‘Preserving seed systems crucial for global food security’
Koraput: A two-day national consultation on ‘Building Climate-Resilient Sustainable and Inclusive Seed Systems’, held at the M S Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), Jeypore, concluded Friday, emphasising the crucial role of seed security in global food systems.
“Seed systems are pivotal in providing farmers with timely and affordable access to diverse crop seeds, ensuring food and nutrition security,” said MSSRF chairperson Soumya Swaminathan. “In the face of climate change, robust and biodiverse seed systems are essential for increasing food production, enhancing resilience and combating malnutrition.”
The consultation, which brought together farmers, researchers, scientists, policymakers and international experts, focused on strengthening seed systems in Koraput district, a region recognised by UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) as a ‘globally important agricultural heritage system’ due to its rich crop and ethnic diversity.
Arabinda Kumar Padhee, principal secretary, agriculture department, emphasised the need to strengthen community-driven conservation efforts. “The consultation addressed unique challenges and opportunities in strengthening seed systems, particularly in tribal communities,” said Prashant Parida, director, MSSRF, Jeypore.
The event, marking 30 years of MSSRF’s presence in Odisha, was part of the centenary celebrations of M S Swaminathan.
“Seed systems are pivotal in providing farmers with timely and affordable access to diverse crop seeds, ensuring food and nutrition security,” said MSSRF chairperson Soumya Swaminathan. “In the face of climate change, robust and biodiverse seed systems are essential for increasing food production, enhancing resilience and combating malnutrition.”
The consultation, which brought together farmers, researchers, scientists, policymakers and international experts, focused on strengthening seed systems in Koraput district, a region recognised by UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) as a ‘globally important agricultural heritage system’ due to its rich crop and ethnic diversity.
Arabinda Kumar Padhee, principal secretary, agriculture department, emphasised the need to strengthen community-driven conservation efforts. “The consultation addressed unique challenges and opportunities in strengthening seed systems, particularly in tribal communities,” said Prashant Parida, director, MSSRF, Jeypore.
The event, marking 30 years of MSSRF’s presence in Odisha, was part of the centenary celebrations of M S Swaminathan.
