Bangladesh has a long and rich agricultural heritage, deeply rooted in diverse indigenous seeds and traditional farming practices. However, with the growing dominance of hybrid and commercial seeds, many local crop varieties are disappearing. This threatens not only our biodiversity but also the food and nutrition security of future generations. To address this challenge, community seed banks (CSBs) are emerging as a powerful tool for conserving and promoting local seeds.
Why Community Seed Banks Matter
- Preservation of Indigenous Seeds
Community seed banks play a vital role in collecting, storing, and regenerating native seed varieties that are disappearing due to monoculture and climate change. These seeds are often more resilient to local pests, diseases, and environmental stresses. - Ensuring Farmers’ Seed Sovereignty
By maintaining local seed stocks, farmers are less dependent on commercial seed companies. This helps reduce input costs and ensures they have continuous access to diverse, high-quality seeds. - Promoting Climate Resilience
Indigenous seeds are often better adapted to local climates. In the face of unpredictable weather, drought, or flooding, community seed banks provide farmers with seed varieties that can survive and thrive in tough conditions. - Food and Nutrition Security
Many traditional crop varieties are richer in nutrients compared to modern hybrids. Conserving these seeds ensures that communities have access to diverse and nutritious food sources. - Strengthening Community Bonds
Community seed banks are not just storage facilities—they are platforms for knowledge sharing, farmer-to-farmer exchange, and collective decision-making. They build solidarity and empower farming communities.
The Way Forward
In Bangladesh, strengthening community seed banks is essential for building a resilient, biodiverse, and self-reliant agricultural system. Government agencies, NGOs, and local communities must work together to scale up seed banks, provide training, and raise awareness about the value of indigenous seeds.
By protecting our seed heritage today, we secure the foundation for tomorrow’s food security and sustainable agriculture
