This Tamil Nadu Couple Conserves 2000+ Rice Varieties

On the coast of Tamil Nadu, a quiet agricultural revolution is taking root. At the Arivar Traditional Seed Centre in Nagapattinam, Sivaranjini S. and Saravanakumaran P. are nurturing a living seed bank of over 2,200 traditional rice varieties, an effort deeply rooted in the experiences of Sivaranjini’s father, Sivaji R. A farmer for over five decades, Shivaji once embraced high-yielding varieties due to the Green Revolution. But a turning point came in 1988, when local fishermen sought traditional rice that could withstand harsh conditions at sea. This led him to rediscover resilient native varieties and rethink modern farming practices. The 2004 Tsunami further reinforced the value of salt-tolerant indigenous grains, shaping his commitment to conservation. Building on his foundation, Sivaranjini and Saravanakumaran transformed the farm into a living seed bank in 2015. Today, across five acres, over 2,200 traditional rice varieties are cultivated, documented, and preserved using scientific methods that ensure genetic purity and adaptability. In a world facing climate uncertainty and shrinking biodiversity, this 'living seed bank' is more than a farm, it is an archive, a laboratory, a protest, and a wager on the future. One that proves conservation need not be confined to research institutions or gene banks but can thrive in the hands of committed individuals, safeguarding food security for generations to come. Contact details - +918939195933 Location - https://maps.app.goo.gl/NmRhGT6T2E63j... #goodfoodmovement #seedbank #tamilnadu