“Joibo Haate Joibo Mela” Promotes Sustainable Agriculture at Organic Haat, Newtown

The two-day event “Joibo Haate Joibo Mela,” organized by Susthayee Krishi Poribar and implemented by MUKTI, was a resounding success, bringing together stakeholders in the organic farming community, policymakers, and environmentalists at Organic Haat, Newtown on January 18-19, 2025. The event aimed to promote sustainable agriculture practices and highlight the benefits of organic farming in Bengal.

The event was inaugurated by distinguished guests including Mr. Purnendu Basu, Chairperson of the West Bengal State Council of Technical and Vocational Education for Skill Development and former Minister of Agriculture, and Mrs. Dola Sen, Rajya Sabha MP. Their speeches underscored the importance of promoting organic farming to ensure a sustainable future for agriculture in the state. They emphasized the role of local farmers and the government’s commitment to supporting green initiatives.

One of the key sessions of the event was a panel discussion titled “Organic Can Be Affordable,” which sparked dynamic conversations on how organic products can become accessible to the larger population. The session featured expert speakers including Dr. Krishnendu Acharya, Head of the Botany Department at the University of Calcutta, and Mr. Sankar Halder, Founder-President of MUKTI, along with representatives from various organic farming initiatives. The discussion explored the challenges and solutions to making organic food affordable without compromising quality.

The fair showcased a variety of organic products from farmers and organizations such as MUKTI, Badabon Harvest, Joygopalpur Gram Vikas Kendra, Kishalay Organics, Srijan Khamar, BTS, and TONA. Visitors had the opportunity to learn about innovative farming practices, sample organic produce, and interact with the farmers who shared their experiences and knowledge of organic farming.

The event attracted a diverse range of delegates, including prominent figures from both the academic and business sectors. Notable attendees included:

• Mr. Milon Sinha, from NEWS
• Mr. Abhijit Kundu and Mr. Sourav Ghosh from DRCSC
• Mr. Biswanath Chatterjee
• Mr. Aritra Mukherjee from Srijan Khamar
• Mr. Subodh Tandon, Founder of Sanchay Greens, Delhi
• Mr. Uday Bhanu Roy, Managing Director of Bio Diverse Farming Pvt Ltd
• Mr. Saikat Majumdar, OC of Eco Park Police Station
• Mrs. Kakoli Ghosh Dostidar, MP

These individuals contributed valuable insights on organic farming and sustainable practices during various sessions and interactions.

As the event drew to a close, the consensus among participants was clear: organic farming is a crucial step towards a more sustainable and healthier future. The “Joibo Haate Joibo Mela” served as a vital platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and fostering a deeper understanding of the organic movement. The event left attendees inspired to continue advocating for a greener, more eco-friendly approach to agriculture.

 

Gallery link: https://muktiweb.org/gallery/album/joibo-haate-joibo-mela-2025