Preserving Our Roots: The 17th Annual Traditional Seed Festival
Lights Up Araku

On April 28 and 29, the village of Killoguda in the Araku region became the center of a growing movement for agricultural sovereignty. Organized by the Sanjeevini Environment Protection Society, the 17th Annual Traditional Seed Festival brought together a diverse group of Adivasi farmers, agricultural scientists, and environmental advocates from across South India.

A Celebration of Heritage

The festival began with a powerful display of community pride. Villagers led a procession through Killoguda, carrying preserved indigenous seeds while the rhythmic beats of traditional drums and Dhimsa dance performances filled the air.

Special guest T. Baburao Naidu, Executive Director of the Rythu Sadhikara Samstha (RySS), spent time at the various stalls, engaging with farmers from the Nilgiris (Tamil Nadu), Koraput (Odisha), and Rampachodavaram to learn about the rare varieties on display.

Honoring Our Seed Saviors:

A major highlight of the event was the traditional seed exhibition competition. The following individuals were recognized and felicitated for their dedication to biodiversity:

Sukri from Gondivalasa village (Andhra Pradesh)
Manikanta from Tamil Nadu
Pratik Mori from Maharashtra

A standout attraction was the exhibition of 80 different varieties of tuber seeds presented by the villagers of Gondivalasa, which drew significant attention from both visitors and researchers.

Expert Voices for a Greener Future

The event featured a dedicated meeting presided over by Pachari Devullu, General Secretary of Sanjeevini. Leading experts shared their insights on the importance of organic farming and seed conservation:

Ravi Varma (Dhanvantari Sahasrayu Peetham)
Vijayaram (SAVE Foundation)
Scientist Pathro (Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University)
Scientist Srinivas (IIMR)
Jacob Nellithanam (Convener, Beej Swaraj Manch)

These speakers collectively urged the government to provide official recognition and support for organic farming clusters in the Araku region to ensure long-term environmental health.

Community Solidarity

The success of the festival was made possible by the active participation of numerous activists and community leaders, including:

Environmental activists Sohan Atangadi and Jayashree Atangadi
Sanjeevini Director P. Varalakshmi
Killoguda Sarpanch Seetharam
Adivasi Mitra President K. Manmadha Rao
Prakash (WASAN)

By bridging the gap between traditional wisdom and modern science, the Sanjeevini organization continues to lead the way in protecting the biodiversity of the Eastern Ghats.