The National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR) plans to conduct 42 missions for exploration, collection and conservation of traditional varieties of seeds of crops, particularly from tribal areas, over the next year, said Parshottam Rupala, minister of state for agriculture, in response to a question in the Lok Sabha.
Over 64,000 varieties of traditional seeds of various crops across the country have been stored so far by the bureau. These varieties are stored in various gene banks across the states of the country. The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmer’s Rights Authority (PPV & FRA) has also registered 1,070 traditional varieties of different crops. PPV & FRA encourages the community and individuals engaged in conservation, improvement and preservation of plant genetic resources of economic plants and their wild relatives, particularly in the areas identified as agro-biodiversity hotspots, by awarding the community and individuals who have played stellar roles in such activities.
India is believed to be the place where rice originated. Other crops like mango and lemons are also native to the subcontinent.
The collections may be small and perhaps, may represent only a small share of the genetic variety of crops in the country. However, it is a significant move in conserving traditional strains and varieties that are at the risk of being obliterated by the speed with which hybrids are being developed.
The importance in conserving these heirloom varieties is not just one of emotional connect with the past. These traditional varities and their wild cousins have many genetic advantages that are ignored in preference of higher yields. Some, for instance, are hardier while others are hence, resilient to pests. Also certain flavours and colours begin to go missing as new cultivars are developed.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, NBPGR and PPV & FRA organise biodiversity awareness programmes and training for farmers to strengthen community seed system and create awareness to conserve indigenous crop varieties and climate resilient traditional land races of local crops every year.