Araku’s Seed Festival Spotlights Millets and Indigenous Crops

The 16th annual Indigenous Seed Festival, known locally as Patha Vithanala Pandaga or the Eastern Ghats Biodiversity Festival, is set to take place from April 26 in the Araku region of Alluri Sitarama Raju (ASR) district, Andhra Pradesh.Hosted in the tribal hamlet of Killoguda in Dumbriguda mandal, the two-day event celebrates the rich agricultural heritage and biodiversity of tribal communities from Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.

Organized by P. Devullu, secretary of the environmental protection society 'Sanjeevini', the festival aims to bring together tribal farmers to showcase and exchange a diverse array of indigenous seeds, including millets, paddy, pulses, cereals, turmeric, medicinal herbs, and forest produce. These seeds will be displayed in traditional earthen vessels and leaf containers, emphasizing sustainable practices and cultural preservation

The festival not only facilitates seed exchange but also serves as a platform for discussions on traditional farming practices, conservation of native seed varieties, and the protection of indigenous biodiversity. Notable attendees include Lahari Bai, a tribal woman from Madhya Pradesh and brand ambassador of millets; Raimati Ghiuria, a tribal farmer from Odisha known as the 'Queen of Millets'; and Pangi Vinitha, ASR district's natural farming expert.

This event underscores the importance of preserving traditional agricultural knowledge and promoting sustainable farming practices among tribal communities.

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