Promotion and Develop of Local Seed Bank

GPSVS conducted frequent training for the KMM members who are involved in farming, program tried to build holistic perspective towards food and farming system and it’s linked with climate change. The whole process indicated that traditional food crops were comparatively more resistant to CCI_DR. Therefore, three hundred members pf FFS process started building on network of women groups who have availability of seeds pertaining to traditional crops. For example, cultivation of traditional paddy varieties such as Dhusri, Gola Kushun, Jiyar and Kashon is being promoted widely and practiced in the flood prone regions as they have longer straws and leaves which do not touch the soil, can also be used as fodder for farm animals. Capable of growing in water-logged parts and not requiring any regular maintenance, these crops are a blessing as they not only provide income during floods, but also ensure food security during times of disaster. The promotion and development of local seed banks for climate-resilient farming play a pivotal role in preserving biodiversity, supporting smallholder farmers, enhancing food security, and fostering sustainable agricultural practices amid the challenges posed by climate change. These initiatives are crucial for building resilience in agricultural systems worldwide.

Objectives:

·        Preservation of Biodiversity: Local seed banks aim to conserve diverse plant genetic resources, including traditional and indigenous seed varieties. This helps maintain biodiversity crucial for sustainable agriculture.

·        Adaptation to Climate Variability: The primary goal is to identify, collect, and preserve seeds that exhibit resilience to changing climatic conditions, such as drought, floods, pests, and diseases.

·        Support for Small-Scale Farmers: Local seed banks empower smallholder farmers by providing access to diverse and locally adapted seed varieties. This helps in reducing their dependency on external inputs and ensures access to seeds suitable for their local agro-ecological conditions.

·        Community Engagement and Empowerment: These initiatives involve local communities in seed collection, preservation, and distribution, fostering a sense of ownership and knowledge-sharing among farmers. It helps preserve traditional agricultural practices and indigenous knowledge related to seed saving.

·        Enhancing Food Security: By preserving a wide range of seed varieties, local seed banks contribute to food security. It provides diversify their crops, ensuring a more resilient and varied food supply, especially during climate-related challenges.