Using simple methods to preserve biodiversity

Using simple methods to preserve biodiversity

An article in today's The Hindu highlights the importance of custodian farmers to safeguard and use biodiversity in their regions, through their knowledge and access to diverse seeds. This is part of research coordinated by Bioversity International and funded by IFAD.

An article in today's The Hindu highlights the importance of custodian farmers to safeguard and use biodiversity in their regions, through their knowledge and access to diverse seeds.

At a 2-day meeting in Chennai, Prof M.S. Swaminathan said: “Protect, encourage and reward these custodians. Women especially have a major role to play in preserving biodiversity.” He suggested the inclusion of millets in the mid-day meal programme as it made sense from the point of view of nutrition as well as climate resilience for food production.

The meeting was part of a project, coordinated by Bioversity International, Italy, and funded by International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD), looking at placing more emphasis on neglected and underutilized species through on-farm conservation efforts.  

Read the article here

Update on 26th February: Another article 'Preserve Traditional Seed Varieties' also appeared in the New Indian Express emphasizing the need for national policies to promote millets.