Seed bank established to preserve indigenous crops

By Our Correspondent,Waling, Dec. 24: A Seed Bank, also known as the Seed Collection and Conservation Centre, has been inaugurated in Syangja to preserve indigenous crops.

In response to the alarming disappearance of indigenous crops, a seed bank has recently been established in Waling Municipality-8 to preserve these valuable indigenous crop varieties.

Waling Product Holding Multi-Purpose Cooperative, in partnership with Waling Municipality, the United Nations Development Organization (UNDP), Diyalo and various other collaborators, has successfully established a seed bank.

Deputy Resident Representative for UNDP Nepal Julien Chevillard, Mayor of Waling Municipality Krishna Khand and outgoing Mayor Dilip Pratap Khand have jointly inaugurated the seed bank.

Addressing the event, Chevillard emphasized that safeguarding the traditional farming system is a collective responsibility. 

He said, “Conservation and cultivation of traditional seeds should be done simultaneously.”

Stating that the UNDP prioritizes good governance, inclusive economic development, and environment-friendly city campaigns pursued by Waling Municipality, he expressed the intention to further fortify cooperation in these areas for mutual progress.

Mayor Khand informed the public about the current initiatives and programmes aimed at preserving and safeguarding indigenous crops. 

Yam Bahadur Gurung, the chairman of the cooperative said that they had successfully gathered 56 varieties of indigenous crop seeds that are on the verge of extinction in Syangja district. 

Gurung also mentioned that work is ongoing to identify and collect additional seeds facing a similar threat of disappearance.

During this year, the cooperative extended support for the cultivation of five distinct types of indigenous paddy seeds, namely Pakhe Jarneli, Anadi, Kalo Jhinua, Rato Jhinua, and local Jethobudo. 

Chairman Gurung informed that farmers from different areas across the district are actively engaged in supporting and supplying paddy seeds that are on the verge of disappearance.