Wayanad to Host Community Seed Festival
Farmers in Wayanad, Kerala, will hold the Community Seed Fest starting February 28. The event aims to promote and preserve local seed varieties, support agricultural biodiversity, and strengthen traditional farming practices in the region.
- This year marks the 10th edition of the festival, which will be held at Athikkolli Seed Village in Vellamunda, a location chosen to emphasize the conservation of seed diversity within its natural landscape. - The event is jointly organized by the M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) and the Wayanad District Tribal Development Action Council (WDTDAC). - A central theme for this year's festival is "Celebrating Women Farmers as Custodians of Agrobiodiversity," recognizing the crucial role women play in preserving traditional seeds and agricultural knowledge. - A key event will be the presentation of the Community Genome Saviour Awards by the WDTDAC, which honors custodian farmers for their contributions to conserving agricultural biodiversity. - Since its inception in 2015, the annual festival has engaged over 15,000 participants, including farmers, tribal communities, researchers, and policymakers, creating a platform for seed and knowledge exchange. - The festival will feature technical sessions on topics such as the challenges in community seed systems, reviving pepper farming, and the role of Biodiversity Management Committees. - Wayanad is known for its traditional aromatic rice varieties like Gandhakasala and Jeerakasala, which are a major focus of conservation efforts celebrated at the festival. - Beyond the exhibition and exchange of indigenous seeds, the event serves as a crucial space for dialogue between farmers and scientists, aiming to bridge traditional wisdom with scientific research.
