As climate change, conflict, and technology are rapidly impacting our food system, seed banks can be the last line of defence to conserve the diversity of plant species, especially those cultivated by humans. Caritas India FARM Northeast project has not only garnered attention for its pioneering approach to seed preservation but also for its vital contribution to environmental sustainability, biodiversity, and food security.

A group of women in Thadsning village in West Jaintia Hills District in Northeast India has taken the lead in preserving indigenous seeds from the brink of extinction. 36 women farmers from Iatylli lang VO group were supported by Jaintia Hills Development Society (JHDS) under the Caritas India FARM NE IV programme to take up this initiative.

The notion of starting the seed bank gained traction after the exposure visit by the women’s group to Khapmaw Village in East Khasi Hills District, organised by JHDS under FARM NE III in October 2022. With a newfound determination, the farmers took deliberate steps towards establishing their seed bank. Collaborative meetings were held in the durbar (village panchayat), where the headman and all the community members discussed the seed bank and the requirement of space to setup the seed bank.
Ms. Youmika Sajem, one of the group members, seeks assistance from FARM IV in establishing the seed bank. The Community Educator of FARM NE, Mr. Francis Langlein, discussed the idea with the Field Programme Associate, Ms. Mandakini Nongtdu, for value addition and support. In the month of January 2023, the seed bank was established with the support of the FARM IV NE team and started storing seed in the glass jars provided by the programme.

Indigenous seed preservation is not new to the farmers, as this is a technique they have used since ancient times when farmers preserved indigenous seeds in their own houses and used them when it was time to cultivate. These seeds are the repository of history and wisdom and play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity that can withstand the challenges of a changing climate. The members use natural preservation techniques by sun-drying the seeds, which are then kept in a cloth to completely dry up and finally stored in the glass jar.

In the month of March 2023, the FARM team provided finger millet seeds to the group from another FARM Village in Samanong village to store and also distribute to other farmers to cultivate as a trial. In July 2023, the group was again supported with 1 kg of indigenous reddish seed from East Khasi Hills farmers.

The participating farmers use the indigenous seeds in their fields and commit to returning a portion of the harvest back to the seed bank. This regenerative practice ensures a continuous cycle of cultivation and conservation. It also empowers the farmers by giving them the autonomy to experiment with traditional methods and adapt them to modern challenges.

Currently, the seed bank has 9 varieties of paddy seeds and 60 varieties of vegetable seeds, mainly of pumpkin, cucumber, lady finger, chilly, reddish, mustard, coriander black sesame, white sesame, local pumpkin, etc. The group members also highlighted that if they utilise this seed, it will be less expensive, and they will be able to help each other as a group by undertaking group seed collection. Eventually, they aim to be able to support farmers both within and outside the community.

These women are not only preserving seeds but also nurturing a cultural legacy that is intricately linked with the land. The Indigenous seeds are not mere agricultural commodities; they are carriers of stories, traditions, and practices that define their communities. By nurturing these seeds, the women are fostering a deep connection between the environment and their cultural identity, ensuring a secure future for agriculture.

The effort recognises the significance of indigenous seeds in safeguarding our environment, biodiversity, and food security. The group plans to expand the seed bank by storing more varieties of seeds in bulk to market the excess quantity to earn income.