The story of Kamli Pharin and her community in Bara Kachna village, Jharkhand, highlights the transformative impact of community-led seed banks on agricultural practices and food security.
Setting the Scene
- Kamli Pharin and her family struggled with food scarcity due to exploitative practices by moneylenders.
- Community members in tribal villages like Bara Kachna faced similar challenges.
- The introduction of community-led seed banks in 2019 marked a significant change.
Establishment of Seed Banks
- Four community-led seed banks were established in hilly districts of Pakur and Godda in mid-2019.
- These districts are inhabited by the Pahariya community, practicing shifting cultivation.
- Native varieties of crops like maize, millets, and pulses are cultivated, known for their productivity and resilience to pests and diseases.
Initiatives by Non-profits
- Traidcraft Exchange, Badlao Foundation, and Sathee collaborated to establish the seed banks.
- The seed banks currently serve over 1,350 households in 90 villages, managed by women-led committees.
- Operated under four panchayats: Bara Paktari, Bara Sindari, Kunjbona, and Karma Tarn.
Operations of Seed Banks
- Members deposit 2.5 kg of indigenous seeds to register with the seed banks.
- Seeds are also sourced through government programs.
- Distribution of seeds is managed by committees during the sowing season, with members replenishing stocks after harvests.
Impact on Agriculture and Livelihoods
- Farmers receive training on natural and organic methods to improve yields.
- Pharin and Malto experienced significant increases in harvests after switching to native seeds.
- Pharin’s harvest increased from 30-40 kg to over 50 kg, while Malto’s yield tripled on her 12-hectare land.
Future Prospects
- Residents are now focused on enhancing crop yields and achieving food self-sufficiency.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- When were the community-led seed banks established in the hilly districts of Pakur and Godda?
- A) Early 2019
- B) Mid-2019
- C) Late 2019
- D) Early 2020
- Answer: B) Mid-2019
- How many households do the seed banks currently serve in 90 villages?
- A) Over 1,000 households
- B) Over 1,500 households
- C) Over 1,350 households
- D) Over 2,000 households
- Answer: C) Over 1,350 households
- What is the primary method of cultivation practiced by the Pahariya community?
- A) Intensive farming
- B) Shifting cultivation
- C) Hydroponics
- D) Urban farming
- Answer: B) Shifting cultivation
- How do members register with the seed banks?
- A) By paying a fee
- B) By depositing cash
- C) By depositing indigenous seeds
- D) By submitting an application form
- Answer: C) By depositing indigenous seeds
- What is one of the main focuses of the residents after their immediate demands are fulfilled?
- A) Expanding seed bank operations
- B) Enhancing crop yields
- C) Starting new agricultural ventures
- D) Exporting surplus produce
- Answer: B) Enhancing crop yields