TNPSC Current Affairs | Saving Traditional Varieties of Seeds

Saving Traditional Varieties of Seeds

16-04-2025

Geography of India Current Affairs Analysis

The traditional seeds are rapidly disappearing after the adoption of the green revolution and modern agricultural policies.

Traditional seeds, also known as indigenous or heirloom seeds, are naturally evolved and locally adapted over generations.

These seeds are:

iOpen-pollinated and can be saved by farmers,

iiRich in genetic diversity,

iiiAdapted to local climatic and soil conditions, and

ivCulturally embedded in local food systems.

Benefits of Traditional Seeds

iClimate Resilience

iiBiodiversity Conservation

iiiNutritional Value

ivEconomic Sustainability

vCultural and Heritage Value

Reasons for the Decline of Traditional Seeds

iPolicy Bias toward High-Yielding Varieties (HYVs)

iiMarket and Consumer Preferences

iiiLack of awareness about traditional grains leads to poor demand.

ivInadequate Institutional Support

vCommercialization of Agriculture

Key Initiatives and Best Practices

iOdisha Millet Mission

iiCommunity Seed Banks

iiiM.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF

ivFAO and Biodiversity International Programs

vParamparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)