Union Minister Amit Shah chaired a crucial review meeting in New Delhi on February 25, 2025, focusing on the traditional seeds of Bharatiya Beej Sahkari Samiti Limited (BBSSL). The meeting emphasized the conservation and promotion of traditional seed varieties to rejuvenate indigenous crops and strengthen the nation’s food security.
Minister Shah emphasized BBSSL's crucial role in preserving India's rich repository of traditional seeds. He directed the cooperative to prioritize the organic production of select indigenous seeds from various regions, ensuring their market availability by the Kharif season 2025.
This initiative targets crops such as Amreli millet from Gujarat, Uttarakhand's Gahat (Horse Gram) and Mandua (Finger Millet), Bundelkhand's Methi (Fenugreek), Kathia wheat, Munsiyari Rajma, Kala Bhatt, and four varieties of paddy like Kala Namak, Juhi, and Gopal Bhog from Bengal.
Highlighting the importance of a comprehensive approach, Shah called for the creation of an extensive database encompassing all traditional seeds of fruits, vegetables, and grains across the country. This database would serve as the foundation for a strategic action plan dedicated to the conservation and promotion of these indigenous varieties.
He stressed the need for strategic action plan to conserve and promote these seeds, ensuring they reach farmers nationwide. Minister Shah highlighted that the revival and widespread use of these traditional seeds would enhance food security, boost farmers' income, and contribute to sustainable agriculture.
Since its inception, Bharatiya Beej Sahkari Samiti Limited (BBSSL) has been actively engaged in producing foundation and certified seeds across 5,596 hectares in six states. The cooperative is projected to yield approximately 164,804 quintals, encompassing 49 varieties across eight crops.
To amplify its impact, BBSSL plans to expand its network by integrating an additional 20,000 cooperatives by the fiscal year 2025-26. This strategic expansion is expected to boost the production of water-efficient crops, supporting sustainable agricultural practices.
Under the guidance of the Ministry of Cooperation, BBSSL is playing a crucial role in conserving indigenous seed varieties and promoting organic farming practices. By focusing on traditional seeds that are naturally resilient and require fewer chemical inputs, BBSSL aims to foster eco-friendly farming methods and contribute to sustainable agriculture.
This initiative aligns with global efforts to preserve agricultural biodiversity. Similar to India’s seed vault in Ladakh, which safeguards over 10,000 seed varieties, such measures are crucial in protecting genetic diversity and ensuring resilience against environmental challenges.
