Rajasthan

• 15 Jul 2024

Rajasthan Tribal Movement

Why in News?

A popular movement in the tribal-dominated regions of southern Rajasthan is working to preserve indigenous seed varieties, many of which are on the brink of extinction. This effort is promoting crop diversity and enhancing climate resilience.

Key Points

• In the tribal belt at the tri-junction of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, thousands of tribal people, from about 1,000 villages and hamlets took part in a series of Beej Utsavs, or seed festivals.
  • The seed festivals exhibited traditional seeds and held interactive sessions on their properties and significance.
  • The tribals were encouraged to protect their rich heritage of biodiversity through farm practices handed down through several generations.
• Indigenous seeds are an important legacy preserved by tribal communities in the midst of the increasing influence of multinational companies in the agriculture sector.
• Banswara-based voluntary group Vaagdhara was the main organiser of the Beej Utsav events, which were facilitated by other tribal rights groups, such as Krishi Evum Adivasi Swaraj Sangathan, Gram Swaraj Samooh, Saksham Samooh, and Baal Swaraj.