The State’s agricultural think tank Birsa Agriculture University (BAU) took initiative to preserve local traditional seeds as the scientific team of the university organized a one-day meeting and seed distribution program for the farmers on 'Protection of Community Knowledge' at Lord Birsa Munda’s birth place, Ulihatu village of Khunti district.
In the meeting, Chairman, Department of Forestry, Faculty of Forestry, Dr Kaushal Kumar informed that under the direction and guidance of Vice-Chancellor, Dr Omkar Nath Singh, BAU has taken initiative to search for plant genetics of crops and tribal farmers and farming community who preserve local traditional crop varieties. On the occasion, Kumar threw light on the importance and utility of plant genetics of crops and traditional crop varieties.
Speaking on the occasion, scientist of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Simdega, Dr Bandhu Oraon said that the plant genetic diversity of crops used from generation to generation has special importance which is a priceless heritage for future generations. These traditional crop varieties need to be protected, he added.
The survey work was completed by discussing the plant genetics and traditional crop varieties suitable for the local environment with the scientists from the tribal farmers and farming community present in the meeting. The scientists got success in this survey. The meeting revealed two traditional plant genetics of paddy, which are locally known as 'Jolpo' and 'Da Baba'. The experiences of cultivation of both the varieties were shared with the farmers.
The farmers also discussed the traditionally useful medicinal plant 'Mandukaparni', which is called 'Choke Ada' in Ulihatu. On the occasion, the scientists informed the farmers about the conservation of 'Mandukaparni'.
Paddy seed distribution program was organized under the Tribal Sub Plan of ICAR-Network Project on Organic Farming operated in BAU on the occasion. On this occasion, scientists distributed 6.5 quintal seeds of improved varieties of paddy to 40 tribal farmers of Ulihatu village of Khunti district for advance perception. On the occasion, the research scholar of the project, Dr Ruplal Prasad gave information about the characteristics and crop management of three improved varieties of paddy distributed, Swarna Shakti and Swarna Shreya. Prakash Kumar of Attic Center assisted in seed distribution.