Bhawanipatna, June 10: At a time when modern agriculture is increasingly dependent on chemical fertilizers and pesticides in pursuit of higher yields, farmers are gradually being trapped in a dangerous cycle of toxic farming practices. Traditional indigenous seeds are slowly losing their existence.
To counter this alarming situation, Manas Ranjan Sahu of Dharamgarh in Odisha’s Bhawanipatna district has taken up a remarkable mission. Though not an agricultural scientist by profession, his dedication and relentless effort have made him a leading promoter of chemical-free farming.
Manas has not limited himself to merely advising farmers. On his own initiative, he has established a unique “Indigenous Seed Museum” in Dharamgarh. He has transformed his farmland into a living laboratory where he continuously conducts experiments and research.
The museum does not sell seeds. Instead, Manas distributes indigenous seeds to farmers completely free of cost. In return, after harvest, farmers return double the quantity of seeds to the museum for preservation. Through this cooperative model, he has steadily expanded his seed collection with farmers’ participation. What began in 2009 with just 12 varieties of paddy seeds has now grown into a massive movement.
Champion of a Toxic-Free Green Revolution
Manas has emerged as a pioneer of a sustainable green revolution by establishing this indigenous seed conservation center. Farmers exchange seeds through the museum, helping preserve traditional crop diversity.
Today, his collection includes 1,756 varieties of indigenous seeds, among them:
833 varieties of ancient indigenous paddy seeds
730 varieties of vegetable seeds
100 varieties of millet seeds
38 varieties of palm-related seeds
He has preserved 333 varieties of brinjal (eggplant) seeds, which he says are difficult to find elsewhere. His collection also includes:
282 varieties of tomato
81 varieties of chili
11 varieties of wheat
19 varieties of maize
118 varieties of beans
24 varieties of oilseeds
38 varieties of spices
5 varieties of potato
61 varieties of okra
12 varieties of cauliflower
9 varieties of cabbage
6 varieties of knol-khol
4 varieties of broccoli
30 varieties of radish
17 varieties of carrot
8 varieties of beetroot
26 varieties of pumpkin
43 varieties of bottle gourd
8 varieties of ash gourd
35 varieties of ridge gourd
12 varieties of snake gourd
32 varieties of cucumber
18 varieties of watermelon
17 varieties of bitter gourd
9 varieties of drumstick
5 varieties of papaya
113 varieties of leafy greens
and many other rare indigenous crop seeds.
The museum also preserves several medicinal and rare rice varieties such as Baja Rajas, Veg Rajas, Manidhan, Suryadhan, Sepala Dhan, and Sunakhadi, including some unique varieties where a single grain produces two or three rice kernels.
According to Manas, excessive use of hybrid seeds and pesticides for higher productivity is reducing soil fertility and making the earth barren. He believes that preservation of indigenous seeds and promotion of organic farming are essential to protect future generations from food insecurity.
Farmers and researchers from states such as Gujarat, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Dantewada, and regions like Gadchiroli visit him to study and collect rare indigenous seeds. In exchange, they contribute seeds from their own regions.
His family members actively support this mission. Without any government assistance or expectation of financial gain, Manas’s extraordinary effort has become a major inspiration in the agricultural world.