Protect Indigenous Seeds

Local seed varieties are becoming increasingly scarce across the country as farmers favour hybrid varieties for higher production. These hybrids tend to be more productive under optimal conditions, with higher profits. As a result, many farmers are turning away from farming that uses indigenous seeds, which have been cultivated for generations and suits the local soil and climate. This has threatened the biodiversity of local crops and undermined the agricultural traditions that are crucial for organic and healthy agro products. As per the news published in this daily, there has been a decline of local crop production in Dailekh district. It reflects a trend that endangers both agricultural diversity and food security. Farmers have shifted from local seeds in favour of hybrid and imported varieties for the sake of higher yields.  This trend, however, has its own challenges and drawbacks.

Local crops, such as indigenous corn and rice adapted to the local climate and soil conditions for ages, have a homegrown taste and tolerance to pest and weather adversities.  Yet, farmers have been abandoning these time-honoured practices due to the perceived low productivity of traditional seeds. The allure of hybrid seeds often overshadow the importance of maintaining local varieties. Many farmers report that the hybrid seeds produce significantly more, leading them to believe they no longer need to purchase additional corn and rice for their families. However, reliance on hybrid seeds poses a risk. As farmers alter their focus to hybrid varieties, they neglect the cultivation of local crops, which are crucial for preserving agricultural biodiversity.

Despite government efforts to promote local crop preservation through various programmes, implementation remains weak. Farmers frequently express frustration due to the lack of support and resources necessary to cultivate traditional crops effectively. The government's commitment to organic farming and local seeds protection appears to be more rhetorical than actionable. Without proper education, training, and resources for sustainable farming practices, many farmers feel compelled to rely on hybrid seeds that offer immediate but temporary solutions to their agricultural challenges.

Moreover, farmers need access to organic fertilisers to maintain soil health. The lack of organic fertilisers leads to a cycle of declining soil fertility, forcing farmers to resort to chemical fertilisers, further worsening the problem. It is essential for the local government to support farmers by providing subsidies for organic farming practices and animal husbandry to produce compost fertilisers. It is the responsibility of the local farmers to save seeds from their harvest for the steady supply of crops year after year. But the current trend shows a worrisome abandonment of this practice.  Farmers now find it challenging to access local seeds, leading to an increasing dependence on external sources. They no longer maintain a diverse array of crops suited to their specific environment.

A concerted effort must be made to inform farmers about the benefits of local seeds and sustainable agricultural practices. The government policies should be effectively implemented to provide farmers with the necessary resources, training, and support to cultivate traditional crops alongside hybrid varieties that may be vital to feed the rising population. Encouraging farmers to diversify their crops can enhance food security and preserve traditional agricultural practices. The government can help safeguard food security, promote agricultural biodiversity, and honour the rich cultural heritage tied to local farming practices. The future of agriculture in the various geographical regions depends on a balanced approach that values both modern advancements and the knowledge of traditional methods.