‘Beej Utsav’ held across 3 States stresses role of indigenous seeds in agricultural sustainability

24 Jun 2025 GS 3 Environment
    Live Views: Loading...

‘Beej Utsav’ – Seed Festival 2025

Prelims Highlights:

  • What: Beej Utsav (Seed Festival) – 4-day event promoting indigenous seed preservation.

  • Where: Tribal belt at the tri-junction of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat.

  • Participants: Over 9,400 tribal farmers, including women and children.

  • Organisers:

    • Community Institutions: Krishi Evam Adivasi Swaraj Sangathan, Gram Swaraj Samooh, Saksham Samooh, Bal Swaraj Samooh.

    • NGO Support: Vaagdhara (based in Banswara, Rajasthan).

  • Key Activities:

    • Beej Samvad (seed dialogue)

    • Biodiversity fairs

    • Seed ball making

    • Plantation drives

  • Honours: Titles like ‘Beej Mitra’ and ‘Beej Mata’ awarded to seed-conserving farmers.

Mains Relevance (GS III – Agriculture, Environment, Tribal Development):

Themes and Issues Addressed:

  1. Agricultural Sustainability:

    • Revival of indigenous seed varieties reduces reliance on hybrid, chemical-based seeds.

    • Promotes low-input farming, suitable for small and marginal farmers.

  2. Seed Sovereignty and Biodiversity:

    • Restoring community-led seed systems strengthens biodiversity.

    • Encourages local adaptation to climate change through resilient seed varieties.

  3. Tribal Empowerment:

    • Recognition of tribal farmers’ traditional knowledge.

    • Cultural approach to agriculture (seeds as identity, tradition, life).

  4. Climate Change Mitigation:

    • Promotes climate-resilient agriculture.

    • Reduces carbon footprint from chemical inputs.

  5. Food Security and Health:

    • Indigenous seeds often yield nutritious and safe food.

    • Helps tackle hidden hunger in tribal belts.

Quote for Essay/GS Answers:

“Seeds are not just the foundation of farming, but also symbols of identity, culture, and climate resilience.” 

 UPSC Practice Questions:

Prelims:

  • With reference to the objectives of the Beej Utsav, consider the following statements:

    1. It seeks to reduce dependence on market-driven seed systems by encouraging community-led seed banks.

    2. It promotes agricultural sustainability through seed exchanges and biodiversity fairs.

    3. It supports the integration of genetically modified seed varieties with tribal seed heritage.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    a) 1 and 2 only
    b) 1 and 3 only
    c) 2 and 3 only
    d) 1, 2, and 3

    Answer: a) 1 and 2 only
    Statement 3 is incorrect – The festival promotes indigenous, traditional seed systems, not GM varieties.

Mains:

  • Q: Discuss the role of indigenous seed preservation in sustainable agriculture and food sovereignty, with reference to initiatives like ‘Beej Utsav’.



← Back to list