North Karnataka is renowned for its species diversity. In spite of pertinent drought conditions, there is a treasure of Jowar varieties in this area. In an effort to sensitise farmers about the disappearing indigenous strains and also unite seed conservators, SAMUHA and GREEN Foundation Bangalore organised a meet on October 11, 03. Around 50 seed conservators participated in this meet.

This meet was inaugurated by the women members of the Juelkunti and Vittalapur seed banks. Ms. Roopashree, Head- Sustainable Agriculture-SAMUHA facilitated the meeting. The present state of dwindling native strains was highlighted and the need for identifying and collecting such strains at the state level for distribution among farmers was suggested.

The farmers formed small groups and shared about the native methods of seed collection of certain plant diversities like jowar, vegetables and pulses.

The next day of the seed conservators meet began with a seed tour and then a seed fair at Vittalapur. Members of the seed bank went around the village collecting and distributing seeds amongst the farmers.

Group discussion

Later the farmers were divided into five groups and facilitated to discuss and share their experiences on the special qualities and the ways of conservation of native varieties.

The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks.

Seed tour

The seed tour at Vittalapur commenced at 10:30 a.m. on November 12, 02. The group comprised of farmers, village youth, women members of Basaveshwara Seed Bank, staff of Green Foundation and farmers from surrounding villages. They traveled by bullock carts decorated with native vegetables and plants accompanied by music, distributing seeds along the way. The procession passed through Narinhal village and ended at Juelkunti.

Next>>