By Komal, U.D. Field Coordinator
Introduction
In a world grappling with declining agricultural biodiversity and climate uncertainty, seed saving has emerged as a quiet yet revolutionary movement. Across Karnataka, dedicated farmers and community leaders are reviving traditional seed varieties, preserving food sovereignty, and creating sustainable systems for the future. This blog brings together experiences shared during a seed conservation event held on May 15, 2025 — stories of resilience, wisdom, and grassroots action.
Reviving Traditions: The Work of Individual Seed Savers
Sri. Devendrappa Bhoyi – Cultivating Legacy
From the village of Kakkera in Yadgir, Sri Devendrappa Bhoyi exemplifies what one determined farmer can do. Inspired by his father, who once cultivated the Marabatta rice variety, he started with just 100 grams of Navara rice seeds. Today, he has conserved 15 rice varieties, including the medicinal Rakthasali and antioxidant-rich Bhadra Black rice. His commitment to saving indigenous seeds is rooted in both tradition and ecological necessity.
Sri. Kalappa – From Five Seeds to Fifty
Sri Kalappa of Periyapatna began with just five seed varieties from Sahaja Seeds. Over time, he expanded his collection to 50 varieties, growing each in dedicated 50-gunta plots for careful selection and preservation. His journey shows how farmer networks and individual effort can expand seed diversity and availability.
Sri. Kantaraj – Vegetable Seed Champion
Based in Bengaluru, Sri Kantaraj specializes in vegetable seed saving, notably preserving a local bottle gourd variety called “Airport Auto.” By supplying produce to Sahaja Organics FPO, he demonstrates how traditional seed saving can integrate with urban markets and organic food systems.
Building Systems: The Power of Community Seed Banks
Smt. Avani Rawal – Farmer-Led Seed Systems
Representing SWISSAID India, Smt. Avani Rawal shared their work in promoting farmer-managed seed systems through the CROPS4HD program. Focused on conserving Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS), the initiative combines seed trials, grassroots production, and strategic marketing to ensure economic sustainability and local ownership.
Smt. Mahadevi – Seed Sovereignty through Sahaja Samruddha
From Sahaja Samruddha, Smt. Mahadevi spoke passionately about the philosophy that “the future is grown in what we breed.” Her words underline the importance of community involvement and seed sovereignty in building climate-resilient agriculture.
Sri. Veerabadra Naika – Integrating Seeds, Nutrition, and Organic Practices
In Chamarajanagar, Sri Veerabadra Naika and his organization, Punarchith, have conserved 11 pulse varieties, as well as roots, tubers, and vegetables. Beyond conservation, they promote value addition, organic inputs, and farmer training — building a holistic and sustainable food system.
Smt. Kamalamma Kanannavar – Leading with Legacy
From Malali, Dharwad, Smt. Kamalamma Kanannavar leads a community seed bank that conserves over 200 traditional seed varieties. Her leadership is a shining example of women at the forefront of grassroots conservation — restoring lost varieties and reviving local farming systems.
Conclusion
Seed savers and community seed banks are not just conserving biodiversity — they are cultivating self-reliance, resilience, and cultural continuity. These efforts remind us that sustainable agriculture begins at the grassroots, where stories of hope are sown with every seed saved and shared.
