Farmers and local groups showcased rare and near-extinct plant varieties, highlighting how community-led conservation can support biodiversity, nutrition, food culture and environmental sustainability in rural Manikganj amid climate risks.
A day-long fair displaying indigenous seeds, leaves, flowers and fruits was held in Outpara village of Manikganj on August 24, with speakers calling for collective action to protect local agricultural heritage, crop diversity and ecological balance.
The event was jointly organised by the Outpara Farmers’ Association and Sabuj Songhoti, with technical support from the non-governmental research organisation BARCIK.
Held to safeguard local plant varieties and natural resources, the fair brought together farmers, community leaders, environmental enthusiasts and visitors. It was presided over by Md. Mansur Ali, president of Sabuj Songhoti in Betila-Mitra Union.
Speakers at the discussion said the conservation of indigenous seeds and plant varieties was essential to protect biodiversity, respond to climate risks and ensure a sustainable environment for future generations.
Stalls at the fair displayed 55 varieties of indigenous seeds, 150 varieties of leaves, 45 varieties of local flowers and 39 varieties of fruits. Organisers said the exhibition highlighted rare and near-extinct local plant species and drew attention to their value in daily life.
Speakers also discussed the medicinal and nutritional importance of native plants, fruits and leaves, stressing that such resources remain closely linked to community health, food culture and environmental sustainability.
The event was attended by local representatives and community leaders, including Sohrab Hossain, director of Milon Filling Station; social worker Haji Abdul Majed; Betila-Mitra Union Parishad Panel Chairman-2 Md. Zakir Hossain; Panel Chairman-3 Rahima Begum; Reserved Ward Member Hamida Begum and former UP Member Md. Yousuf Ali.
Also present were Monirul Haq Montu, general secretary of Sabuj Songhoti in Betila-Mitra; Gazi Nabiur Ahmed Shawn, general secretary of Manikganj District Youth Green Club; Asma Akter, general secretary of the District Women’s Development Committee; and BARCIK representatives Shimul Kumar Biswas, associate coordinator, Md. Billal Hossain, researcher and Subrata Sarkar.
