Wayanad Community Seed Fest 2015

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1 Wayanad Community Seed Fest 2015 M S Swaminathan Research Foundation Kalpetta,Wayanad. February 6 th &7 th, 2015 Wayand District Tribal Development Action Council Seed care

2 Acknowledgement: We are thankful to kerala state biodiversity board and NABARD for the funding support to get organized festival Prepared by Editted by Layout : Suma T.R : Dr.N Anil Kumar : Dileep. K, MSSRF CAbC

3 Content Introduction Objectives The process Venue and Architecture The Fest Inaugural function Community Agro biodiversity Conservation Awards The Exhibition Stalls erected by Panchayaths Seed exchange and sales Seminars and the outcomes Farmer trader interface Film show Cultural Programme Valedictory Session Expenditure outlay

1.Introduction Conservation of traditional/ native biodiversity, especially agro-biodiversity is vital for ensuring food and nutrition security for the growing population.

5 1.Introduction Conservation of traditional/ native biodiversity, especially agro-biodiversity is vital for ensuring food and nutrition security for the growing population. The industrialized agriculture and mass production techniques sweep away the native crop diversities in all parts of the globe. Promotion of corporate agriculture by many countries led to large scale monopoly of companies over food! Micro level production systems developed around the local biodiversity as well as the weather conditions were almost collapsed in many countries. Farmers lost scores of their traditional seeds-the base of their farming system! Loss of biodiversity, loss of access to and ownership of cultivable land by farmers, farmer dependency to market for seeds, collapse of healthy ecosystem services and decreased availability of nutrition rich food are some of the ill effects of industrialized agriculture. Kerala is no exception for the states that have experienced heavy loss of traditionally conserved agrobiodiversity in India. Wayanad, a hilly district of Kerala is characterized by noticeable natural biodiversity, and boast impressive agrobiodiversity, particularly in food crops like rice, yams, aroids, legumes and banana. The people of the district are more heterogeneous with 12 Adivasi communities including two of the main five traditional agriculturalists and migrant farm families belonging to different religious faiths. The traditionally food producing communities still conserve more than 27 varieties of rice, 12 varieties of pepper, 13 types of banana, and numerous vegetables and tubers. Kurichya and Kuruma farmers amongst these communities had received the Genome Savior Award instituted by the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Rights Authority (PPVFRA) for their contributions in protecting the traditional rice seeds on farm. But the region s agricultural system experiences loss of its biodiversity base in a faster pace. A report by the Kerala Biodiversity Board, based on analysis of data from People s Biodiversity Registers, estimated that Wayanad s agro-ecosystem had lost 160 varieties of rice over the years. Though it is a much inflated estimate, the region would have lost at least percent of its original diversity of rice, but fortunately there is sizeable traditional rice diversity available here. The need for immediate intervention to protect such vanishing varieties and the remaining agro-biodiversity of this district is very important and urgent. Wayanad community seed fest is the first initiative taken by Wayanad Adivasi VikasanaSamithy SEED CARE and MSSRF to protect the remaining traditional genetic diversity of wayanad.

6 Wayanad Community Seed Fest 2015 Seed Fest 2015 Wayanad Community Seed Fest was organized by Wayanad Adivasi Vikasana- Samithy and SEED CARE with the technical support of M S Swaminathan Research

6 6 Wayanad Community Seed Fest 2015 Seed Fest 2015 Wayanad Community Seed Fest was organized by Wayanad Adivasi Vikasana- Samithy and SEED CARE with the technical support of M S Swaminathan Research Foun- - ment(nabard) and Kerala State Biodiversity Board made the idea of Community Seed Fest a reality. The fest created a platform for farmers from all the 25 Panchayaths and one municipality of Wayanad district to exhibit and exchange their cultivated traditional seeds, many of which are on the edge of extinction from on-farm. to involve actively in conservation of agro-biodiversity particularly the management of traditional germ plasm. Farmers brought a variety of seeds of rice, vegetables, tubers, fruits and other produces to the FEST and exchanged each. That ensured conservation and propagation of many verities which are currently at risk. The business meet organized part of the SEEDFEST attracted many buyers of traditional agri-produces and created a platform for farmers and business people to interact and engage in meaningthe farmers during the Panchayath level meetings. Some of the farmers reached into some agreements to supply produces according to the market demands (Marketing of rice and other food crops is the biggest challenge faced by many farmers in the region. Usually the middle men get produces from farmers in very low prices and makes huge The seminars conducted as an academic and policy exercise, in the Seed Fest gave attention on the issues faced by Agro-biodiversity conservation and the role of local self the farmers rights on agro-biodiversity in the frame work of existing Indian legislations. Mr. K. P Mohanan, Agriculture minister of Kerala, inaugurating the Seed Fest 2015

2.Objectives Wayanad Community Seed Fest 2015 7 1. To propagate the message of agrobiodiversity conservation, 2.

7 2.Objectives Wayanad Community Seed Fest To propagate the message of agrobiodiversity conservation, 2. To encourage farmers who conserve biodiversity on farm through Community Agrobiodiversity Conservation awards, 3. To create platform for exchange of traditional seeds and thus on farm agro biodiversity conservation, 4. To create a platform for farmer-potential buyer meetings and creating trade relations for safe food, and to create awareness among farmers about the market possibilities and standards of price, 5. To create a platform for traditional and scientific knowledge exchange on agrobiodiversity management and protection of farmers rights through seeking policy support in different levels.

At first meetings were organized at Panchayath level in each of the 25 Panchayaths and one Muncipality,

Objective of this meetings were to initiate a discussion at village level on the importance of seed

Through this awareness programme, Panchayath members, farmers and Panchayath level Biodiversity Management

Samithy members and a scientist level staff from MSSRF participated in all the meetings.

8 8 Wayanad Community Seed Fest The process Organising the Wayanad Seed Fest 2015 was a year- long process at grassroot level. At first meetings were organized at Panchayath level in each of the 25 Panchayaths and one Muncipality, involving Panchayath members, farmers and Biodiversity Management Committees. Objective of this meetings were to initiate a discussion at village level on the importance of seed conservation, farmer s rights and organize farmers for participating in the SEEDFEST. Through this awareness programme, Panchayath members, farmers and Panchayath level Biodiversity Management Committees were informed about the SEEDFEST and its importance. Samithy members and a scientist level staff from MSSRF participated in all the meetings. Outcome of these meetings were that we got an overview about what farmers think about seed conservation and the level of knowledge on farmers rights. End of the meeting an organizing committee was formed under the leadership of Panchayath to take leadership at Panchayath level to identify farmers to attend the SEEDFEST and the varieties of seeds to be collected. The response from all the 26 PRIs where overwhelming that it made a good foundation for the SEEDFEST. The district level seed fest organizing committee contacted later with them personally and registered the participants.

locally available natural building materials(mostly bamboo, Paddy straw, wood materials) and with community

A youth group from Paniya community was entrusted with the design of the Vithupura the main hall of the function.

There were separate stalls for each Panchayath.

9 Wayanad Community Seed Fest SEEDFEST Venue and Architecture The venue and the exhibition stalls of the FEST are designed and arranged using locally available natural building materials(mostly bamboo, Paddy straw, wood materials) and with community participation. A youth group from Paniya community was entrusted with the design of the Vithupura the main hall of the function. The Vithupura was built as an extended traditional farm house of Wayanad. There were separate stalls for each Panchayath. The sidewalls of the stalls were artistically enriched with paintings and drawings showing age old agriculture traditions of Wayanad district. On 5th afternoon three vehicles named as Vithuvandi (Seed vehicle) were driven through all the Panchayaths to collect - ent locations in villages and to transport farmers to SEEDFEST venue. Accommodation and food for the farmers were arranged from 5th February noon at the CAbC campus. All farmers worked overnight to setup and decorate their respective stalls to give an attractive look to the displayed seeds. The Vithupura was one of the major attractions of the event. The team behind

10 Wayanad Community Seed Fest 2015 5. The Fest 5.1 Inaugural function The Wayanad Community Seed Fest was inaugurated by honorable minister for Agriculture, Ke

The inaugural session was precded by MrSreeyams Kumar, honorable MLA of Kalpetta assembly constituency and Ms. A.

Anil Kumar, Director Community Agrobiodiversity Centre of MSSRF illustrated about the agro-biodiversity conservation efforts of MSSRF-CABC.

10 10 Wayanad Community Seed Fest The Fest 5.1 Inaugural function The Wayanad Community Seed Fest was inaugurated by honorable minister for Agriculture, Kerala, Mr. K. P Mohanan on 6th February He presented the Community Agro-biodiversity Conservation Awards constituted by Wayanad District Adivasi VikasanaSamithy. The inaugural session was precded by MrSreeyams Kumar, honorable MLA of Kalpetta assembly constituency and Ms. A. Devaki, president of Wayanad Adivasi VikasanaPravarthakaSamithy welcomed the gathering. Dr N. Anil Kumar, Director Community Agrobiodiversity Centre of MSSRF illustrated about the agro-biodiversity conservation efforts of MSSRF-CABC. Wayanad district Panchayath president Mr. N K Rasheed, Mr. P.P. Ali, Chairman, Kalpetta Municipality, Dr. Oommen V Oommen Chairman, Kerala State Biodiversity Board, Prof. M.K. Prasad, Mr. Sajikumar, DGM, NABARD Wayanad, Peoples representatives and farmer representatives addressed the gathering. Mr. Cheruvayal Raman who conserves 45 verities of rice in Wayand was honored in the inaugural function.

VikasanaParavarthakaSamithy in the year 2012. This is the first Award in the state for recognizing agro-biodiversity conservation by indigenous farmers.

The Award worth Rs 25,000/- to encourage those who are conserving traditional rice verities was won by Mr.

11 Wayanad Community Seed Fest Community Agrobiodiversity Conservation Awards The Community Agro-biodiversity Conservation awards were one of the important landmark in agrobiodiversity conservation efforts in the state. Two Awards were constituted using the interest amount earned out of the prize money of Genome savior Award received by Wayanad Adivasi VikasanaParavarthakaSamithy in the year This is the first Award in the state for recognizing agro-biodiversity conservation by indigenous farmers. The award was presented to three Adivasi farm families in the inaugural session of the Wayanad Seed Fest The Award worth Rs 25,000/- to encourage those who are conserving traditional rice verities was won by Mr. Kelu, Peruvady Kurichya Tharavadu in Vellamunda Panchayath. The award worth Rs 15,000/- to support those Adivasi farmers who conserve all types of crop and animal breed diversity on farm has won by Mr. Achappan from Palookappil Kurichya tharavadu in Kottathra Panchayath. Mr. Sivan Nochanvayal from Noolpuzha Panchayath has won a consolation prize of Rs 10,000/- for his services to conserve rice verities in very limited land with limited resources Kelu Peruvadi Achappan Palookappil Sivan Nochanvayal 1 2 3

45 verities of rice, 7 verities of legumes, 9 verities of vegetables, 7 verities of dioscorea, 4 types of colocasia, 4 other

There were 254 (119 women and135 men)registered participants in the first day, 157 (68 women and 89 men) among them were farmers

12 12 Wayanad Community Seed Fest The Exhibition 157 Farmers from different panchayaths participated in the first SEEDFEST as farmer delegates and exhibited about 45 verities of rice, 7 verities of legumes, 9 verities of vegetables, 7 verities of dioscorea, 4 types of colocasia, 4 other tubers, 3 native mango verities, 4 chilly verities and 6 banana verities. There were 254 (119 women and135 men)registered participants in the first day, 157 (68 women and 89 men) among them were farmers who represented Panchayaths to exhibit and sale seeds in the stalls. Additionally 103 (27 women and 76 men) participants registered in the second day. Apart from the registered participants each day around 200 people from different walks of life visited the stalls including school children.

Wayanad Community Seed Fest 2015 13 5.4.

Panchayath were exhibited with variety of seeds and

exhibiting maximum number of crop verities and for

Mullankolly and VythiriPanchayath were struggled to

13 Wayanad Community Seed Fest Stalls erected by Panchayaths All 26 stalls from each Panchayath were exhibited with variety of seeds and agricultural produces, arranged artistically attracted the attention of visitors. Vellamunda and EdavakaPanchayaths bagged the price for exhibiting maximum number of crop verities and for participation of women. Mullankolly and VythiriPanchayath were struggled to exhibit any traditional verity of seeds, but they came with spices. It also showed where the biodiversity richness is conserved within the district.

14 14 Wayanad Community Seed Fest Seed exchange and sales Farmers who came with seeds exchanged the seeds among them. This was formerly launched in the second day under the leadership of Mr. Cheruvayal Raman. And they also sold the seeds to the visited farmers. SEEDCARE, the organization of Traditional farmers, has fixed the rates of each seed before the fest and exhibited the prize in the hall as the lowest prize for each variety.

Wayanad Community Seed Fest 2015 15 6. Seminars and the outcomes There were two major seminars during the SEEDFEST.

and the role of Panchayathiraj Institutions in solving it. The technical session was chaired by Prof. M K Prasad. Ms.

Oommen V Oommen, Chairman, Kerala State Biodiversity Board. Dr. Jiju P.

representatives discussed the topic. Mr. BalanPoothady, representatives of tribal farmer, Dr.

K KVijayan, Dr. P E Rajasekharan, IIHR, Bangalore, Dr N Anil Kumar, Director CAbC, MSSRF, Mr.

BicharathKunjiraman president of SEEDCARE delivered vote of thanks.

legislations of farmer s rights act and biodiversity act, the accesses of agro-biodiversity and benefit sharing with local communities were

PrajeeshParameshwaran from MSSRF has presented the experience of MSSRF in facilitating the registration of farmer s verities. DrJ.

15 Wayanad Community Seed Fest Seminars and the outcomes There were two major seminars during the SEEDFEST. On the first day, February 6th 2015, Wayanad Community Seed Fest discussed the issues existing in conserving agro-biodiversity in Wayanad and the role of Panchayathiraj Institutions in solving it. The technical session was chaired by Prof. M K Prasad. Ms. Suma TR from MSSRF presented the consolidated report of Panchayath level workshops in the session which co chaired by Dr. Oommen V Oommen, Chairman, Kerala State Biodiversity Board. Dr. Jiju P. Alex, Professor, Kerala Agricultural University had delivered the key note address and then an eminent panel of discussants and farmer representatives discussed the topic. Mr. BalanPoothady, representatives of tribal farmer, Dr. Y R Sharma, Former head department of Micro biology IISR, Dr. S Rajashekaran, Kerala state Bio-diversity board, Dr. NirmalBabu,DASD, Dr. K KVijayan, Dr. P E Rajasekharan, IIHR, Bangalore, Dr N Anil Kumar, Director CAbC, MSSRF, Mr. V VShivan, MSSRF, and Dr C S Chandrika MSSRF where the panel discussants. The discussions were consolidated by Pro M K Prasad. And Mr. BicharathKunjiraman president of SEEDCARE delivered vote of thanks. Farmers rights on agro-biodiversity has discussed in the second day,7th February 2015, of the SEEDFEST, in the context of Indian legislations of farmer s rights act and biodiversity act, the accesses of agro-biodiversity and benefit sharing with local communities were discussed in detail. Mr. PrajeeshParameshwaran from MSSRF has presented the experience of MSSRF in facilitating the registration of farmer s verities. DrJ. honson George from IISR presented IISR initiatives to protect farmer rights and learning. Dr. C R Rajagopal deliverd the key note address and the discussion panel of Dr S Rajashekharan, Kerala State Biodiversity Board, DrHomy- Cheriyan, Director, DASD, Shri Cheruvayal Raman, Shri Palliyara Raman, Dr K P Smitha, MSSRF, and Smt A Devaki President Wayanad Adivasi VikasanaPravarthakaSamithy discussed the points. The discussions were consolidated by Mr. PrajeeshParameshwaran, and Dr. P E Rajashekharan. Mr. Edakkal Mohanan secretary Wayanad Adivasi VikasanaPravarthakaSamithydelivered vote of thanks.

7 representatives of different groups of traders and companies participated and interacted

The purpose was to ensure reasonable prices for traditionally and organically grown

16 16 Wayanad Community Seed Fest Farmer trader interface Farmer-trader interface was one of the attractive components of Wayanad seed fest. The Seed Fest invited traders who are working both inside and outside of the district. 7 representatives of different groups of traders and companies participated and interacted with farmers. The purpose was to ensure reasonable prices for traditionally and organically grown agricultural produces and products for farmers and establish linkages between farmers and traders to engage in meaningful business avoiding middlemen to ensure maximum benefits to farmers. SEEDCARE facilitated this exercise and 24 farmers established commercial linkage to sell mainly rice and spices.

8.Film festival Wayanad Community Seed Fest 2015 17 Another attraction of the

Two days long film festival was organized as part of Wayanad community Seed Fest.

More than 40 persons watched each film both days including children, farmers as well

17 8.Film festival Wayanad Community Seed Fest Another attraction of the SEEDFEST was the Film festival. Two days long film festival was organized as part of Wayanad community Seed Fest. 6 different documentary films of seeds and farming were screened. More than 40 persons watched each film both days including children, farmers as well as visitors. The films screened were:ningalaranayekandittundo directed by Sunanda Bhatt, Vithappadu directed by Anees Muhammed, Onam vannavazhi-directed by Nishanth.

February 2015 staged the traditional art form of

18 18 Wayanad Community Seed Fest Cultural Programme The cultural evening on 6th February 2015 staged the traditional art form of Wayanad called Vattakkali and Kolkalli by farmer groups from the Kuruma Community. The Vattakkali was performed with complete ritual rules. The performance of folk song by a troop from Bathery amazed the viewers with many folk songs and dances depicting the great cultural heritage of Wayanad.

valedictory function on 7th February 2015 at 3pm. Mr.

Devaki, President, Wayanad Adivasi VikasanaPravarthakaSamithy and Mr.

discussions and presented the seeds for joint action plans and further

19 Wayanad Community Seed Fest Valedictory Function The Wayanad Community Seed Fest was concluded with the valedictory function on 7th February 2015 at 3pm. Mr. Edakkal Mohanan, Secretary, Wayanad AdivsiVikasanasamithy welcomed the gathering.in the valedictory function, Dr. C. R. Ragagopal, Professor, Department of Malayalam, Kerala University delivered the key note address. Dr. N. Anil Kumar, Director, CAbC, MSSRF Ms. A. Devaki, President, Wayanad Adivasi VikasanaPravarthakaSamithy and Mr. Bicharath Kunjiraman president SEEDCARE together consolidated the two days discussions and presented the seeds for joint action plans and further formulation of policy advocacy in the context of conservation of agro-biodiversity. Mr. C.R Rajagopal, presented the prizes for the Panchayaths who won in the best stall competition. Dr. N. Anil Kumar distributed certificates for Participants. Ms. Suma TR, Coordinator of Wayanad Community Seed Fest delivered vote of thanks.

20 Wayanad Community Seed Fest 2015 Supporters and Partners Wayanad Seed Fest was a success in terms of participation of farmers, the Panchayathiraj institutions, academics, general public and State

Kerala State Biodiversity Board played a major role from the beginning, extending its arm-the biodiversity management committees of the GramaPanchayaths-to play a decisive role in seed conservation.

The District Panchayath and GramaPanchayaths also actively involved in organizing the Panchayath level meetings of BMCs and organizing the awareness programme on Farmer rights.

20 20 Wayanad Community Seed Fest 2015 Supporters and Partners Wayanad Seed Fest was a success in terms of participation of farmers, the Panchayathiraj institutions, academics, general public and State departments and donors. Kerala State Biodiversity Board played a major role from the beginning, extending its arm-the biodiversity management committees of the GramaPanchayaths-to play a decisive role in seed conservation. The BMCs were actively participated in the programme as organizers. The Board also shared a major cost of the programme. The District Panchayath and GramaPanchayaths also actively involved in organizing the Panchayath level meetings of BMCs and organizing the awareness programme on Farmer rights. However much more active participation need to be ensured from Gramapanchayths in coming years in organizing the district level programmes. NABARDs involvement in this programme was very unique and worth mentioning. NABARD has come forward to financially support the programme realizing that the overall goal of SEEDFEST is to conserve the biodiversity and natural resources of the region. NABARD has been playing a lead role during the last one decade supporting the watershed programmes in the region. MSSRF-CAbC played a facilitator s role in the whole process, developing the capacity of Grassroots institutions it promoted, the Wayanad Adivasi VikasanaPravarthakaSamithy(WAVPS) and SeedCare. CAbC also provided critical linkages between donor agencies and the Grass-Root institutions.

21 Wayanad Community Seed Fest Expenditure outlay Details of project cost assistance and expenditure of Wayanad Community SEEDFEST Head of account Actual expenditure Justification Seed fest 1. Agro biodiversity exhibition 3. Invitation and communication 1,59,557 Cost incurred to reconstruct the traditional farm house setting in the seed fest exhibition hall. Other costs incurred for arranging seeds and stalls for exhibition. 27, Invitation to participants, publicity, and other communications 4. Logistics and stationary 72, Refreshment 1,02, Provided food for three days participants and organizers of seed fest 6. Travel allowance to participants and honorarium 73, Travel allowance to farmer delegates and other delegates from outside Wayanad. Honorarium paid to GRI members for organizing panchayath level workshops and seed fest. 7. Panchayath workshops 78, Panchayath level workshops where conducted prior to Wayanad Seed fest. Food and travel 7. Contingencies 22, Miscellaneous 7, Total 5,44, Kerala Biodiversity Board 2,50, Funding for seed fest and Panchayath level workshops NABARD 3,00,000 Funding for seed fest and Panchayath level work shops

aim of conserving agrobiodiversity was a successes.

22 22 Wayanad Community Seed Fest 2015 Conclusion - kasanapravarthakasamithy, SEED CARE, M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation and self-governments and farmers in a single platform with an aim of conserving agrobiodiversity was a successes. The participation of farmers and peoples representatives from all 25 Panchayaths and one municipality was the highlight of the Fest. Wayanad SEED FEST 2015 has concluded with a consensus of all stakeholders to continue the same in coming years and also extending the seed conservation activities at village level in all Panchayaths of Wayanad.

23 Wayanad Community Seed Fest SEED FEST IN MEDIA

24 Wayand District Tribal Development Action Council M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation Community Agrobiodiversity Centre Puthoorvayal, P.O. Meppadi, Wayanad, Kerala , India Tel ; ,

REPORT. Organized by. Sponsored by

REPORT. Organized by. Sponsored by REPORT Organized by C.G. Bhakta Institute of Biotechnology & Maliba Pharmacy College Uka Tarsadia University Bardoli, Dist. Surat- 394350, Gujarat, India www.utu.ac.in ; www.ethnopharmacology.in Organizing