header banner

Role of seed banks hailed

alt=
By No Author
KATHMANDU, Dec 19: Given the growing scarcity of local genetic resources and increasing influence of multinational companies in seed supplies, experts have stressed the need to promote seed production at community level by promoting local seed banks.



Speaking at a program here on Wednesday, Dr Ratnakar Adhikari, chief executive director of South Asia Watch on Trade, Economics and Environment (SAWTEE), underlined the need to institutionalize community seed banks. [break]



SAARC countries have already agreed to establish the SAARC Seed Bank to preserve local genetic resources of seeds available in the region.



Kamalesh Adhikari, leader of a team formed to study the situation of community seed banks, said SAARC member countries should put in place a mechanism to exchange seeds among them.



Ram Ekawal Prasad Yadav of Community Seed Bank at Kacharwa, Bara, sought support from the government and non-governmental organizations to ensure sustainability of community seed banks, which have been playing significant role in preserving the seeds of local indigenous crops.



Related story

Lending slows as banks focus on recovery of loans at fiscal yea...

Related Stories
SOCIETY

Seed supplier compensates rice farmers for crop fa...

Seed supplier compensates rice farmers for crop failure
WORLD

Rybakina plots revenge over Sabalenka in Australia...

623802269_2303297450184975_1092695960652424452_n-1769732564.webp
SOCIETY

Child dies choking on lychee seed

1686884587_lichi-1200x560_20230616121335.jpg
SOCIETY

Whiteflies destroy seed-bearing paddy in Nawalpara...

paddy-field_20191101093004.jpg
ECONOMY

Government to offer Rs 5 million seed capital for...

Minstry-Of-Finance-_20200222103110.jpg