West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced that the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has honored the state’s ‘Matir Srishti’ program with an international certificate. Launched in 2020 in the dry western districts, the initiative focuses on community-driven projects. The FAO recognized the program for its efforts in preserving natural heritage and biodiversity.
Through ‘Matir Srishti,’ the government aims to transform barren lands into fertile areas suitable for diverse agriculture. The program integrates strategies for land development, irrigation, and local-level implementation. By creating new water bodies and enhancing irrigation support, the initiative has significantly boosted livelihood opportunities and family incomes.
Banerjee also shared that West Bengal’s Gobindbhog, Tulaipanji, and Kanakchur aromatic rice varieties have been acknowledged as food and cultural heritage by the UN FAO. The Chief Minister expressed pride in the global recognition received for the state’s initiatives. The UN FAO’s acknowledgment is seen as a prestigious honor for the conservation of natural heritage, biodiversity, and food culture, dedicated to the rural community and farmers of Bengal.
The West Bengal government’s ‘Kanyashree Prakalpa’ scheme, aimed at preventing child marriage and promoting girls’ education, previously won the United Nations Public Service Award in 2017. The scheme, a conditional cash transfer program, was recognized among 552 projects from 62 countries. Under Banerjee’s leadership, the initiative secured the top position, highlighting the state’s commitment to social welfare and development.
