Kolkata, Feb 18 (NationPress) West Bengal's Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced on Wednesday that the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has officially recognized her administration's 'Matir Srishti' program, awarding it an international certificate for its community-centric endeavors.

In a statement on social media, CM Banerjee expressed, "I am delighted to announce that our initiative has once again gained recognition from the United Nations. The FAO has presented us with a certificate valued on an international scale for our community efforts in the innovative 'Matir Srishti' program, launched in 2020 in our arid western (Paschimanchal) districts."

She elaborated, “This inventive and multi-departmental initiative has earned UN recognition for its excellence in the preservation of natural heritage and biodiversity.”

The Chief Minister explained that through the 'Matir Srishti' initiative, her government has developed a unique vision that combines strategies for land enhancement, irrigation, and grassroots implementation through panchayats.

"Our goal has been to transform barren, non-arable, dry, mono-crop lands into fertile grounds for diverse crops, including horticulture and vegetables. We have also established new water bodies, such as ponds, to bolster irrigation. This has generated numerous livelihood opportunities and significantly boosted family incomes," she stated.

Banerjee further shared details about the certificates received for her government’s other projects, noting, “I am thrilled to announce that the United Nations (FAO) has also recognized West Bengal’s esteemed Gobindbhog, Tulaipanji, and Kanakchur aromatic rice as part of our food and culture heritage.”

“I am sharing the Certificates of Recognition received from the Director General of FAO of the United Nations," she added.

She continued, “The UN-FAO recognition of these initiatives is a prestigious acknowledgment of our globally recognized efforts to conserve natural heritage, biodiversity, and food and culture heritage. We dedicate this honor to our entire rural community, especially the farmers of Bengal.”

It is noteworthy that in 2017, the West Bengal government’s flagship program, 'Kanyashree Prakalpa', was awarded the United Nations Public Service Award, winning first place in the global competition.

Kanyashree Prakalpa is a targeted conditional cash transfer initiative aimed at preventing child marriage and promoting girls' continued education in schools and other educational institutions.

In June 2017, the United Nations honored the West Bengal government with the Public Service Award for the scheme at a ceremony held in The Hague, Netherlands. The initiative, conceived under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s leadership, outshone 552 projects from 62 countries nominated for the award. A trophy and certificate were awarded to Banerjee, who attended the event in person.