Bashundhara Shuvosangho organised an awareness raising event on Tuesday, warning farmers about the harmful impact of the excessive and arbitrary use of fertilisers and pesticides in winter crop fields.

The additional use of these chemicals may allow the harvesting of crops ahead of time, and even initially increase production, but in the long term, they erode land fertility, harm the environment and increase production costs, Bashundhara Shuvosangho members said.

Around 20 farmers attended the session held at a field at Chawra Loda village, Amtali upazila in Barguna.

Bashundhara Shuvosangho members prioritised the application of modern agricultural technology, appropriate type and amount of fertilisers, and proper seed selection, over the arbitrary use of agrochemicals, which is a widespread problem in the country’s agricultural areas.

The speakers also emphasised taking into considerations climate change impact and sustainable agricultural practices

The farmers and campaigners said proper training, planning, and government inspection would help reduce unnecessary and arbitrary use of chemicals, while paving the way for sustainable farming.

Some farmers also alleged that the spread of fake and adulterated seeds as well as chemicals in markets, and the absence of fair prices for harvests will stall all plans.

The chief guest at the event was Joynul Abedin, joint general secretary of the Bashundhara Shuvosangho Amtali Upazila unit, and the unit’s Executive Member Ripon Munshi. The awareness event was presided over by the unit’s Adviser Md Al Amin (Babu).