BAIF Development Research Foundation (BAIF), Pune, organised a webinar on “Native Biodiversity Conservation and Seed Savers” on September 30, 2021. The forum included an in-depth discussion between BAIF’s Agro-Biodiversity Specialist and Senior Thematic Programme Executive, Mr. Sanjay Patil based at Jawhar in Palghar district, who is also a Member of the Management Committee of the National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Padmashree recipient, Smt. Rahibai Popare from Akole, Ahmednagar district, popularly known as “Seed Mother” and 300 rural farmers, researchers, scientists and educationists working in the field of rural development and biodiversity conservation across the country including Pratham, People’s Archive of Rural India (PARI), Sukh Bhoomi India Trust and Sahyadri School.
This thematic webinar focussed on native varieties of diverse food crops such as maize, rice and millets, their characteristics, nutritive value and the significant role of thousands of committed community seed farmers and seed savers located in remote areas of Maharashtra and other parts of the country in transforming Indian agriculture from a traditional system to a climate-based agriculture system and who have been recognised and awarded various national awards under various Government schemes. Smt. Rahibai also shared her vast experience in community development through conservation and popularisation of indigenous seeds and their landraces. The forum included a question and answer session at the end of the discussions.
This webinar marks the beginning of various webinars being planned by BAIF on similar topics. For more information, you may visit www.elearning.baif.org.in
