A unique bank will open in Goa!

Goa will be getting a new bank! What’s so great about this? Well, it isn’t an ordinary bank – it will be the first seed bank of the state!

Seed banks are very important as they play a crucial role in agro-biodiversity conservation. It helps protect local and rare seeds in case they get lost and cease to exist. Goa’s seed bank will be set up by the state biodiversity board. They will also identify ‘friends of seeds’ which various state biodiversity committees will authenticate. With the help of people’s participation, native seeds will be preserved.

This is how the seed bank will work – communities can deposit local seeds and get them whenever they need them. Traditionally, Goa practised seed sharing. The seed bank initiative will bring this back.  This reduces dependence on hybrid or packaged seeds. Farmers in the state are in possession of unique seed varieties. They will be registered and encouraged to deposit their seeds.

(Image used for representational purpose only)