Women Farmers Led Seeds Preservation

LoCOS promote local seed collection preservation system led by women farmers. Seeds of local varieties are preserved by families for generations. This practice of seed preservation is the most adaptive way of cultivation for the distinct conditions of the coastal areas in Bangladesh. In what is considered a yearly tradition, female farmers exchange the seeds at the “seed fair”, organized every year by the local farmers’ organization and non-government development organization LoCOS. Local women display, exchange and distribute over 200 varieties of seeds in the fair. They learn about seed collection and preservation of local varieties in proper way. Over 300 women in the locality preserve local seeds. This preservation process is important as it is cheaper and more climate adaptable, and yields higher production than the hybrid seeds available in the market.