The ‘Beej Utsav’ in three states highlights the importance of indigenous seeds for agricultural sustainability.

• Held in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat, the festival highlighted the role of indigenous seeds in agricultural sustainability.

• Over 9,400 tribal communities participated, learning techniques of preserving indigenous seeds.

• The festival was organized in over 60 panchayats across the three states.

• Activities included ‘Beej Samvad’, biodiversity fairs,’seed ball’ making, and plantation drives.

• Community honours were awarded to exemplary seed-preserving farmers.

• Community-led institutions like Krishi Evam Adivasi Swaraj Sangathan, Gram Swaraj Samooh, Saksham Samooh, and Bal Swaraj Samooh were instrumental in organizing the festival.

• Vaagdhara, a Banswara-based voluntary group, emphasized the importance of seeds as symbols of identity, life, nutrition, culture, and climate resilience.