To make the country self sufficient in food production and nutrition for all, as well as to reduce dependency of imported seeds, the women in Jhenaidah have been working together with their male counterparts. They have been participating in training in limited agro-based field activities at their convenient times.
A group of women at Nabagram village under Shailkupa upazila of Jhenaidah had proved the truth of participating in agro-based field training and other activities on Sunday afternoon.
Ritu Khatun, Sumi and Mita with five house wives were participating in a farmers’ field school (FFS) at Nabagram village, when contacted said although men work in the crop fields, most of the agricultural work like paddy husking, drying, processing and seed preservation activities are done by the women for centuries together as a common feature in the society.
A total of 15 farmers receiving training on BRRI rice preservation under producing quality seeds applying modern agriculture technology of the government.
All Ritu Khatun, Sumi and Mita during a conversation over the training course said usually the females work for at least 18 hours a day, while their contribution in agriculture was not recognized even when the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was leading a number of global positions.
The participants said the farmers of the country are now at the mercy of the seed trading companies, especially foreign countries where the farmers have been losing their traditional varieties as well as other decaying varieties.
If the farmers themselves could preserve the seeds, they would be self sufficient in seed production, preservation and application in fields. It will save huge foreign currency in near future in agro sectors and make the agriculture profitable once again.
Sub assistant agriculture officer (SAAO) of the department of agriculture extension (DAE) in Sarutia block in Shailkupa Moslehuddin Tuhin was conducting the FFS where a renowned success farmer Habibur Rahman facilitated the course.
