Meet the tribal women saving India's forgotten seeds with a unique seed bank

A unique seed bank in Madhya Pradesh's Mandla district is helping preserve India's rich agricultural heritage as tribal women work to protect more than 50 indigenous and traditional seed varieties. Inspired by Millet Queen Lahari Bai, the women of Pangri village are reviving forgotten crops, encouraging sustainable farming, and promoting chemical-free agriculture for future generations.

The community-run initiative stores rare millets and traditional grains that are gradually disappearing from farms. Lahari Bai says these nutrient-rich crops are an invaluable part of India's farming heritage and should be cultivated widely to improve health and food security.

Members of the women's group say the seed bank aims to conserve endangered seed varieties while motivating farmers across Mandla to grow them again. They believe traditional crops grown without chemical fertilizers are healthier and more sustainable. Beyond seed conservation, the initiative is empowering tribal women with greater self-reliance while ensuring that indigenous farming knowledge and biodiversity continue to thrive for generations to come.