Tribal woman in Odisha champions heirloom seeds

Since my childhood I worked on our farm alongside my father and mother. We cultivated traditional varieties of millets, pulses, cereals, oilseeds, vegetables, and tubers using a mixed and intercropping method–a practice our community had followed for generations. Indigenous crops thrived in our soil and landscape, and we relied solely on farmyard manure to enhance soil fertility. Back then, the harvests were abundant. 

However, by the time I turned 16, I noticed a shift in our village. Many farmers began switching to mono-cropping, focusing on paddy, cotton, and potato, which fetched better market prices. Gradually, the cultivation of traditional crops declined, and many heirloom varieties were lost. Yet, not all is lost.

One day, I attended a village meeting on the importance of conserving heirloom seeds and returning to organic farming. The meeting was organised by the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF). That day, I realised that when a crop variety goes extinct, an entire knowledge system is lost. 

A food system that aligns with nature not only keeps us healthy but also safeguards our ecosystem. That day, I made a vow to revive and promote the local crops passed down by our forefathers for generations. My mother always said, “Old is gold,” and I came to understand its true meaning–and acted on it. I was also deeply inspired by Padma Shri awardee Kamala Pujari, who has dedicated her life to preserving traditional rice varieties.

I have conserved over 70 varieties of rice and 30 varieties of millets, including native rice varieties such as Kalajeera, Machkanta, Tikichudi, Haldichudi, Tulasi, and Laktimachi. One of the millet varieties that I have conserved known as ‘Kundra Bati,’ has even been officially released by the Odisha government. 

I have preserved these seeds by bartering with women farmers on a need basis and by collecting heirloom paddy and millet seeds from nearby villages. Initially, very few farmers had native varieties, and many were skeptical of my efforts. 

Today, they no longer question my efforts. Farmers have come to realise the value of native seeds. About 12 years ago, native seeds were scarce in our region. Now, many farmers from Nuaguda, Kosiguda, Pujariput, Boliguda, and Phutuguda have embraced their cultivation.

Traditionally, native crops have been cultivated using organic methods. The M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) has provided training to women in our village on preparing bio inputs. We make organic formulations such as Jeevamrutha, Ghanajeevamrutha, Beejamrutha, Neemastra, and Agniastra using locally available resources like cow urine, cow dung, neem leaves, and jaggery. 

Initially, many were reluctant to shift from chemical inputs to bio inputs. Some questioned, “Chemical fertilisers and pesticides provide quick results and higher yields–why should we switch to bio inputs?” 

Convincing them wasn’t easy. To demonstrate the effectiveness of bio inputs, I applied them on my farm and invited farmers to observe the results firsthand. They saw how these organic formulations improved soil fertility, promoted vigorous plant growth, enhanced crop health, and naturally controlled pests. Seeing is believing. Gradually, more farmers started adopting bio inputs on their farms.

Increasing the cropping area and providing a Minimum Support Price (MSP) will encourage farmers to revive traditional crops like millet. However, it is equally important to establish processing and value-addition facilities in tribal areas to ensure farmers receive better and fairer market prices. 

Traditionally, millet processing is labour-intensive, particularly for women. To address this challenge, Shree Anna Abhiyan, in collaboration with Mission Shakti, has supported local women’s self-help groups in setting up millet enterprises. For the first time, millet-specific processing machinery has been introduced in our region, easing the workload and enhancing productivity.

I have participated in many state and national-level events to share my experiences and learnings on native seed preservation and organic farming. 

One of my most memorable moments was meeting President Droupadi Murmu and receiving an honorary doctorate in recognition of my efforts in native seed conservation. Today, I am delighted to see many tribal women from Odisha and beyond working tirelessly to preserve their native seeds. 

Women in tribal communities play a crucial role in seed preservation. They maintain crop diversity and ensure the nutritional and food security of their households. Their traditional knowledge must be acknowledged and respected. The government should support their initiatives in seed conservation and the promotion of eco-friendly farming practices. Farmer-to-farmer learning is key to safeguarding our traditional wisdom on agrobiodiversity.

Preserving native seeds is not enough. We must also revive and promote our traditional recipes and food culture. Younger generations are increasingly drawn to urban and processed foods, gradually losing touch with their roots. Many even feel ashamed of their traditional food. 

A widespread misconception persists, especially among urban populations, that tribal food is inferior–just “poor man’s food.” We must challenge this narrative, which undermines our rich culinary heritage. For instance, 7–8 years ago, millets–the staple food of Odisha’s tribal communities–were dismissed as “poor man’s food.” 

However, thanks to efforts by the government and local NGOs, millets have been rebranded as highly nutritious and beneficial for both health and soil. Similar initiatives should be undertaken to highlight lesser-known indigenous crops. Eating healthier, locally grown, and eco-friendly foods can help build a more sustainable food system. After all, we are what we eat.