SSI 2.0 Conference

Traditional Knowledge Meets Modern Science

Traditional agriculture in the fullest sense involves sustainable seed innovation.

Historically farmers selected the best seeds, saved them from one season to another and exchanged seeds with other farmers. Periodically new varieties developed through this system of cultivation, seed selection, and exchange. India's incredible agro-biodiversity is not just due to environmental conditions, but also the innovation of farmers over thousands of years.

Sustainable seed innovation requires: i) the conservation of traditional varieties and ii) farmer innovation of new varieties through seed selection. Genetic material can be preserved through seed banks (ex-situ conservation), while cultivation of traditional varieties ensures continual adaptation to local conditions (in-situ conservation). Groups supporting traditional agricultural practices and the farmers following these practices have achieved the first step of sustainable seed innovation. The second step of innovating new varieties happens less often and does not receive the recognition and encouragement deserved.

How can policy in India incentivise sustainable seed innovation?

Following-up on the SSI 1.0 round-table, this event continues to engage stakeholders in answering this question, while also recognising the need to refine policy actions over time.

For instance, the main focus of SSI 2.0 is to make the multiplication of indigenous seeds profitable and sustainable, through the use of Digital Ledger Technology.

The Sustainable Seed Innovation project team introduced the vision behind the Position Paper, outlining a path for policymakers eager to encourage small farmers in India to grow and sell native indigenous seeds of cultivated varieties. Participants discussed next steps for policymakers after adoption of the Position Paper's recommendations. The event may be viewed via the Art of Living YouTube channel. Updated versions of the paper are available via ResearchGate.