MP: 'Beej Sakhis' Learning the Art of Traditional Seed Conservation; Farmers Getting Deshi Seeds Through Seed Banks, How Both Are Benefitting?
The Aajeevika Mission's 'Krishi Sakhis' (Agricultural Associates) are undertaking remarkable work in the conservation of traditional seeds in Madhya Pradesh. They have been trained and established in the role of 'Beej Sakhis' (Seed Associates).
99 seed banks established across 29 dists
Following training sessions organized at the district level, a total of 454 Beej Sakhis have been trained across the state. These women will focus on the conservation and promotion of indigenous (deshi) seeds. Currently, 99 seed banks have been established across 29 districts.
Deshi seeds yield better harvests
The highest number—20 seed banks—have been set up in Sagar district, followed by 10 in Balaghat district. Since indigenous seeds are naturally adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, they yield better harvests even with minimal water, fertilizers, and pesticides. They are nutrient-rich, drought- and disease-resistant, and can be replanted—qualities that empower farmers to become self-reliant and make farming both economical and sustainable.
Beej Sakhis Master the Techniques of Traditional Seed Conservation
Training for the Beej Sakhis is being provided by Padma Shri Babulal Dahiya (Satna District), Dinanath Dhote from the Horticulture Department, and Jitendra Singh Parihar from the Agriculture Department. Phuljhariya Bai from Dindori district—who has been conserving indigenous seeds for the past 16 years—also shared the methods and techniques for seed conservation.
Additionally, Smt. B.B. Jan from Karnataka—who has been engaged in traditional seed conservation work for the last nine years—provided training on seed conservation techniques to the participants.
Farmers Receive Free Indigenous Seeds Through Seed Banks
Sunita Sihore, a Beej Sakhi from Balaghat district, explains that she has conserved approximately 70 varieties of indigenous seeds, including those for vegetables, cereals, and pulses. She is currently providing these indigenous seeds to farmers free of cost.
Upon harvesting their crops, farmers are required to deposit double the quantity of seeds they originally borrowed back into the seed bank; this ensures that indigenous seeds remain available for other farmers in the future. If farmers wish to sow indigenous seeds for the upcoming Kharif season, they can obtain a list of 'Beej Sakhis' (Seed Friends) from the Rural Livelihood Mission office in their development block and contact them.