Kolkata, 18 February (H.S.) : The West Bengal government’s agricultural initiative, Matir Srishti, has received international recognition for its innovative approach and impact. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee shared the news through a social media post on Wednesday.

Launched in 2020 to transform fallow, unproductive, and single-crop lands in the western districts of West Bengal into fertile, multi-crop cultivable fields, the program has been awarded an international certificate by the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) under its ‘Food and Culture Heritage’ initiative.

The Chief Minister highlighted that the program integrates land, irrigation, and local governance systems to enhance agricultural productivity. As a result, these regions now witness increased production of vegetables and fruits. The initiative also included pond excavation and new irrigation arrangements to ensure water supply. The program has generated employment for millions and significantly increased rural household incomes.

Notably, West Bengal’s renowned aromatic rice varieties, Govindbhog rice, Tulipangi, and Kankachur, have been recognized internationally under the FAO’s Food and Culture Heritage category. Banerjee emphasized that this honor represents global acknowledgment of the state’s efforts to preserve natural resources, biodiversity, and its rich food culture.

The Chief Minister dedicated this recognition to the people of rural Bengal, particularly farmers, for their contribution to the success of the initiative.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh