
In the month of April, MUKTI’s Natural Garden initiative took a vibrant step towards promoting sustainable agriculture and food security. Around 10–12 varieties of seasonal vegetable seeds were carefully sown, reflecting a diverse and nutritious selection including Fenugreek, Pointed Gourd (Patal), Red Amaranth (Red Note), Coriander, Oat, Mint, Bitter Gourd, Ridge Gourd (Jhinga) and more. Additionally, 20 ginger seeds were planted in individual grow bags as part of the garden’s expansion into spice cultivation.
However, nature posed an unexpected challenge. A severe hailstorm struck the region shortly after the sowing, leading to significant damage across the garden. A large portion of the newly sprouted vegetables were destroyed, threatening the season’s harvest and the hard work of the community members involved.
In the face of adversity, the community responded with determination. Replanting efforts were swiftly undertaken, with several of the lost seeds sown again to restore the garden’s productivity. This effort reflects not just agricultural resilience, but also the spirit of perseverance and sustainability that MUKTI strives to nurture in the Sundarbans.
Despite setbacks, the Natural Garden continues to serve as a living classroom for eco-friendly farming and a symbol of food sovereignty for rural families.