Andhra Pradesh hosts 2-day indigenous seed festival at tribal hamlet of Dumbriguda mandal in Alluri Sitharama Raju district

VISAKHAPATNAM: A two-day traditional and indigenous seed festival (Patha Vithanala Pandaga), aimed at the conservation of native seed varieties and their usage sharing among farmers, commenced at Killoguda tribal hamlet of Dumbriguda mandal in Alluri Sitharama Raju (ASR) district on Saturday, April 26. The festival was organised by the environment protection society "Sanjeevini".
Tribals, farmers, and voluntary organisations from various states—working extensively on seed conservation, organic fertilisers, and natural farming practices—actively participated in the festival. Over 60 stalls showcasing traditional heirloom seeds and indigenous products attracted and impressed the visitors.
Farmers and organisations from the Nilgiris (Tamil Nadu), Wayanad (Kerala), Koraput (Odisha), and the Araku and Rampachodavaram regions (Andhra Pradesh) brought indigenous varieties of millets, pulses, paddy, vegetables, and a few others. They displayed the native seeds and products and exchanged traditional knowledge among themselves.
The festival commenced with a floral tribute to the late Pachari Ammaji, a key figure in Sanjeevini NGO’s earlier initiatives, honouring her contributions to tribal welfare and seed conservation. Following the tribute, a vibrant seed procession was carried out by the villagers of Killoguda, showcasing seeds they carefully preserved.
Cultural performances, including the Koya horn and Dhimsa dances by artist groups from Chinturu and Araku regions, added colour and excitement to the celebrations.
One of the major highlights of the event was the participation of Raimati Guria, honoured nationally as the "Millet Queen of India," and Pangi Vineetha, recipient of the Andhra Pradesh State Award for excellence in organic farming. Their presence drew special attention, and delegates from different states eagerly interacted with them to learn from their experiences.
Addressing the gathering, P Devullu, organiser of the seed festival and secretary of the environment protection society "Sanjeevini," emphasised that the Old Seeds Festival, organised consistently for the past sixteen years, aims to conserve traditional food crop seeds, preserve the rich biodiversity of the Eastern Ghats, and promote sustainable livelihoods for tribal communities.
He expressed satisfaction over the overwhelming and growing response, noting how the event evolved from a local initiative involving a few tribal farmers to a national platform with participation from organisations and farmers across the country, he added.