Grow local, eat local: Bengal farmers hold a celebration of indigenous seeds

  • December 28, 2023
  • Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
  • Category: DPN Topics
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Grow local, eat local: Bengal farmers hold a celebration of indigenous seeds

Subject : Environment

Section: Agri & SD

Context:

  • Indigenous seed festival held in Contai, West Bengal, organized by ActionAid, Kajla Janakalyan Samiti, and Purba Medinipur Kisan Swaraj Samity.

Details:

  • Hundreds of farmers from various districts participated, showcasing native varieties of paddy, pulses, and vegetables.
  • Purpose: Pledge to conserve diverse native seeds, exchange traditional knowledge, and promote sustainable farming practices.
  • The festival is a part of ActionAid’s climate justice campaign, facilitating discourse between farmers on climate change, organic farming, and indigenous seed access.
    • ActionAid’s focus on climate resilience and sustainable farming across 22 Indian states.
  • The NGOs aim to establish grassroots-level seed banks across West Bengal.
  • Radha Tilak, an aromatic rice variety, highlights seeds’ potential for safe food, biodiversity preservation, and local economic stimulation.

Recent Government Initiatives Related to Sustainable Agriculture:

  • Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER)
  • National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture
  • Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)
  • Sub-mission on AgroForestry (SMAF)
  • Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana

Source: The Hindu

eat local: Bengal farmers hold a celebration of indigenous seeds Grow local