In a joint effort to protect ecological balance and rural livelihoods, 50 grassroots beekeepers gathered to address the devastating impacts of agricultural chemicals on honey production and advocate for safer farming practices.
On December 10, 2024, the Shapla Cultural School Hallroom in the divisional city of Rajshahi hosted a critical training workshop dedicated to the survival and sustainability of local bee populations. Organized by North Bengal Honey Community Enterprise Ltd., with comprehensive strategic support from Shikkha Shastha Unnayan Karzakram (SHISUK) and the Pesticide Action Network (PAN), the event empowered local honey producers to become frontline environmental advocates.
Collaborative Leadership for Ecological Balance
The workshop was chaired by Mr. Sakiul Millat Morshed, Executive Director of SHISUK, who guided the session’s focus toward sustainable agroecological transformation. Setting a collaborative tone for the day’s proceedings, Mr. Mohsin, Executive Director of the Rajshahi-based Shapla Society, delivered the welcome address, emphasizing the shared responsibility of local organizations and rural enterprises in protecting the region’s natural resources.
Confronting the Agrochemical Threat
A central theme of the training was the escalating environmental crisis caused by agricultural chemicals. Mr. Jahangir Alam, Managing Director of North Bengal Honey Community Enterprise Ltd., led a vital discussion detailing the severe damage pesticide use inflicts on both commercial bee farms and the broader natural ecosystem.
Rather than simply outlining the damages, Mr. Alam encouraged the 50 participating beekeepers to take proactive leadership roles in their communities. He urged them to initiate grassroots awareness campaigns to educate neighboring farmers about the detrimental consequences of toxic pesticides on pollinators, urging a shift toward safer, nature-friendly agricultural practices.
By equipping local apiarists with crucial knowledge and fostering a profound sense of environmental responsibility, SHISUK, PAN, and North Bengal Honey Community Enterprise Ltd. are building a unified front. Together, they are ensuring that the future of honey production in Bangladesh remains safe, resilient, and pesticide-free.
