- A popular movement to preserve indigenous seed varieties, many on the verge of extinction, is thriving in the tribal regions of southern Rajasthan, promoting crop diversity and climate resilience.
- Thousands of tribal people from nearly 1,000 villages at the tri-junction of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat participated in Beej Utsavs (seed festivals).
- Indigenous seeds are an important legacy preserved by tribal communities amidst the growing influence of multinational companies in agriculture.
- Beej Utsav is part of our campaign to promote locally adapted seeds as a replicable practice, as per Vaagdhara, the main organiser of the events.
- Vaagdhara, focused on tribal livelihoods, collaborated with other tribal rights groups like Krishi Evum Adivasi Swaraj Sangathan, Gram Swaraj Samooh, Saksham Samooh, and Baal Swaraj.
- The indigenous seed varieties are inherently compatible with local farming conditions, economically practical, and environmentally sustainable.
- Over 50 indigenous seed varieties, including grains, pulses, and vegetables, were displayed and catalogued at the Beej Utsav events.
- Farmers who diligently preserved seeds in their areas were honoured as Beej Mitra (Seed Friends).
Dig Deeper: Read about similar Seed Festivals arranged in various states and about Rahibai Popere.
