Meet the Woman Who’s Saving India’s Native Seeds!
V Priya Rajnarayanan has dedicated her life to preserving over 600 varieties of native vegetable seeds. She gives them away for free to farmers and gardeners, empowering them to grow their own food sustainably.
Image Credit : 30 stades
The Seed Savior: V Priya Rajnarayanan’s Quest to Preserve Native Vegetable Seeds
V Priya Rajnarayanan’s work is a breath of fresh air. This passionate seed conservator has dedicated her life to preserving over 600 varieties of native vegetable seeds.
Priya’s love affair with native seeds began with a simple realization: these seeds are incredibly resilient and adaptable to local conditions. They’re also packed with nutrients and can thrive in challenging climates. Convinced of their importance, Priya made it her mission to promote their use.
But what sets Priya apart is her generosity. She doesn’t sell her precious seeds; instead, she gives them away for free to farmers, home gardeners, and anyone interested in heirloom seeds. Her motto is simple: empower people to grow their own food using sustainable, indigenous seeds.
Priya’s collection is impressive, with over 600 varieties of native vegetable seeds. She carefully stores each variety, keeping between 100 gm and 250 gm of each. Any surplus seeds are distributed among farmers, free of charge.
But Priya’s work goes beyond just collecting and distributing seeds. She regularly conducts training and awareness workshops with farmers and institutions interested in native seeds. Her goal is to educate people about the importance of preserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable farming practices.
Priya’s selfless work is an inspiration to us all. In a world that often values profit over people and the planet, she reminds us of the importance of living in harmony with nature.
Anamika Chakravorty, Staff Reporter
