Conservation Drive: Karnataka Collects 2,330 Indigenous Seed Varieties to Safeguard Traditional Crops and Boost Climate Resilience

Strategic Insights -

In a significant conservation effort, Karnataka's agriculture department has collected 2,330 indigenous seed varieties from 566 farmers across the state. This initiative aims to safeguard traditional crops and boost climate resilience. The collected seeds are stored at sub-zero temperatures at the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), GKVK, Bengaluru, and tested for germination before being supplied to 15 crop coordinators across agricultural universities for distinctness, uniformity, and stability (DUS) studies.

Key Takeaways:

  • The agriculture department has collected 2,330 indigenous seed varieties from 566 farmers across the state, with the majority coming from the coastal region.
  • The seeds are stored at sub-zero temperatures at the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), GKVK, Bengaluru, and tested for germination before being supplied to 15 crop coordinators for DUS studies.
  • The DUS process ensures a seed's key traits remain stable and productive across regions, helping identify pest-resilient types.
  • The department expects to add 250 more varieties as the campaign continues.
  • Farmers receive incentives, training as 'Certified Breeder Farmers,' and support for branding, packaging, marketing, and GI tagging.
  • The initiative aims to create niche markets for traditional produce and strengthen export prospects in the face of new sustainability rules in the European Union.

Statistics:

  • 2,330 indigenous seed varieties collected from 566 farmers across the state.
  • 1,800 landrace samples have been sent to five universities for DUS testing.
  • 250 additional varieties expected to be added as the campaign continues.
  • Seeds stored at sub-zero temperatures at the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), GKVK, Bengaluru.
  • Seeds tested for germination and supplied to 15 crop coordinators before undergoing DUS studies.
  • Majority of seeds (2,180 varieties) come from the coastal region.

Sources:

  • Times of India, "Karnataka collects 2,330 indigenous seed varieties to safeguard traditional crops and boost climate resilience," Bengaluru : 2023 (Exact date not specified)
  • European Union, "Deforestation Regulation" and "Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence law," European Union, 2023 (Exact date not specified)