Conserving genetic diversity through community seed banks in India

Background

India is one of 12 global mega gene centers, rich in agrobiodiversity, adapted to local environmental conditions. Yet, the country’s agricultural sector is facing severe challenges due to climate change, with April 2022 being the hottest recorded month in over a century.[i] Irregular rainfall and drought are leading to declining farm yields, particularly affecting the country’s monsoon-dependent agricultural system. Conserving plant genetic resources (PGR) and promoting the use of local genetic diversity, especially climate-resilient crops, can help to sustain productivity in the face of climate change. However, many traditional landraces and crop varieties are either lost or underutilised.

Activities

The Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT have been working with local partners on PGR conservation, focusing on developing and institutionalising community seed banks.[ii] These banks help to conserve valuable traditional varieties and offer farmers better access to quality seeds, especially given that most small and marginal farmers in India currently rely on low-quality seeds from local markets. These efforts are part of the Seeds for Needs Programme, which works to improve farmers’ access to a diverse range of crop varieties that are better suited to local agro-ecological conditions. The programme involves a broad range of stakeholders, including national government departments, state universities, civil society organizations, the private sector, and farming communities. Together, they work to mainstream traditional varieties and landraces, focusing on participatory crop improvement strategies. Farmers are directly engaged in knowledge-sharing practices that empower them to preserve and use these varieties.

Impact

The establishment of community seed banks in India has had a transformative impact on agricultural resilience and farmer livelihoods. The seed banks have expanded genetic diversity and improved plant sustainability, with over 200 varieties of climate-resilient crops collected and conserved. They have significantly enhanced smallholder farmers’ access to high-quality seeds, including for staple crops like rice and wheat, which are crucial for food security in India. Data shows that over 60% of the participating farmers have reported increased yields and better crop performance due to access to improved seed varieties. Moreover, the seed banks have become integral players in the seed market, allowing local and farm-saved varieties to be commercialised. This has created opportunities for farmers to gain monetary benefits from the conservation and sale of unique local varieties. Therefore, community seeds banks not only contribute to the conservation and management of plant genetic resources but also provide farmers with income-generation opportunities, promoting sustainable agricultural practices in the face of climate change.

Sources

[i] Debnath, R., Bardhan, R., & Bell, M. L. (2023). Lethal heatwaves are challenging India’s sustainable development. PLOS Climate, 2(4), e0000156.

[ii] Cabildo, C. T., & Panghulan, J. J. (2023, November 14). Community seed banks empower farmers. Alliance Bioversity International - CIAT. Retrieved November 6, 2024, from https://alliancebioversityciat.org/stories/community-seed-banks-empower-farmers-address-climate-risk-india.