Desi Beejotsava: Women urged to lead community seed banks

Time of India

9 hours ago

Mysuru: Seed Mother Padmamma of Kanagalu village in Periyapatna taluk urged all the stakeholders to give the responsibility of managing community seed banks to women. "Women have played a crucial role in preserving and nurturing the diversity of native seeds handed down through generations.
So the leadership of the Community Seed Bank scheme, implemented by the govt, should be entrusted to women's groups," she said.
She was speaking after inaugurating the two-day 'Desi Beejotsava', organised by Sahaja Samrudha, Rebuild India, Dasara, and Sahaja Seeds on Saturday.
"I preserved over 100 native seeds over the past ten years. I grow and multiply them every year and share them with interested people. If you lose gold, you can buy it back; but if native seeds are lost, can you ever retrieve them? Women must protect seed sovereignty," she advised.
Appaji, a seed conserver from Unnenahalli in Holenarasipura taluk who conserves Rajamudi and other traditional rice varieties, said, "By cultivating native varieties and selling them directly to consumers, we can earn better profits. I've been selling produce from my orchard this way for the past decade."
Chief guest BN Dhananjaya, deputy director of agriculture, said, "Farmer Producer Companies can actively market diverse farm products and earn profits."
by Taboola
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JSS Krishi Vigyan Kendra in Suttur, head Gnanesh BN said, local varieties adapt well to climate change. Indigenous crops like Nanjangud Rasabale, Rajamudi, and Ratnachoodi must regain prominence.
Ravi K Magal, CEO of Desi Seed Producer Company, and G Krishna Prasad, director of Sahaja Samrudha, were present.
At the two-day festival, more than twenty seed conservers from across Karnataka displayed a wide range of seeds, fruits, vegetables, and pulses.
Diverse food items made from horse gram, jowar rotti from North Karnataka, beverages made from underutilised fruits, and ragi malt were appreciated by visitors. Artistic items made by Mysuru's Krishi Kala using sorekai (bottle gourd)—including lamps, flower vases, and seed rakhis—attracted the crowd.
The Hulikadu Farmer Producer Company from Heggadadevanakote sold jackfruit, vegetables, rare seeds, and various banana varieties. The festival also features organic farm produce, beauty and wellness products, value-added items, eco-friendly household goods, and organic snacks. Various fruit saplings are available for purchase. The Bengaluru-based SOIL organisation has set up a stall to raise awareness about soil health.