Nauni varsity scaling production of natural farming-based seeds

In a major push to natural farming, production of seeds has been initiated through farmer producer companies (FPCs) by Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry (UHF), Nauni, across the state.

With 80 per cent of field crop seeds in Himachal being sourced from outside according to the State Seed Certification Agency’s data (2019–20), this project aims to reverse the trend besides empowering FPCs.

Funded by the Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Centre for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), these farmers will no longer have to procure local seeds — an integral part of this environment friendly and self-reliant farming system.

“Rapidly emerging as a climate-resilient, eco-friendly and low-cost system, natural farming eliminates the use of chemicals and relies on locally available resources. Over 2.2 lakh farmers in Himachal Pradesh have adopted this sustainable practice,” explained Dr Sanjiv Chauhan, Director Research.

Dr Sudhir Verma, Principal Investigator of the project, informed that they were focussing on conserving native seed diversity, reducing dependency on external inputs and developing farmer-led seed production and distribution systems.

“Five FPCs — Karsog, Chaupal, Pachhad, Solan and Sundernagar Naturals, have been identified as key partners with each specialising in specific crops suited to their region. The FPC at Karsog will concentrate on producing seeds for cereals, millets and vegetables while Chaupal will specialise in cereals and vegetables. The FPCs at Pachhad and Solan will focus on cereals, vegetables, garlic and ginger, while the one at Sundernagar will pay specific attention to cereals and vegetables,” he said.

In a bid to ensure optimal results university scientists would provide scientific and technical support, develop protocols for seed collection, conservation, multiplication and distribution, along with key initiatives like molecular and nutritional profiling of the seeds.

While elaborating on its importance Dr Chauhan remarked that the demand for seeds grown under natural farming far exceeds availability forcing the growers to use external or chemically treated seeds. “Promoting natural farming without emphasising on seeds produced under natural conditions defeats the very purpose. Ensuring self-reliance on seeds is vital for its long-term sustainability,” he emphasised.

The implementation strategy promotes decentralised governance through FPCs. Community-managed seed banks will be established in selected FPCs, supported by low-cost, climate-resilient storage infrastructure. Traditional seed preservation methods such as mud pots, kothars and bins will be revived with improved ventilation and labelling to maintain year-round viability.

Sharing his vision, Vice Chancellor Prof Rajeshwar Chandel said “Economically, it will ensure local availability of climate-resilient seeds at affordable prices, reduce dependence on costly hybrids, and enhance profitability through resilient indigenous crops. Environmentally, it will revive agro-biodiversity, reduce carbon footprint by eliminating chemicals and socially, it will create livelihood opportunities and promote traditional knowledge.”