About 500-odd organic farmers in Gujarat are trying to develop individual seed banks in a bid to resist the onslaught of genetically modified (GM) seeds.
“The farmers are now developing seed bank as a measure against the invasion of genetically modified seeds,” Organic Farming Association of India (OFAI) president Sarvdaman Patel said.
The biggest advantage of developing seed banks is reduced cost. A bank of organic seeds will not only ensure reduced cost, but also assure good yield and above all good health to people, said Mr. Patel.
“10 grams tomato seed, for example, costs Rs. 400 in the market. But every few months, a new company emerges in the market with a new, costly hybrid seed, which may guarantee better yield but not in the longer run,” he said.
As and when the farmers succeed in developing the seed bank, they will be taught to store and preserve it in bottles, shelf or any dark place.
“Once they develop seed banks, we (OFAI) have assured them of educating them how to store and utilise these seeds through workshops and seminars across the country,” he said.
However, developing seed banks will take time as it involves several selection trials to identify a good quality seed.
“Sometimes it takes two to three years in selection trials, and once the selection trials are over, only then can a quality seed be developed,” Mr. Patel said.
