Understanding the Importance of Seed Preservation

Seeds play a pivotal role in agricultural productivity. In fact, seed preservation is one of the most cost-effective methods to boost agricultural output and productivity.

• Other agricultural inputs like fertilisers, herbicides, and irrigation systems can only work optimally when the quality of the seed is excellent.
• Seed quality is responsible for about 20 to 25 percent of productivity. This underscores the importance of providing farmers with access to high-quality seeds.

The Seed Preservation System Adopted by the Women Farmers of Telangana

• The 1:2 ratio system has been instrumental in helping Dalit families maintain the traditional mixed cropping system, thereby ensuring nutritional security.
• Such practices assist local farmers in enhancing local ecology and food security.
• The system also aids in preserving seeds and adapting to changes in soil and weather conditions.
• Thanks to the 1:2 ratio system, indigenous varieties of millets and other grains can thrive in red and black soils without the need for extensive irrigation.
• This method enables the cultivation of a variety of crops during both Kharif and Rabi seasons.

Other Efforts Towards Seed Preservation

• Mother-in-law and daughter-in-law Sangham: This initiative involves older women conducting agricultural workshops for younger generations, ensuring the continuation of seed preservation methods and knowledge about indigenous seeds.
• Mobile Biodiversity Festival: The Mobile Biodiversity Festival sees seed caravans travelling across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh to rediscover, restore, and preserve indigenous crop varieties.