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The increasing effects of climate change have made farming more challenging. Changing weather patterns, irregular rainfall, and rising temperatures have created numerous obstacles for farmers in crop production. Traditional seeds are more climate-resilient and can withstand adverse conditions while ensuring good yields. In recent years, unpredictable rains and drought-like conditions have made dependence on hybrid seeds even riskier. The Community Seed Bank serves as a solution to this problem by preserving traditional seeds and promoting agriculture suited to local conditions.
The increasing effects of climate change have made farming more challenging. Changing weather patterns, irregular rainfall, and rising temperatures have created numerous obstacles for farmers in crop production. Traditional seeds are more climate-resilient and can withstand adverse conditions while ensuring good yields. In recent years, unpredictable rains and drought-like conditions have made dependence on hybrid seeds even riskier. The Community Seed Bank serves as a solution to this problem by preserving traditional seeds and promoting agriculture suited to local conditions.
It was the year 2000 when a meeting on water and soil conservation was being held in the village of Samli. During the discussion, village elders like Kalu Sarpanch and Luna Bhai expressed concern that indigenous seeds used in traditional farming were gradually disappearing. The hybrid seeds purchased from the market lacked the quality and taste that the traditional maize roti used to have. Earlier, millet grains such as kodo, kutki, and ragi were abundantly available in the villages, providing nutrition and strength.
Farmers also shared that in the past, they used their own seeds, manure, and natural pesticides, which not only reduced costs but also ensured better health. Today, the compulsion to buy seeds and chemical fertilizers from the market has significantly increased farming expenses.
It was the year 2000 when a meeting on water and soil conservation was being held in the village of Samli. During the discussion, village elders like Kalu Sarpanch and Luna Bhai expressed concern that indigenous seeds used in traditional farming were gradually disappearing. The hybrid seeds purchased from the market lacked the quality and taste that the traditional maize roti used to have. Earlier, millet grains such as kodo, kutki, and ragi were abundantly available in the villages, providing nutrition and strength.
Farmers also shared that in the past, they used their own seeds, manure, and natural pesticides, which not only reduced costs but also ensured better health. Today, the compulsion to buy seeds and chemical fertilizers from the market has significantly increased farming expenses.
To address this issue, the village community decided to learn traditional seed preservation methods from their elders. They explained that in every crop cycle, they selected the best seeds and stored them safely, exchanging seeds within the community. This practice of seed self-reliance was an integral part of their tradition. Women used to store seeds in clay containers and preserved them using neem leaves and ash.
To revive this old tradition, a community initiative was launched to ensure nutritional food security while reducing farming costs. However, convincing the younger generation about the importance of traditional seeds was a challenge, as they prioritized hybrid seeds for higher yields and quick profits.
To address this issue, the village community decided to learn traditional seed preservation methods from their elders. They explained that in every crop cycle, they selected the best seeds and stored them safely, exchanging seeds within the community. This practice of seed self-reliance was an integral part of their tradition. Women used to store seeds in clay containers and preserved them using neem leaves and ash.
To revive this old tradition, a community initiative was launched to ensure nutritional food security while reducing farming costs. However, convincing the younger generation about the importance of traditional seeds was a challenge, as they prioritized hybrid seeds for higher yields and quick profits.
To make indigenous seeds popular again, awareness campaigns were conducted through street plays, training programs, and exposure visits. Demonstration plots were set up in the organization’s premises so that farmers could observe the quality of traditional seeds firsthand.
In 2004, the aggressive market penetration of BT cotton seeds lured farmers with the promise of higher yields. Initially, crops flourished, but within a few years, diseases increased, leading to higher expenses on pesticides and chemicals. Eventually, crop failures became common. Recognizing this threat, the organization intensified awareness campaigns and participated in nationwide movements against genetically modified (GM) seeds.
To make indigenous seeds popular again, awareness campaigns were conducted through street plays, training programs, and exposure visits. Demonstration plots were set up in the organization’s premises so that farmers could observe the quality of traditional seeds firsthand.
In 2004, the aggressive market penetration of BT cotton seeds lured farmers with the promise of higher yields. Initially, crops flourished, but within a few years, diseases increased, leading to higher expenses on pesticides and chemicals. Eventually, crop failures became common. Recognizing this threat, the organization intensified awareness campaigns and participated in nationwide movements against genetically modified (GM) seeds.
The biggest challenge farmers faced was the lack of access to traditional seeds if they chose not to plant BT cotton. To address this, a Community Seed Bank was established. Schoolchildren were involved in the initiative, collecting indigenous seeds from their households. This expanded into a ‘Seed Exchange Program,’ where farmers received more traditional seeds in return for those they contributed, helping them re-adopt their traditional farming methods.
The organization developed a network of farmers across the country interested in this work. Selected farmers were connected to seed production groups, provided with training, and encouraged to adopt organic farming practices.
The biggest challenge farmers faced was the lack of access to traditional seeds if they chose not to plant BT cotton. To address this, a Community Seed Bank was established. Schoolchildren were involved in the initiative, collecting indigenous seeds from their households. This expanded into a ‘Seed Exchange Program,’ where farmers received more traditional seeds in return for those they contributed, helping them re-adopt their traditional farming methods.
The organization developed a network of farmers across the country interested in this work. Selected farmers were connected to seed production groups, provided with training, and encouraged to adopt organic farming practices.
The Community Seed Bank in Jhabua district is a unique platform for reviving farmer self-reliance and organic farming. Through community participation, traditional seeds have been preserved. Currently, the bank houses 193 varieties of grains, pulses, oilseeds, millets, and vegetables, including:
Established in 2001 and inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals of agricultural self-reliance, the Community Seed Bank is a significant initiative aimed at ensuring farmers’ sovereignty and promoting toxin-free, organic farming. Over the years, it has empowered 4,900 seed users, supported the efforts of 68 seed producers, and nurtured 126 dedicated seed savers. In addition, 3,576 farmers from 206 villages have been trained in organic farming techniques, traditional seed production, pest management, and nutritional awareness — all contributing to the vision of sustainable, self-reliant agriculture.
The Community Seed Bank not only preserves indigenous seeds but also empowers farmers towards self-reliance. This initiative plays a crucial role in reviving natural farming, reducing costs, and passing traditional agricultural knowledge to the next generation. Given the challenges of climate change, this model provides a strong solution for future food security and sustainable agriculture.
Additionally, Sampark Organization is associated with the Bharat Beej Swaraj Manch at the national level and is coordinating the Madhya Pradesh Beej Swaraj Abhiyan, further strengthening the seed sovereignty movement in India.
To combat the rising impact of climate change and reduce dependence on market-bought hybrid seeds, Sampark Sanstha revived traditional farming by establishing Community Seed Banks. These banks preserve climate-resilient indigenous seeds and promote seed self-reliance, sustainable agriculture, and food security across villages in Jhabua.
Seed user seed users
seed producers
seed Saver
Support community seed banks to preserve biodiversity and ensure food security for future generations.