Mysuru hosts a festival celebrating indigenous seeds, conservationists

Visitors and participants of the two-day ‘Desi Beejotsava’ at Nanjaraja Bahadur Choultry in Mysuru on Saturday. | Photo credit: MA Sriram

Karnataka Biodiversity Board Chairman Vadnal Jagadish emphasized the need to conserve indigenous seed varieties and urged citizens to actively participate in biodiversity conservation and help preserve indigenous seeds for future generations.

He was speaking after launching the two-day ‘Dési Beejotsava’ organized by Sahaja Samruddha with the support of Karnataka Biodiversity Board and Sahaja Seeds at Nanjaraja Bahadur Choultry in Mysuru on Saturday.

Addressing the gathering, Mr. Jagadish said indigenous seeds are not only agricultural resources but are symbols of the nation’s food culture, biodiversity and cultural heritage. “Local seed varieties have sustained communities for centuries. Conserving them and passing them on to future generations is a collective responsibility,” he said.

Vijayalakshmi, executive director of the Karnataka Biodiversity Board, said the traditional practice of exchanging indigenous seeds among farming communities has played a vital role in preserving agricultural diversity. She noted that conservation of native seeds is increasingly important and that seed festivals help create awareness among the public.

Kanagalu indigenous seed conservator Padmamma, who has preserved more than 150 traditional seed varieties over several decades, stressed the need to conserve native seeds for health, agriculture and future generations. She also emphasized the importance of seed exchange between farmers.

Another seed conservationist, Srinivasamurthy SR, expressed concern over the declining awareness of traditional paddy and other local crop varieties. He said native varieties are better adapted to local climatic conditions, produce quality food and promote cost-effective agriculture.

Event chairman G. Krishnaprasad said the festival brought together seed savers, organic farmers and agriculture enthusiasts from across Karnataka on a common platform. He added that the event will help consumers understand the importance of indigenous crop varieties. Secretary of Sahaja Samruddha Anandatirtha Patil outlined the objectives of the festival.

The highlight of the inaugural program was the presentation of Traditional Seed Conservator Award-2026 to six farmers for their contributions to conservation of indigenous seeds, maintenance of community seed banks, revival of rare crop varieties and creating awareness among farmers.

Kamalamma E. Khanannavar of Malali in Kundgol taluk, Parvathi of Machuru Hadi in Nagarahole forest area, Mahadevappa Uppar and Manjula of Thimmapur village in Haveri district, Prabhakar B. of Tondahalli in Mulbagal taluk and BP Ravisguda village indisposition Po..Huduru were awarded.

Published – 13 Jun 2026 20:53 IST