Blog Preserving Tradition, Enhancing Livelihoods: Stories of two farmers from Rajasthan
In the heart of the Indian state of Rajasthan, two farmers - Devaram from Jeoli village, Nechwa, and Hanumana Ram from Sulkhaniya village, Ratangarh - are leading the way in conserving traditional landraces of pearl millet. With support from the United Nations Environment Programme, the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, and with funding from Global Environment Facility their work has transformed their communities and created a ripple effect across regions.
Devaram’s Journey: A Legacy of Conservation and Growth
Devaram, a farmer from Jeoli village, began his agricultural journey at the age of 15, but his role as a seed conserver began in 1998 when he started conserving the DR1 landrace of pearl millet. By 2002, he had added DR2 to his conservation efforts, continuing a family tradition that dates back over 50 years: “The DR1 seeds were passed down by my father, who graded them carefully. I am simply continuing what my ancestors have done,” Devaram explains with pride.
Starting with just 100 kilograms of DR1 seeds, Devaram now produces and sells 400 kilograms annually, providing seeds to farmers across Rajasthan - in Nagore, Churu, and Sikar - as well as in Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. His income has grown from INR 20,000 to INR 100,000 thanks to the high demand for his seeds, which offer three times the fodder compared to hybrid varieties.
In addition to pearl millet, Devaram cultivates moong, moth, chaula, and gwar, and he raises cattle, sheep, and goats. His diversified farming approach has made his operations sustainable and resilient, even in the challenging arid climate of Rajasthan.
A Boon for Farmers and the Community
Devaram’s seed conservation efforts have not only benefitted him but also the surrounding farming community: “Farmers no longer need to travel far to buy seeds. They can get them right here in the village, saving time and money,” he explains. The high quality of the seeds has also been a game-changer. “The rotis (Indian bread) made from these landraces are tastier, stay soft even the next day, and are packed with iron, which boosts haemoglobin levels when eaten with jaggery”, Devaram explains.
The demand for his seeds has grown exponentially: “Initially, farmers were unsure about the quality, but now each one comes back with 10 more people asking for seeds” Devaram says. Despite the high demand, he remains committed to sharing his seeds widely, planning to double the production to meet the growing needs of farmers.
With invaluable support from the UNEP GEF project and local partners - including the All India Coordinated Research Project on Pearl Millet, Agriculture University, Jodhpur, and the Central Arid Zone Research Institute - his seed varieties have been sent to the National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR) in Delhi for further research. Additionally, he has received an Indigenous Collection (IC) number, which empowers him to confidently market his seeds to a broader audience.
Hanumanaram’s Legacy: The Sacred Sulkhaniya Bajra
In Sulkhaniya village, Ratangarh, Hanumanaram carries forward a unique legacy with the Sulkhaniya bajra landrace, a variety believed to have been bestowed upon his ancestors by a saint that holds deep cultural and agricultural significance. “You won’t find this variety anywhere else,” he says proudly. Hanumanaram’s approach to farming is deeply rooted in tradition; he avoids chemical fertilizers and relies solely on cow manure to nourish his crops. His seeds are in high demand, reaching far beyond Rajasthan to places like Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttarakhand and Haryana.
Like Devaram, Hanumanaram has also received support from the local partners of the project, allowing him to package and market his seeds with confidence. Following the registration of his variety under the project, he has been able to sell more seeds at a better price, further strengthening his ability to sustain and expand this traditional landrace.
Instead of selling large quantities to a single buyer, even when offered double the price, Hanumanaram prioritizes sharing his seeds with the community. He recalls instances where villagers, eager to serve dishes made from the Sulkhaniya bajra at weddings, offered him twice the price for a larger quantity. However, he turns down these offers, explaining that he would rather distribute small quantities to a large number of farmers than sell the entire amount to just one person. His commitment to collective growth ensures that as many farmers as possible can cultivate and preserve this traditional crop, reflecting his dedication to sustainability over personal profit.
Sustainability and Soil Health: A Common Philosophy
Both Devaram and Hanumanaram are dedicated to the principles of sustainable natural farming. They steer clear of chemical fertilizers like urea, opting instead for organic manure from sheep and goats. This choice not only improves crop yields but also significantly enhances soil health.
“Goat and sheep manure remains effective for three years, while cow dung benefits the soil for two seasons,” Devaram explains. This sustainable approach has played a vital role in restoring the fertility of their land, reducing input costs, and ultimately boosting production.
A Shared Vision for the Future
The stories of Devaram and Hanumanaram highlight the importance of conserving traditional landraces, not just for the sake of biodiversity, but for the economic and nutritional benefits they bring to farmers and their communities. Their work, supported by the UNEP GEF project, has empowered them to carry forward legacies that have been nurtured for generations.
Devaram invites other farmers to witness the benefits first hand: “I urge farmers to come and see with their own eyes; they will know when they see it” he says. Hanumanaram shares a similar message: “I want as many farmers as possible to grow this variety,” he adds, embodying the spirit of community and collaboration that defines their work.
Together, Devaram and Hanumanaram are proving that the preservation of traditional seeds, combined with sustainable farming practices can lead to increased livelihoods, better health and a more resilient agricultural future for Rajasthan and beyond.
Listen to Devaram and Hanumanaram share their inspiring journeys in this video:
The UNEP-GEF project ‘Mainstreaming Agricultural Biodiversity Conservation and Utilization in Agricultural Sector to Ensure Ecosystem Services and Reduce Vulnerability’ was implemented in four agro-ecological regions of India by the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi.
