Latest news with #EasternGhatsBiodiversityFair
New Indian Express
27-04-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
National-level Old Seeds Fair in Alluri Sitarama Raju district evokes good response
VISAKHAPATNAM: The 'National-Level Old Seeds Festival - Eastern Ghats Biodiversity Fair' was organised at Killoguda village in Alluri Sitarama Raju (ASR) district on Saturday. The event was conducted under the aegis of the Sanjeevini NGO. Farmers, tribals, and voluntary organisations from various states engaged in seed conservation, organic fertilisers, and natural farming took part in the festival. Over 60 stalls featuring traditional heirloom seeds and indigenous products were set up, drawing the interest of visitors. Participants from the Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu, Wayanad in Kerala, Koraput in Odisha, and Araku and Rampachodavaram regions in Andhra Pradesh exhibited a wide variety of native seeds and products. Local tribal communities interacted with the participants, learning about different crop varieties, seeds, cultivation methods, and market opportunities. They shared their experiences related to traditional tribal farming practices. The festival began with a floral tribute to late Pachari Ammaji, a key figure associated with Sanjeevini NGO's earlier initiatives in tribal welfare and seed conservation. A traditional seed procession was held, with villagers of Killoguda showcasing the seeds they had preserved. Cultural programmes, including Koya horn performances and Dhimsa dances by artist groups from Chinturu and Araku, were held as part of the celebrations. Among the notable participants were Raimati Guria, recognised nationally as the 'Millet Queen of India,' and Pangi Vineetha, recipient of the Andhra Pradesh State Award for excellence in organic farming. Delegates from different regions interacted with them to learn from their experiences in sustainable agriculture practices. Sanjeevini NGO General Secretary Devullu said the Old Seeds Festival aims to conserve traditional food crop seeds.
The Hindu
26-04-2025
- General
- The Hindu
‘Old Seeds Festival – Eastern Ghats Biodiversity Fair' organised at Killoguda in Alluri Sitharama Raju district
A national-level 'Old Seeds Festival – Eastern Ghats Biodiversity Fair' was organised at Killoguda village, in Araku region of Alluri Sitharama Raju (ASR) district on Saturday. The event was organised under the auspices of Sanjeevini NGO. Tribals, farmers and voluntary organisations from various States, working extensively on seed conservation, organic fertilizers, and natural farming practices, actively participated. Over 60 stalls showcasing traditional heirloom seeds and indigenous products attracted and impressed the visitors. Farmers and organisations from the Nilgiris (Tamil Nadu), Wayanad (Kerala), Koraput (Odisha), and Araku and Rampachodavaram regions (Andhra Pradesh) displayed their native seeds and products. Local tribal communities showed keen interest in the exhibits, eagerly interacting with the participants and learning about different cultivation techniques, crop varieties, seeds, products and market opportunities. They also shared their own experiences regarding traditional tribal farming practices. The festival commenced with a floral tribute to the late Pachari Ammaji, a key figure in Sanjeevini NGO's earlier initiatives, honouring her contributions to tribal welfare and seed conservation. It was followed by a procession by the villagers of Killoguda, showcasing seeds they they had carefully preserved. Cultural performances, including the Koya horn dance and Dhimsa dances by groups from Chinturu and Araku regions, added colour to the celebrations. Raimati Guria, who is known as the Millet Queen of India, and Pangi Vineetha, a recipient of the Andhra Pradesh State Award for excellence in organic farming, participated in the festival. Their presence drew special attention and delegates from different States eagerly interacted with them to learn from their experiences, according to a statement issued by the organisers. Addressing the gathering, Sanjeevini general secretary Pachari Devullu emphasised that the Old Seeds Festival, being organised consistently for the past 16 years, aims to conserve traditional food crop seeds, preserve the rich biodiversity of the Eastern Ghats, and promote sustainable livelihoods for tribal communities. He expressed satisfaction over the growing response, noting how the event evolved from a local initiative, involving a few tribal farmers, to a national platform with participation from organisations and farmers across the country. Among those who attended the festival were National Seed Swaraj Manch Convener Jacob Nellithaman, Key Stone Foundation representative Sumin George, A.P. Rythu Sadhikara Samstha representative Prakash, ARTS NGO president Sanyasirao , environmental activists Sohan Hatangadi, Jayashree Hatangadi, G. Srinivas, Raji Pachari and Adivasi Mitra president K. Manmadha Rao.
