The Organic Farmers Association of India organised a World Organic Congress at Delhi from the 9th to 11th of November 2017. At this international organic event the Bharat Beej Swaraj Manch organised a Beej Mela (seed fair). On behalf of the UD network Nirman Sanstha and the Baigas and Pahari Korva’s of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh displayed the indigenous seed varieties cultivated by them as part of their mixed cropping practices. The Baigas and Pahari Korva’s displayed around 65 indigenous seed varieties that they cultivate as part of Bewar their traditional mixed cropping agricultural practice. In addition to seeds from Bewar, seeds of traditional rice and vegetable varieties were also displayed. This event provided the Baigas and the Pahari Korvas an excellent platform through which they were able to spread awareness and knowledge about the rich agro-diversity of their traditional agricultural practice Bewar. In addition to displaying the seed diversity of Bewar they also used posters and pamphlets to provide visitors an insight into Bewar and its practice.
List of representatives of the UD Network – Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, at the World Organic Congress:
1. Naresh Biswas, Madhya Pradesh
2. Munia Marshkole, Madhya Pradesh
3. Hiralal Sarote, Madhya Pradesh
4. Chhara Singh Baiga, Madhya Pradesh
5. Jaykumar Yadav, Chhattisgarh
6. Bhawru Hansda, Chhattisgarh
Outcomes:
· The UD representatives from MP and Chhattisgarh were able to observe and learn about traditional seeds from different parts of India.
· This event was an excellent networking platform which enabled the UD representatives present to spread awareness about their work and the work of the UD network.
· The representatives got to know about and interact with various Organisations, Networks, Federations and individual farmers and develop associations which would be invaluable in the future.
· They were able to gain an understanding of the market for traditional and organic produce as well as different marketing approaches and strategies.
· They got an opportunity to interact and develop associations with other organisations working for the promotion of traditional agricultural practices.
· They got to know about a variety of new and emerging organic produce as well as the market set up for such products.
