The last day of the “JJGV Pakhwada”, i.e., 15th November, 2025 was observed as the “Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas” by paying homage to ‘Bhagwan Birsa Munda’ to commemorate his 150th birth anniversary. A special farmers’ training cum awareness programme was organized on the theme, “Setting up seed banks to preserve indigenous crop varieties” in Kandalei tribal village of Binjagiri, inside the Chandaka reserve forest of Khordha district. The participants were sensitized on the importance of preserving indigenous seeds of different crops like paddy, pulses, millets, oilseeds, fruits and vegetables as these are lifelines for ecological and cultural survival. Conserving them through ‘Community Seed Banks’ ensures biodiversity, flourishes even in unpredictable climates, safeguards food systems for generations and combats malnutrition. Even, these varieties thrive in organic systems, since they are adapted to low-input natural farming practices. By combining traditional knowledge with innovation, farmers gain resilience. Community Seed Banks safeguard diverse genetic resources ensuring future generations to have access to resilient and nutritious crops. By preserving and sharing local seeds, tribal farmers reduce reliance on corporate seed companies and maintain sovereignty. Apart from the above, the farmers were also made aware of the laws like ‘India’s Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act’ (PPVFRA), which safeguard farmers’ rights to save, share, and exchange seeds. The programme was attended by about fifty farmers and farm women from the village, beside over twenty children and resource persons. The event was conducted and coordinated by Dr. S.K. Mishra, Dr, H.K. Dash and Dr. Om Prakash Verma. Some of the action and activity photographs of Day-15 (15.11.2025) are presented below.
