In the face of escalating climate challenges, the preservation of agricultural biodiversity has become paramount. While global initiatives like the Svalbard Global Seed Vault serve as a safety net for seeds worldwide, local efforts such as the community seed bank in Thadsning, Meghalaya, represent grassroots movements that empower smallholder farmers to safeguard their agricultural heritage and enhance food security.

The community seed bank in Thadsning embodies a localized approach to agricultural resilience. This initiative emerged from a collaboration between farmers and the Jaintia Hills Development Society (JHDS) under Caritas India’s FARM IV project. The community seed bank not only preserves indigenous seeds but also fosters unity among farmers, allowing them to share knowledge and resources. It serves as a buffer against climate-induced challenges such as droughts and floods while simultaneously preserving traditional agricultural practices.

The journey towards establishing a community seed bank in Thadsning began with an inspiring excursion in 2021. Farmers from Thadsning village visited Khapmaw village, organized by the Jaintia Hills Development Society (JHDS) under the FARM III project. During this visit, they observed the significant benefits of a community seed bank and its role in strengthening agricultural resilience. Upon returning home, these farmers convened with the Village Organisation (VO) to share their newfound knowledge and collectively decided to establish their own seed bank.

Francis Langlein, a Field Project Assistant with FARM, emphasized the initiative’s broader implications: “The seed bank is not just about preserving seeds; it’s about preserving the community’s future. It provides security during challenging times, fosters unity among farmers, and sustains the traditional knowledge that has been passed down for generations.” The enthusiasm within the community was palpable, with members offering space for the seed bank and committing to contribute various seed varieties.

By November 2021, planning sessions led by the FARM team resulted in concrete steps toward creating the community seed bank. By 2022, with guidance from JHDS, the seed bank was officially established. It initially housed indigenous seeds such as beans, pumpkins, squash, cucumbers, chillies, maize, mustard, paddy, ginger, and turmeric. The JHDS also provided essential storage solutions to protect these seeds.

However, establishing and maintaining the seed bank has not been without challenges. The community has faced issues such as delays in returning seeds, insufficient storage space, lack of market linkages for selling surplus seeds, and limited diversity in seed varieties. Moreover, climate change poses an ongoing threat to their efforts. These challenges have been openly discussed during VO meetings where members propose innovative solutions—such as collecting glass bottles for better seed storage and utilizing barter systems to acquire new indigenous varieties.

Despite these obstacles, the community seed bank has yielded significant benefits for Thadsning’s farmers. They now have reliable access to quality seeds during emergencies and can diversify their crops to mitigate risks associated with climate variability. Additionally, this initiative has opened economic opportunities by allowing farmers to sell seeds to neighboring communities while preserving traditional knowledge about local genetic diversity.

Looking ahead, the Village Organisation aims to expand the community seed bank further by introducing more indigenous seed varieties and establishing stronger market linkages with nearby communities. They also plan to conserve specimens of both wild and cultivated plant species. With continued support from JHDS and Caritas India’s FARM IV project, these collective efforts will further enhance local agricultural resilience.

The Thadsning community’s commitment to nurturing their agricultural heritage through this innovative approach stands as a testament to their resilience and adaptability in an era marked by climate uncertainty. By investing in local initiatives like this community seed bank, we can empower smallholder farmers not only to safeguard their livelihoods but also contribute significantly to global food security. As we face an uncertain future together, it is crucial that we recognize and support these grassroots movements that embody hope and sustainability for generations to come.