🌱 The Seed Guardian
Meet Padma Shri Awardee Debal Deb, an unsung hero from India. Deb, an ecologist, has single-handedly conserved more than 1420 traditional rice varieties within his two-acre farm in West Bengal, India, becoming the savior of India’s agricultural heritage.
💡 The Impact
Debal’s work not only preserves biodiversity but also aids in the fight against climate change. His traditional rice varieties are climate-resilient and require less water and no chemical fertilizers making them sustainable. Villagers around his farm have started adopting these rice varieties, contributing to the conservation effort.
📍 The Bigger Picture
What started as a personal mission for Deb has now emerged as a beacon of hope for sustainable farming. His farm, called Vrihi, has become a gene bank for traditional rice varieties. It has inspired farmers across India to switch to traditional rice farming, thereby promoting sustainable agriculture.
- Ecologist: Debal Deb
- Rice Varieties Conserved: 1420+
- Location: West Bengal, India
Debal’s efforts have been acknowledged by the Indian government, earning him the prestigious Padma Shri award in 2021. His story underlines the importance of every individual’s role in preserving our environment. For more information, visit here.
It’s a call to everyone to support such initiatives and contribute to sustainable living in whatever way they can. Together, we can ensure a greener, healthier planet for future generations.