Seed banking and a combination of revitalised traditional and introduced novel agricultural practices are helping improve food security and climate change adaptive potential in the drylands of Karnataka, India.

Nature-based Intervention:

In the drylands of Karnataka state in India, the Genetic Resource, Energy, Ecology and Nutrition (GREEN) Foundation is working to conserve agricultural biodiversity and encourage sustainable farming practices mainly through the provision and protection of climate-resilient traditional seed varieties. A method of on-farm selection of high-yielding, pest- and disease-resistant strains helps improve food security for farmers in the drylands partly through the improved ability to adapt to future climate change impacts. The Foundation also practices seed banking which has facilitated the collection and conservation of over 90 varieties of finger millet, 85 varieties of paddy, 55 minor millet varieties, 25 pulses and numerous oil seeds and vegetables. Kitchen gardens have also been encouraged, providing hundreds of families with food, fuel, medicines, and fodder for livestock. Seed fairs, seed management committees, and seed saver networks are helping spread knowledge about the value of seed banking for food security and climate change adaptation.

Overview of context and outcomes:

These efforts were further bolstered by a revitalisation of traditional and incorporation of new agricultural practices including mixed cropping, intercropping, nursery production, and indigenous agroforestry and livestock management.