26-04-2025
‘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.
