BARCIK honours 22 agro-ecology leaders for promoting biodiversity conservation and sustainable farming on World Environment Day. Photo : BSS

RAJSHAHI, June 4, 2026 (BSS)- On the occasion of World Environment Day, 22 farmers, women farmers, organizers and environmental activists were awarded the 'Agro-ecology Leadership Award' here today.

The award was given by the private development organization BARCIK for their special contributions to eco-friendly agricultural practices, conservation of agricultural biodiversity, and protection of native seeds in the drought-prone Barind region.
 
The awards were handed over at a ceremony held under the shade of an approximately 500-year-old banyan tree in Moyenpur village, Mundumala Municipality in Tanore Upazila. 

The event was organized beneath the ancient banyan as a symbol of conserving nature, biodiversity and agricultural heritage.
 
The chief guest at the event was Saifullah Ahammad. Guests present were Md Mofiz Uddin, Md. Abdul Latif, and Md. Ali Afzal Khan - the protectors of the ancient banyan tree - and Rahima Begum, president of the Paba Upazila branch of Green Coalition. 

At the start of the program, Shahidul Islam, BARCIK's coordinator for the Barind region, presented a concept paper on agro-ecology practices, farmers' contributions and BARCIK's activities.
 
Speakers said that agro-ecology is an effective and sustainable path to tackle climate change, environmental degradation and the growing crisis in agriculture. 

Through local knowledge, native seeds, biodiversity conservation and poison-free food production, agro-ecology protects not only agriculture but also the environment and human life.
 
They added that the awardees are playing exemplary roles in their respective areas in promoting eco-friendly farming, conserving native seeds, building farmers' organizations, and expanding sustainable lifestyles. 

This recognition will inspire the new generation to get involved in nature-friendly and agriculture-friendly initiatives.
 
Highlighting the significance of World Environment Day, the organizers said that expanding the practice of agro-ecology for coexistence with nature and sustainable development is the demand of the time. This honour will further strengthen that movement.