Strengthening of traditional paddy seed selection practices of tribal farm families with improved knowledge and skills in Koraput district, Odisha

Abstract

<span style="font-size:11.0pt;font-family: " times="" new="" roman";mso-fareast-font-family:"times="" roman";mso-bidi-font-family:="" mangal;mso-ansi-language:en-gb;mso-fareast-language:en-us;mso-bidi-language:="" hi"="" lang="EN-GB">Koraput is known to be a centre of origin and diversity of Asian cultivated rice (<i>Oryza sativa</i> L.) and recently recognized as one of the agro-biodiversity hot spots in India. Tribal and rural farm families in Koraput raise food crops using local seeds and have a repository of traditional seed selection practices. While farmers have valuable traditional knowledge, there is a lack of support mechanisms and relevant training to enhance their skills in the seed selection process. This paper examines the impact of training on the knowledge and skill of farmers’ with a specific focus on seed selection practices and its management. The study brings out the significance of capacity building of farm families through Training of Trainers (TOT) programme. The impact of training reveals enhanced knowledge, skill and decision making among farmers with regard to seed selection. Pure and quality seeds helped to improve agricultural productivity and ensured household food security. Purified seeds of landraces cultivated in different land categories fetched 30-50 % higher prices. Designation of such farmers as Primary Trainers provides them recognition and a distinct identity in their community and their services made use by the KKRGC and Village Knowledge Centre (VKC). To make the practice sustainable, there is a need for supportive Government policies to maintain and develop traditional seeds <i>in situ</i> and on farm.</span>