For a long time, seeds have been a part of India’s cultural heritage. In a country where 70% of the population still live in rural and semi-rural communities, seeds are an integral part of many rituals, ceremonies and festivals that celebrate the cycle of birth, life and death. Saving seeds has been a cornerstone of the traditions that have made agriculture a way of life for many centuries.
In the 60s, the scenario began to change with the advent of the Green Revolution in India. The introduction of high-yielding seeds and the widespread use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides reduced the diversity of native seeds. When farmers started to move away from the practice of saving and exchanging seeds with neighbors and family, their knowledge about traditional agricultural systems became increasingly irrelevant.
In addition, there now exists the growing threat of genetically modified seeds (GMO) in the Indian markets for crops such as maize, mustard, peas, potatoes, bananas and others. Many environmentalists and farmers' groups are concerned about the impact of GMOs on the biodiversity of native varieties and the health problems associated with their consumption.
Traditionally, women farmers have been the main guardians of seeds in India. In times of scarcity, they can identify roots and tubers for food and medicinal needs. Women are also major producers of food in the country but are not recognized as farmers and have to fight to have land rights and access to information and loans.
The knowledge that women farmers have about natural resources is often undervalued by the state and agro-scientists. For example, some plants that poor farmers subsist on during periods of scarcity are regarded as weeds by agro-enterprises and are often sprayed with herbicides. And while women farmers provide the labor force for most agricultural activities, decisions relating to the management of farmland lie largely in the hands of men.
In view of growing climate unpredictability and increased expenditure on external resources, it is highly advisable that traditional wisdom on selection and conservation of seeds as well as natural practices be documented and promoted. Seeds are a symbol of self-reliance and key to safeguarding the biodiversity of indigenous crops on small farms across India.
Source: earthisland.org
