Support Small Farmers in India

Seed bank is a place where seeds are stored and preserved, in a controlled environment. Constant temperature and moisture increase the viability of seeds for up to 20 years. The main objective of a seed bank is to preserve genetic diversity which is threatened by ever-increasing human activities like deforestation, climate change, consumerism etc. and also to get the seeds available to farmers at low cost hence increasing their income. Seeds are saved here as an insurance for risk against extinction. Its long term benefits include maintaining ecological balance and solving problem of food security.

 DHALA SEED BANK

Seva Mandir has been an active agent in the development of Dhala village, since it started its work here in the year 1982. Dhala is a small village in southern Rajasthan in India. It has a total population of 350 households. The people mainly belong to tribal communities and are dependent on rain for agriculture since water is not available for farming throughout the year.  Since last few years, people have started using growing genetically modified (GMO) crops in their fields like BT cotton. Since its very harmful for environment as it degrades the quality of land and reduces the water table of the area to a great extent, community seed bank was established in Dhala in the year 2007. The purpose of this seed bank, promoted by Seva Mandir, is to help communities preserve indigenous varieties of seeds. Aim is to help the village become self-sufficient and thus decrease their dependence on market for the purchase of seed. At present there are seeds of 30 different plant species which include Wheat, Gram, Moong- lentil, Udat- lentil, Maize, Jamaican etc.

The basic model is that the farmer takes loan from the bank at the start of a season. He has to return this before the beginning of the next season, from the crop he will obtain from this seed. He has to return 1.25 times the seed he borrowed as interest for his loan. Farmer could also repay the loan in cash as well. .

Our data indicates that there is significant improvement in income level of all the farmers who are associated with the community seed bank programme.  Through these ventures, Seva Mandir has provided farmers in the region with an opportunity to revitalize depleted resources, sustain their traditional methods of production, and eventually generate new sources of income.

All this has been possible due to your consistent support and trust in us. We would like to thank you so much for letting us meet our commitments at the field.  We have been able to benefit more than 10,000 farmers through various interventions. These farmers can now grow enough food in their fields and don’t have to migrate from farming in absence of basic necessities.

During the week of April 3rd to 7th, GlobalGiving will be matching donations in Little by Little Matching campaign . There will also be a 200% match for new recurring donations started during this week! Every small bit, no matter how small helps us reach closer to these farmers. We do hope that you will continue to support our project. .This matching funds campaign will help your contribution go deeper. To make a donation – please click the link …………………..   

We would love to hear from you.For any feedback / suggestions, please visit me at atul.lekhra@sevamandir.org

Remember,together we can make a difference for these farmers

Thank you!
Atul Lekhra and Seva Mandir Team
www.sevamandir.org
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