Diversity Sourcing and Sharing Diversity - My Random Thought

Seeds produced by farmers are the most important source of planting materials in the world. Though these seeds are not a part of the formal seed sector, however, the value they carry as a part of the indigenous seed is immeasurable. The importance of farmer-produced seed varies between crops, farms, regions, and countries. In most developing countries, almost 60-100% of the seeds planted are farmer produced or exchanged. Similarly in Bhutan, in the absence of a formal seed sector, the major source of seeds for Bhutanese farmers revolved around farm-produced seeds or exchange within and among the communities. However, in recent times, traditional seed varieties have disappeared at an alarming rate. The seeds that we have five years ago no longer can be found in a community, thus, forget about asking for seeds from decades ago. Being aware of the impacts of climate change on agriculture, it’s no denying fact that agriculture sector is somehow a victim of climate change. In days to come, when the impact of climate change on agriculture becomes more severe, the genetic diversity of crops will hold the key to adaptability and resilience in agriculture. I feel that reviving and rediscovering our ancient crops will be the key to  future agriculture against climate change. Nevertheless, living in a country known for culture and tradition, valuing each variety of seed counts toward the preservation of culture as every seed has a story to be told. It is true that in the end, caring for seed diversity does matter.  As an agriculturalist and of course, as a farmer’s daughter, there is an immense responsibility to shoulder in conserving our traditional crops. There is still a chance to preserve the amazing genetic diversity that remains on the farm. Further, as a resident of a nation blessed with abundant agricultural diversity, encompassing more than 80 species of agricultural crop, we are accountable to preserve each of these species. Diversity sourcing and sharing diversity will be one step towards caring for our seed diversity. Sourcing seed diversity through diversity assessment and on-farm evaluation of those seeds can help in screening and purifying seeds. Moreover through such activity, a farmer’s choice of preferred variety can also be identified.  Sharing diversity through an exchange of seeds within and among communities not only maintain and enrich crop genetic diversity but also increases the resilience and autonomy of small-scale farmers by reducing their dependence on commercial seeds. We are fortunate to work on a project on Neglected and Underutilized crop species working to revive neglected and endangered varieties. Some days we look forward to seeing our neglected crops blooming in every farmer’s field.