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KATHMANDU, Dec 19: Given the growing scarcity of local genetic resources and increasing influence of multinational companies in seed supplies, experts have stressed the need to promote seed production at community level by promoting local seed banks.
Speaking at a program here on Wednesday, Dr Ratnakar Adhikari, chief executive director of South Asia Watch on Trade, Economics and Environment (SAWTEE), underlined the need to institutionalize community seed banks.
SAARC countries have already agreed to establish the SAARC Seed Bank to preserve local genetic resources of seeds available in the region.
Kamalesh Adhikari, leader of a team formed to study the situation of community seed banks, said SAARC member countries should put in place a mechanism to exchange seeds among them.
Ram Ekawal Prasad Yadav of Community Seed Bank at Kacharwa, Bara, sought support from the government and non-governmental organizations to ensure sustainability of community seed banks, which have been playing significant role in preserving the seeds of local indigenous crops.
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