Contribution of women in agriculture should be recognized and cooperatives should be formed with women farmers

[caption id="attachment_5944" align="aligncenter" width="1014"] File photo[/caption] Despite having a major contribution to agriculture, women have no recognition in the sector. Their contribution must be recognized and cooperatives must be formed with women farmers. These observations were made at a roundtable discussion where the speakers also said that initiative should be taken to ensure women’s participation in modern marketing as well as agricultural management. The virtual roundtable discussion was held on last Sunday, organized by ActionAid Bangladesh, with support of the Netherlands embassy. Prothom Alo was the broadcast partner of the event. Speaking at the discussion, director general (seeds) of the agriculture ministry, Balai Krishna Hajra, said that women had a major contribution in seed preservation. Without quality seeds, agricultural production is hampered. A large portion of these seeds come from the farmers. He highlighted various programmes of the government, saying that the government was giving priority to women’s empowerment and participation in agriculture. Project director of the Directorate of Agricultural Extension, Moazzem Hossain, said that there is no scope to think about agriculture without women. He said the government had taken up various projects to bring women farmers into the mainstream. Presiding over the discussion, ActionAid country director Farah Kabir said, the recommendations that have been made about women farmers must be implemented. Alongside ensuring their training, confidence and recognition, they must also be organized in cooperatives. United strength is major strength. She said that efforts must be made to ensure women can safely enter the agricultural market. Coordinator of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)’s Missing Middle Initiative, Imanun Nabi Khan, said that if women would work together in cooperatives, they could create an area for bargaining. He pointed out that banks still did not proffer loans to any farmer cooperatives. Imanun Nabi also highlighted women’s contribution to agriculture during the prevalence of coronavirus. In the opening speech, Prothom Alo’s associate editor Abdul Quayum said women have a major contribution in family farming. They must be given due respect for this. This will create a space for sustainable agriculture. Find more... Source: Online/SZK