Best of Bangladesh

The advent and rise of Genetically Modified (GM) food across the globe is, many experts argue, a deeply rooted conspiracy of governments and corporations. It is one of the many worries we face when buying groceries. Perhaps an even more terrifying fact – which is not any conspiracy 'theory' – is that a huge segment of fruits, vegetables, fish et al in our country is adulterated with various harmful chemicals. 

Shashya Prabartana is a grocery brand that allows you to shed off these worries. In the world of GM and chemically loaded foods, Shashya Prabartana is an oasis. 

FARMERS IN REVOLUTION
The outlets of Shashya Prabartana make up the end-product of a long and heavily monitored network. They are just the tip of the ice-berg. It all begins with the farmers and their most valuable treasure: seeds.

The organisation has formulated ten policies for farmers, emphasising on organic, sustainable and ethical farming. Collectively, the principles are known as Nayakrishi Andolon: a modern farming revolution. It's a movement for organic farming, based on scientific research. 

Shashya Prabartana, in various regions of Bangladesh,works closely with farmers, creating awareness for organic farming. “It won't help much if you alone practise organic farming in your small field whilst all the farmers in the neighbouring fields are using chemicals and pesticides,” explained Shahid Hussain Shamim, one of the directors of Shashya Prabartana. “Therefore, we aim to have massive chunks of land where farming will be all-natural. We already declared some villages as chemical-free.”

Using artificial fertilisers, pesticides, etc. can be deadly in many different ways. Health is of course one factor. Another is the sustainability and the fertility of land itself. “Bangladesh is blessed with fantastic soil and geography,” he opines. “Use of chemicals is ruining it. For sustainability, there is no alternative to organic farming. For those lands that have become relatively weak or whose yields are already suffering, stop chemical use all together in a mass and comprehensive scale and you will see the result in just a few years.”

Shamim also emphasises the importance of the possession of seeds. He says, “We encourage farmers to never let go off their seeds. They are the biggest assets. There are thousands of indigenous seeds in Bangladesh. This rich variety must be protected.”

NOT YOUR ORDINARY GROCER
The outlets of Shashya Prabartana, therefore, have a rich array of items. Take rice for example. There are numerous types of rice. How many sorts have you tried out? The outlets boast many kinds, each different in texture and taste from the next. The same case is with dal, spices and condiments.The outlet in Mohammadpur also offers milk, poultry and fish.  

Bangladesh is a land of diverse culinary treasures, with fruits, vegetables, etc. often having regional variety or specialty. It may be said that Shashya Prabartana is where you will get the best of Bangladesh under one roof. Their honey, for example, comes from the Sundarbans. 

Ghee and 'kashandi' (mustard sauce) are two appetising ingredients the average Bangladeshi household cherishes. Good quality honey, ghee, mustard sauce and pickles of various kinds are much sought after, but unfortunately relatively rare to find. You can get them at Shashya Prabartana. The prices are relatively higher, owing to their close monitoring and the lengths they go to to ensure quality. Nevertheless, Shamim says that the brand does not want to serve a niche market. “Chemical-free, unadulterated food yielded through organic farming should be for all. We encourage more organisations to come to this field”, he urges. 

Buying from Shashya Prabartana is not just about eating healthy. It's a philosophical stance. 

Outlets are in Mohammadpur and Banani. Call 01954476064 for more information.

By M H Haider
Photo: Sazzad Ibne Sayed