A Multi-Stakeholder Convention was held in New Delhi on the topic “Reviving Agro-Biodiversity in Rainfed Areas through Traditional Varieties for Climate-Resilient Agriculture.” The event was attended by key stakeholders, including government officials, experts, farmers, and state representatives. The focus of the convention was to discuss the importance of traditional agricultural varieties and their role in promoting climate-resilient farming practices, especially in rainfed areas.
Keynote Address by Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi
Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi, Union Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of promoting traditional varieties in agriculture and horticulture. He highlighted that the Ministry is committed to supporting these varieties through various schemes, such as:
- National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)
- Farmers’ Producer Organizations (FPOs)
- Seed Development Programs
- National Food Security Mission (NFSM)
Dr. Chaturvedi underscored the unique traits of traditional varieties, such as better taste, aroma, color, cooking quality, and nutritional richness. He also suggested that these varieties should be grown in clusters and marketed to realize higher prices, as there is a growing demand for such traits among buyers.
Dr. Faiz Ahmed Kidwai’s Insights
Dr. Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, a representative from the National Rainfed Areas Authority (NRAA), discussed the role of the NRAA in supporting rainfed areas. The NRAA aims to analyze investment patterns by different states and encourage greater investment in rainfed areas, which are often underfunded despite their vulnerability. Dr. Kidwai emphasized that the investment in these areas should be increased to meet the growing needs.
Expert Contributions on Traditional Varieties
Dr. K.S. Varaprasad, Former Director of ICAR-IIOR, and Gyanendra Singh, Director of ICAR-NBPGR, reinforced the importance of recognizing traditional varieties. Dr. Varaprasad highlighted that approximately 50% of India’s agricultural land is rainfed, and around 60% of seed requirements in these areas are met through informal seed systems. Both experts stressed that released varieties and traditional varieties can coexist to benefit farmers.
Additionally, they called for greater government support for the preservation of traditional varieties, particularly through in-situ conservation efforts.
Role of Champion Farmers and Seed Saviors
Farmers from 10 states, including Tamil Nadu and Odisha, shared their experiences in conserving traditional varieties. These farmers, known as “champion farmers” and “seed saviors,” displayed indigenous seeds and discussed their success and failure stories. The panel discussions highlighted the importance of:
- Formalizing community-managed seed systems
- Government support in infrastructure and Minimum Support Price (MSP)
- Involvement of grassroots organizations in seed conservation
Importance of Linking Traditional Varieties to the Market
The workshop also focused on the importance of linking traditional varieties to the market and integrating them into natural farming schemes. Experts suggested building on the strategies adopted by the Government of India (GoI) for promoting millets to further support the conservation and promotion of traditional varieties.
Challenges in Rainfed Agriculture
With 61% of India’s farmers relying on rainfed agriculture across 50% of the country’s land, the workshop highlighted the challenges faced by these areas. Rainfed regions are characterized by low soil fertility and climate variability, making them highly vulnerable to agricultural disruptions. Informal seed systems, such as farmer-to-farmer exchanges and community-managed seed banks, play a crucial role in meeting seed requirements in these areas.
Collaboration for Reviving Rainfed Agriculture
The National Rainfed Area Authority (NRAA), in collaboration with the Revitalising Rainfed Agriculture Network (RRAN) and Watershed Support Services & Activities Network (WASSAN), organized the convention to foster discussions on rainfed areas and the importance of preserving traditional varieties.
Action Plan and Recommendations
The convention concluded with a call to develop an action plan and submit recommendations to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare. These recommendations include linking traditional varieties to the market, promoting them through natural farming schemes, and ensuring greater government support for the conservation of these varieties.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What is the primary focus of the Multi-Stakeholder Convention held in New Delhi?
- A) Promoting modern farming techniques
- B) Reviving agro-biodiversity in rainfed areas through traditional varieties
- C) Increasing chemical fertilizer use in agriculture
- D) Expanding the use of genetically modified seeds
- Answer: B) Reviving agro-biodiversity in rainfed areas through traditional varieties
- Which Ministry is Dr. Devesh Chaturvedi associated with?
- A) Ministry of Environment and Forests
- B) Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare
- C) Ministry of Rural Development
- D) Ministry of Water Resources
- Answer: B) Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare
- What percentage of India’s seed requirements are met through informal seed systems in rainfed areas?
- A) 30%
- B) 50%
- C) 60%
- D) 70%
- Answer: C) 60%
- Which organization collaborated with NRAA for the convention?
- A) International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)
- B) Revitalising Rainfed Agriculture Network (RRAN)
- C) National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation (NAFED)
- D) Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
- Answer: B) Revitalising Rainfed Agriculture Network (RRAN)
- What is one of the key recommendations from the workshop?
- A) Eliminate traditional varieties from agriculture
- B) Increase government support for preserving traditional varieties
- C) Promote only genetically modified crops
- D) Focus on chemical fertilizers for soil improvement
- Answer: B) Increase government support for preserving traditional varieties