Seed Saving with Negi ji

I nearly forgot one of the most important workshops at Navdanya: Seed Saving! Negi ji, who has been with Navdanya for all 25 years took time during one of his visits to sit down and share the basics of seed saving practices at Bija Vidyapeeth. Even at the farm they have made mistakes and Negi ji was happy to share with us all the methods tried so that we may learn from their mistakes.

Seed saving containers at Bija Vidyapeeth have ranged from plastic to tin drums to bamboo baskets. Negi ji shared with us that the bamboo baskets - plastered with a mixture of cow dung, urine, and rice husks - provide the best environment for keep seeds. Plastic containers and tin drums allowed moisture inside leading to disease and rot of the seeds. In the plastered bamboo baskets Bija Vidyapeeth was able to keep seeds for up to 3 years with still a 95% germination rate. He also told us that an ancient seed saving practice in India is to place seeds inside an empty gourd and seal with cow dung.

The most important thing when saving seeds is to ensure the seeds stay dry. The seed bank at Bija Vidyapeeth was also built with moisture control in mind. No cement was used in the construction of the seed bank. Instead, the walls are reinforced with cow dung and urine. For large quantities of seed (such as rice and grains) that will be saved in large containers, these containers should be kept at least 8" off the ground by bricks or wood. These seeds should be stored in the container in layers to deter pests. Negi ji recommended to layer the seed, then the husk, seed, husk, etc., then place some chilies in the top, and finally add a layer of cow dung. Seeds can also be hung from the ceiling. Millet and radish seeds are hung from the ceiling in the Bija Vidyapeeth Seed Bank. And that's seed saving basics in a... seed shell!

Inside the Bija Vidyapeeth Seed Bank.

Negi ji - his shirt reads, "Trust Me, I'm a Farmer"