Save the Seeds That Know the Rain
By preserving our traditional, rain-fed seeds and planting them with care, we ensure food for our families and fodder for our animals.
By Vijay kanesh, Farmer · ALIRAJPUR
Responds to — loss of traditional seeds
We do traditional farming here, relying on the wisdom passed down through generations. For us, saving our own traditional seeds is vital. We collect and sow varieties like chickpea, sorghum, Bhadi, and pearl millet. These are the seeds that know the rain, thriving on the monsoon and even ripening by the dew itself, like our Sial Jowar and chona.
When we plant, we've learned not to sow crops like sorghum and chickpeas too densely. This careful spacing allows each plant to grow strong and healthy, making the land fertile through water absorption. Our Siali Jowar doesn't just feed us; it also provides essential fodder for our cows, bulls, and buffaloes.
These inherited seeds, like gram and shiyali jowar, were once a staple, very good for nutrition. Today, they are decreasing, and we must make efforts to save them. Combining these traditional crops with vegetables and leafy greens we gather from the forest ensures nutritious food for our growing bodies, keeping our community healthy and resilient.
The recipe
Save and sow traditional, rain-fed seeds and plant them with appropriate spacing to ensure healthy growth and nutrition.
Seed savingTraditional farmingRain-fed cropsFood securityNutrition
