By 
Researcher and reporter: Tanjil Fuad Isfaqul Kabir
Under Shykh Seraj’s direction, a PhD study on the agriculture-focused program “Hridoye Mati O Manush” was conducted at Dhaka University. The research showcases farmers’ accomplishments and the agricultural industry’s diverse growth over the past four decades. What impact may an agriculture-based program have on the nation’s agricultural sector? The answer is “Hridoye Mati O Manush”. Let’s learn about Shykh Seraj today and his rural programs, “Hridoye Mati O Manush” and “Mati O Manush.”
In Chandpur, Shykh Seraj was born in 1954. He completed his education at Dhaka and graduated from Dhaka University with a master’s degree in geography. While a student, he was active in newspapers, radio, and television in Bangladesh. Presenting Bangladesh Television’s “Mati O Manshu program” won him a great deal of recognition. This television program aired on Bangladeshi television in the 1980s, greatly impacting the inhabitants of rural Bengal. Shykh Seraj oversaw the “Mati O Manush” program from 1982 until 1996.
A scene from Shaikh Siraj and the ‘Hridoye Mati O Manush’ program, where he is in the field with farmers. | Photo: Collected
Shykh Seraj could not relinquish his position of interest even after leaving Bangladesh Television. After this, on February 21, 2004, “Channel I” aired the first episode of the educational show “Hridaye Mati O Manush,” which was focused on agriculture. Programs on a variety of agricultural issues, opportunities, and innovations have been held in 57 districts thus far. Based on research, 97% of the nation’s population has reportedly benefited from this initiative. With his organization, Shykh has facilitated communication between government policymakers and field farmers by arranging the regular “Krishi Budget Krishoker Budget” event. where farmers can address their questions to the higher-ranking officials who deal with agriculture.
Shykh Siraj arranged a unique celebration to bring farmers the joy of Eid. Wife dressing, pillow fights, and oil-filled banana tree climbing are among the popular pastimes farmers use to celebrate Eid.
At present, Shykh Seraj travels the globe presenting agricultural knowledge. Based on research, this program’s viewers—three out of every four—apply this technique to their agricultural labor. Rural Bengali farmers have come to regard Shykh Seraj as one of their own because of the manner he has reached them with both words and deeds.
Roof gardens are very popular in the city right now, but they contribute something unique: “Hridoye Mati O Manush.” Many individuals were motivated to cultivate in this manner after Shaikh’s presentation on roof gardens. However, during a specific period of the year, the farmed land in the southern half of the country is flooded. As a result, farmers in the nation’s flooded areas invented the practice of floating farming.
Shaikh Siraj in the orange orchard holding fruit. | Photo: Collected
For his outstanding contributions to agriculture, Shykh Seraj was granted two of Bangladesh’s highest national accolades, the Independence Award (2018) and the Ekushey Padak (1995). In addition, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization honored him with the AH Burma Award in 2009 for his contributions to journalism on food security for the eradication of poverty. He is currently Head of News and Founder Director of Impress Telefilm Limited, Channel I. “Mati O Manusher Chasbas,” “Matir Kache Manusher Kache,” and “Krishi O Gonomaddhom” are some of his well-known books on agriculture.
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