Photo : BSS

RAJSHAHI, April 13, 2026 (BSS)- Grassroots-level researchers and experts at a 
public dialogue today unequivocally called for inclusion of agroecology in 
Union Parishad (UP) budget planning.

Sustainable development is not possible without ensuring agroecology, climate 
justice, and food sovereignty.
 
In the Barind region, the water crisis, declining soil fertility, excessive 
expansion of chemical pesticide-based agriculture, and loss of biodiversity 
are increasingly putting the lives and livelihoods of local farmers, women, 
and marginalized communities at risk.

To address this situation, it is urgent to include plans related to 
agroecology, climate justice, and food sovereignty in all planning, including 
budgets, from the community level to the national level.

Bangladesh Resource Centre for Indigenous Knowledge (BARCIK) and Green 
Coalition Rajshahi jointly arranged the public dialogue at Bilnepalpara under 
Paba upazila to ensure agroecology, climate justice, and food sovereignty. 

Farmers practicing safe agriculture, local women representatives, youth 
representatives, and elected members of the concerned Union Parishads 
attended the dialogue.

A seven-point demand list was handed over to the elected representative of 
Darshanpara UP. 

The event was moderated by Shahidul Islam, regional coordinator of BARCIK 
Barind Region while Darshanpara UP elected members Tofazzal Hossain, Mozammel 
Haque, and Jahangir Alam were present at the event.

Speakers at the dialogue said that excessive dependence on chemical 
agriculture at present is creating a major risk not only for the environment 
but also for public health.
 
It is extremely necessary to include eco-friendly initiatives in the Union 
Parishad's budget and development plan to ensure agroecology-based farming 
methods, conservation of local seeds, water management, and protection of 
biodiversity.

The speakers further said that due to climate change, drought, heatwaves, and 
water scarcity are increasing day by day which directly impacts agricultural 
production and food security. 
In this context, a call was made to prioritize agroecology, climate justice, 
and food sovereignty in the Union Parishad's upcoming budget plan.