"Plant Genetic Resources conservation awareness programme and Biodiversity Fair was organized by the ICAR-NBPGR New Delhi on 07.03.2024 at village Darakwadi, Khed block, district Pune, Maharashtra, under Tribal Sub Plan in collaboration with BAIF Development Research Foundation, Pune, a NGO. This was to create awareness among tribal farmers regarding the importance and necessity of cultivation, conservation and use of crops diversity in landraces, traditional farmers varieties, keeping in view the erosion of agro-biodiversity especially in the tribal areas of Maharashtra. Over 150 tribal farmers belonging to Hindu Mahadev Koli, Katkari and Thakar tribal communities of Khed block of Pune district have participated. Khed block is under Ambegaon Tehsil, which is classified as tribal area in Pune district. The region has rich agro-biodiversity in cultivated and wild plants of economic importance. Tribal and rural communities have made significant contributions in farming and conservation of agro-biodiversity over a period of many centuries. Increasing population, commercialization of agriculture and mono-cropping resulted in erosion of available genetic diversity. The programme began with an invocation song followed by lighting of lamp by the dignitaries. Dr. Sanjay Patil, Chief Thematic Programme Executive, BAIF, (Member of RAC and IMC of NBPGR) while welcoming the gathering, gave an overview of the importance of the programme. In his address, he expressed gratitude to ICAR-NBPGR for collaborating with BAIF Development Research Foundation for organizing this programme for the tribal farmers of the area. Dr. S.P. Ahlawat, NBPGR, New Delhi while welcoming the farmers and organizers, explained the importance of traditional crops and local varieties/ landraces, which are nutritious, climate resilient and low-input responsive. They are on the verge of extinction/ replacement by HYVs. Dr RS Rathi NBPGR, New Delhi, outlined various activities of the Bureau, including germplasm exchange, Biodiversity Act, Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act and the National Gene Bank. Dr Sanket More, Scientist, ICAR-DPGR, Rajgurunagar also speak on importance of local crops, procedure and benefits of quality seed production, maintenance of seed quality of different varieties of onion and garlic. Mr. Milind More, Head, Sahayadri School-KFI, Gundalwadi talked about the seed of local varieties, organic cultures and different products being produced and provided by their school (Krishnamurthi Foundation-NGO) to the farmers. Dr. Vithal Kauthale, Chief Thematic Programme Executive, BAIF, spoke about the projects and activities being undertaken by the BAIF for the farmers, particularly on PGR conservation, seed production, vermiculture production etc., and strengthening the self-help groups, FPOs to ensure high return from value added products of landraces and local products. Mr. Bhau Sahab Marathe, Agriculture Officer, Khed Block told about the programs and schemes of the government being implemented for farmers. Mrs. Mamta Bai Bhangre, Genome Savior Awardee, Akole, Sriniwas Kher, MKCL Foundation, also addressed the gathering. Mrs. Seema Pachange, Sarpanch, Darakwadi, also spoke and thanked the organizers. Mr. Pankaj Katte compere the programme. An agro-biodiversity fair cum exhibition of the diversity in native seeds, vegetables, fruits and products of different agri-horticultural crops was displayed during the programme to inculcate awareness on importance and indispensability of Crop Genetic Resources. Farmers, BAIF Pune, Sahayadri School (Krishnamurthi Foundation, MKCL-Kalpvriksha), Gundalwadi and Jeevidha- FPO, Akole, displayed the diversity in seeds of paddy, maize, wheat, barley, lentil, chickpea, grasspea, other pulses, oilseeds, sorghum and other millets, onion, garlic, vegetables, banana, fruits and underutilized legumes along with posters in vernacular language for the benefit of the participants. To promote and encourage cultivation and conservation of Agri-biodiversity by the tribal farmers, minor farm implements, sickle, spade, bag with pan and pad, were distributed to 150 beneficiaries. The vegetable seeds kit was distributed by BAIF Development Research Foundation, Pune. The programme has wide coverage in local print media (Dainik Bhaskar and Pudhari). The programme ended with a vote of thanks, proposed by Mr. Abhijeet Karale, Programme Officer, BAIF. He acknowledged all for making the programme a grand success.

                                                            (Source :Dr. Sudhir Pal Ahlawat, ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi)