With the aim of preserving seed diversity and genetic heritage, encouraging the adoption of organic farming practices, and improving rural livelihoods, GREEN Foundation works through around 40 farmers' groups – termed Krishi Self-Help Groups – covering 30 villages across the northern districts of Karnataka, comprising a target population of almost 5,000 farmers, with a particular focus on women and indigenous peoples. All groups are members of a farmers' federation, Janadhanya. Beginning in 1994 with just a handful of farmers, the association now comprises 650 members.

GREEN staff oversee agricultural trainings through outreach services and conservation awareness raising activities, while much of the work of the foundation takes place in-situ, in community-managed seed banks and through on-farm seed cultivation. The foundation currently cultivates 328 varieties of indigenous seed, which have been revived, reintroduced, multiplied and stored in gene banks.

 

Key Facts 

Equator Prize Winner: 2004

Founded: 1994

Location: northern rural districts of Karnataka, South India

Beneficiaries: nearly 5,000 farmers

Biodiversity: seed and gene banks

 

Case Study

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Find other Winners' Case Studies in our E-Library