Native seeds bring life back to local Indian Farms
The much awaited Native Seed Bank was inaugurated on 19th April, 2010 in Sandanapalya, a village within Martalli Grama Panchath limits. It was a memorable moment for hundreds of farmers as well as for the team of Anisha. Sister Mercy of Good Shepherd Church and Dr. Nanjaiah, Director from Horticulture Department, Kollegal were chief guests of this function while Fr. Nirmal of St. Annes Church of Sandanapalya presided over the function. Mr. Bojjappa of Bidarahalli and Mr. Arula Samy of Sandanapalya were felicitated during the function for their outstanding contribution for Organic Farming. Fr. Nirmal, while inaugurating the Seed Bank with blessings, told that such type of Native Seed Banks, will serve not only offering quality sowing seeds to the farmers, but also build self-confidence among farming families, especially in women. He said if each farming family starts conserving and developing native seeds, will contribute to the comprehensive development of the region. The farming families will prosper very well. He said now it is the responsibility of the farmers who are benefiting from this bank, to strengthen it further by adding much more native varieties of various sowing seeds.
Ms.Valli shared his views on the importance of Native Seed Banks in every village. He said agri-biodiversity was not just limited to food security for humans, but also it used to supply the requirements of fodder for livestock and manure for soil microorganisms. Agriculture was considered as a kind of culture that had humanity and dignity.
Farmers sharing their experience on native seeds
But after the introduction of High Yielding Varieties and Hybrids in the field of agriculture, chemicals got entry into the farm fields. These seeds started replacing the traditional native variety of sowing seeds. As these seeds respond only to chemical fertilizers, agricultural fields were loaded with synthetic chemicals. This led, not only to the erosion of soil, but to the erosion of traditional knowledge, wisdom, and values. Farmers lost their most valuable assets, such as land, seed and livestock.
Now, due to low yields and the high cash input needed for modern agriculture, farmers are migrating to other places in search of employment. To bring them back to the villages, organic farming is the only answer. In organic farming, sowing native variety seeds plays a vital role. These native seeds are good in quality and attract farmers to return back to villages to get involved in agriculture.
Inauguration of the seed bank
Sister Mercy felt that the present hybrid variety of sowing seeds were not trustworthy. She said she used to use native maize sowing seed and each plant would bear three to four ears, but the hybrid maize plant bears only one ear. Agriculture has generally been the province of women and native seeds traditionally have been conserved, protected and developed by women. Native seed banks, such as this one, she said, will encourage women to get involve in agriculture and provide employment opportunity also.
Dr. Nanjaiah from Horticulture Department, provided essential tips for rural women, especially to those who will be mothers. He said that, instead of wasting money saving to buy medicines, farming families should start producing most of their vegetables and fruits within their homeyard. Referring to most of the women-related health problems, he said all health problems begin with poor nutrition. Women could address this issue by growing various types of vegetables and fruits for themselves and their families.
Sandanaplya seed bank