By Ramakant Jaiswal and Tiharu Birhor
On the 10th of July 2019 the seed distribution drive for 2019 was kick started in Malda village in Podi Block of Korba District, Chhattisgarh. The seed distribution drive would involve the distribution of seeds of traditional crops and a variety of vegetables for mixed cropping and kitchen gardens to Birhor families across 10 villages in Pali and Podi blocks of Korba District. 36 villagers (20 men and 16 women) gathered for the program. The villagers were briefed about the Community Seed Bank established in Malda village, the purpose of the seed distribution drive and the aim of safeguarding and making available traditional seeds to farmers across the region.
The villagers pledged to support the community seed bank by regularly contributing seeds to it and ensuring its expansion so that it can continue to be a vital source of traditional seeds in the years to come. The farmer families present were presented a seeds of cultivation in their lands that included a variety of millets, rice, pulses beans and vegetables for sowing in their lands and kitchen gardens.
