Why in the News?

• The four-day-long Beej Utsav (Seed Festival) 2025 was held at the tribal tri-junction of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat.

• It celebrated the cultural and ecological significance of indigenous seeds.

About Indigenous Seeds

• Indigenous seeds are developed naturally over time in specific climates and regions.

• They are managed and preserved by local communities.

Key Highlights of the Festival

Events & Recognition

• Showcased indigenous grains, pulses, vegetables, and fruits, including rare and forgotten varieties.

• Notable traditional fruit seeds:

  • Wild Mango

  • Aakol

  • Timru

• Traditional grain varieties included:

  • Doodh Mogar (native maize)

  • Paddy varieties: Kali Kamod and Dhimri

• Community members were honored with awards like:

  • Beej Mitra

  • Beej Mata

Participation

• Active involvement of tribal women and children.

• They learned techniques for seed preservation across multiple crop cycles.

Institutional Support

• Organized by community-led institutions:

  • Krishi Evam Adivasi Swaraj Sangathan

  • Gram Swaraj Samooh

  • Saksham Samooh

  • Bal Swaraj Samooh

• Supported by:

  • Vaagdhara, a Banswara-based voluntary group working on tribal livelihoods.

About Vaagdhara

• A non-profit organization under the Rajasthan Societies Registration Act, 1958.

• Name derived from:

  • "Vagad" (tribal region in Rajasthan bordering Gujarat)

  • "Dhara" (meaning stream)

Significance of Indigenous Seeds in Sustainable Agriculture

1. Seed Sovereignty

   • Helps farmers retain control over seeds.

   • Reduces dependence on chemical-intensive hybrid seeds.

2. Climate Resilience

   • Better adapted to local climatic and soil conditions.

   • Enhances crop sustainability under climate variability.

3. Cultural Identity

   • Seeds like Kali Kamod, Doodh Mogar, and Karingda melon are part of traditional food systems.

   • Hold nutritional and cultural value in tribal communities.

4. Low-Input Farming

   • Require fewer chemical inputs.

   • Promote eco-friendly and cost-effective agriculture.