Beej Bachao Andolan (BBA) - India

The first step in the programme was the discontinuation of the cultivation of chemical-dependent seeds. To accomplish this outcome, programme organisers visited villages in the region to learn more about traditional varieties of seeds. They then organised food marches as well as meetings to create awareness about the importance of protecting traditional seeds. Programme organisers sampled different varieties and combinations of seeds, returning to farmers the varieties that were particularly useful. BBA also actively promoted the use of traditional farming methods such as baranaja.

Agriculture, Environment.

A farmer and social activist from Jardhargaon realised that modern agriculture was destroying traditional farming. Crop yields of the ‘high-yielding varieties' in modern agriculture were actually low and soil fertility was declining, leading to an increasing dependence on toxic chemicals. Along with other activists of the Chipko movement, this activist formed the BBA to promote traditional agriculture and crop varieties.In the valley of Ramasirain, Uttarkashi district, farmers were growing a distinctive variety of red rice called chardhan. The rice was nutritious and suited to local requirements and conditions. Farmers also grew indigenous varieties like thapchini, jhumkiya, rikhwa and lal basmati. Agriculture here was untouched by modern practices and good yields were obtained without the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides. What the farmers here were doing was avoiding monocultures in a method called baranaja (12 grains) that involves the multicropping of a number of cereals and legumes. This diversification is security against drought and crop failure. Different crops are harvested at different times of the year and ensure year-round supply of food. This also maintains soil fertility and replenishes nitrogen.

Today BBA has about 150 varieties of paddy from which 100 different varieties can still be grown. Of these, tapachini and jhamcha yield about 72 quintals per hectare. BBA has also collected 170 varieties of rajma. Effective pest control is accomplished by using the leaves of the walnut and neem, and the application of ash and cow's urine. The use of traditional farming methods and seeds has resulted in higher yields, improved health of humans and livestock, and the increased conservation of soil fertility and agro-biodiversity.