Traditional seeds hold answers to climate resilience

India, a predominantly agrarian economy, faces an existential threat from climate change, with agriculture being one of the most vulnerable sectors. Extreme weather events like droughts, floods, and unseasonal rains are becoming more frequent and intense, directly impacting crop yields and farmer livelihoods. The article highlights a crucial aspect of climate adaptation: the role of traditional, indigenous seeds. Unlike modern hybrid or genetically modified varieties, traditional seeds are often climate-resilient, adapted over centuries to local soil, water, and climatic conditions. For farmers in states like Odisha, which are particularly susceptible to cyclones and droughts, these seeds are not just a historical legacy but a practical solution for survival.

The background to this issue lies in the Green Revolution of the 1960s and 70s. While instrumental in achieving food self-sufficiency by promoting high-yielding varieties (HYVs) of wheat and rice, the Green Revolution inadvertently led to a significant decline in agricultural biodiversity. Farmers were encouraged to adopt a narrow range of HYVs, often requiring intensive inputs like chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and uniform irrigation. This shift marginalized thousands of local, traditional varieties that were hardy, pest-resistant, and adapted to specific micro-climates. The current climate crisis is now forcing a re-evaluation of this approach, bringing traditional seeds back into focus as a key to sustainable and resilient agriculture.

The article specifically points out that Odisha's farmers are already utilizing these traditional seeds. This ground-level reality presents a stark contrast to the often top-down approach of agricultural policy. The core challenge is the disconnect: farmers possess valuable indigenous knowledge and resilient seed stock, but policy frameworks often fail to adequately recognize, support, and scale up these practices. The critical question posed is whether policy will 'catch up' to leverage this inherent resilience, determining the state's ability to withstand future climate shocks.

Key stakeholders in this complex scenario include the farmers themselves, who are the custodians of traditional knowledge and genetic resources. Their continued practice of saving, exchanging, and planting traditional seeds is vital. The State Government of Odisha, through its agriculture and disaster management departments, is crucial for formulating policies, providing research support, and creating market linkages for these resilient crops. The Central Government, via institutions like the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and various ministries, sets national agricultural policy, funds research, and promotes schemes. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and community-based organizations (CBOs) often play a significant role in facilitating seed banks, knowledge sharing, and advocacy for traditional farming practices. Private seed companies, while primarily focused on commercial varieties, also have a role in exploring and promoting diverse seed options, though their primary business model often conflicts with traditional seed systems.

This issue holds immense significance for India. Firstly, it's about **food security** in an era of climate uncertainty. Relying solely on a few susceptible modern varieties puts national food supply at risk. Promoting diverse, resilient traditional crops can ensure stable yields even under adverse conditions. Secondly, it directly impacts **farmer livelihoods**. Traditional seeds often require fewer external inputs, reducing cultivation costs and increasing profitability for small and marginal farmers. Thirdly, it is critical for **biodiversity conservation**. Protecting indigenous seed varieties is essential for maintaining genetic diversity, which is the raw material for future crop breeding and adaptation. Fourthly, it aligns with **sustainable development goals** and promotes **climate-smart agriculture**, offering a low-cost, environmentally friendly adaptation strategy. From a constitutional perspective, **Article 48** of the Directive Principles of State Policy mandates the State to organize agriculture and animal husbandry on modern and scientific lines, which can be interpreted to include sustainable and climate-resilient practices. **Article 48A** further emphasizes the State's duty to protect and improve the environment and safeguard forests and wildlife, directly linking to biodiversity conservation. The **Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights (PPV&FR) Act, 2001**, is a landmark legislation that recognizes farmers as breeders and conservators of traditional varieties, granting them rights to save, use, sow, re-sow, exchange, share, or sell their farm produce, including seed of a protected variety. This Act provides a legal framework for supporting farmer-led seed systems.

The historical context shows that India's agricultural heritage is rich with diverse crops and farming systems. The Green Revolution, while a necessary phase, led to an over-reliance on a few crops and varieties, creating monocultures that are vulnerable. The current discourse is a return to appreciating the wisdom embedded in traditional practices. Broader themes include **governance** (effective policy implementation), **environmental sustainability**, and **rural development**. Future implications suggest a necessary policy paradigm shift. This would involve robust support for community seed banks, integrating traditional varieties into public breeding programs, creating local markets for diverse climate-resilient crops, and incentivizing farmers to conserve and cultivate them. Schemes like the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA) and Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) already exist, but their implementation needs to more explicitly recognize and promote traditional seeds as a core component of climate resilience, ensuring that policy truly 'catches up' with the wisdom already held in the hands of farmers.