by BARCIK on the occasion of World Environment Day. Award recipients were selected for their work in protecting agricultural biodiversity, preserving local seed varieties, promoting eco-friendly technologies, advancing indigenous knowledge and supporting sustainable farming systems.
Speakers at the event said agroecology offers an effective and sustainable response to the growing challenges posed by climate change, environmental degradation and agricultural crises. They noted that the approach helps protect agriculture, ecosystems and human well-being through the conservation of local knowledge, indigenous seeds, biodiversity and the production of chemical-free food.
They also highlighted the role of the award recipients in promoting environmentally friendly agriculture, preserving native seeds, building farmer organizations and encouraging sustainable lifestyles in their respective communities. According to the speakers, the recognition is expected to inspire younger generations to engage in nature-based and agriculture-friendly initiatives.
Organizers said the expansion of agroecological practices is increasingly important to achieve sustainable development and strengthen coexistence with nature. They added that the awards would contribute to advancing that movement.
The ceremony was attended by chief guest Saifullah Ahmad. Special guests included Alhaj Md. Mofiz Uddin, Alhaj Md. Abdul Latif and Alhaj Md. Ali Afzal Khan, who have played key roles in protecting the centuries-old banyan tree, as well as Green Coalition Paba Upazila President Mosammat Rahima Begum.
At the beginning of the program, Shahidul Islam, coordinator of BARCIK’s Barind region, delivered an introductory presentation on agroecological practices, the contributions of farmers and BARCIK’s role in promoting sustainable agriculture.
Awards were presented in 20 categories. Farmer Md. Zaidur Rahman of Tanore received recognition for his contribution to seed diversity conservation and promotion. Farmer Nur Mohammad of Tanore was honored for developing drought-tolerant rice varieties in Rajshahi. Mosammat Sultana Khatun of Darshanpara Union in Paba was recognized for establishing a community seed bank.
Farmer Jitendranath Sutradhar of Tanore received an award for promoting and advancing agroecology, while Kobuljan Begum was recognized for developing and promoting improved environmentally friendly cooking stoves. Mosammat Sahana Begum of Nachole upazila in Chapainawabganj was honored for producing and promoting organic pest control solutions.
Farmer Md. Almas Ali of Tanore received recognition for tree plantation efforts and Md. Abdul Hamid was awarded for protecting soil health. Mosammat Bilkis Begum was honored for promoting environmentally friendly farming practices and inspiring others to adopt them.
Md. Munsur Ali received recognition for bird conservation, while Pari Tudu was honored for contributions to diverse food security. Mosammat Rahima Begum received the Green Women Leadership Award.
Md. Atikur Rahman, general secretary of Youth Action for Social Change (YASS), was recognized for his efforts to protect urban ponds and water bodies. Abdur Rahim received an award for conserving diverse plant species, while Sohag Ali was honored for contributions to rooftop gardening.
Mosammat Shyamali Begum was recognized for conserving and promoting uncultivated plant species. Taland Ananda Mohan High School received an award for establishing a seed library and promoting agricultural biodiversity knowledge among young people.
Mosammat Setara Begum was honored for preserving and exchanging indigenous seed varieties. Alhaj Md. Mofiz Uddin, Alhaj Md. Abdul Latif and Alhaj Md. Ali Afzal Khan jointly received recognition for protecting ancient trees.
Kabiraj Abdul Karim was awarded for conserving diverse medicinal plants and for his contributions to traditional healthcare practices.
