(from the LinkedIn post of Dr Bhagirath Choudhary)
Imagine walking through a lush fennel field in Kachholi village, Sirohi district of Rajasthan, where rows of vibrant green plants sway gently in the breeze. This is the site of an extraordinary new milestone in agriculture: the “Abu Saunf Community Gene Bank.” Established through the collaborative efforts of the South Asia Biotechnology Centre (SABC) in Jodhpur and CAZRI’s RRS, Pali, under the Biotech Kisan Hub project supported by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), India, this initiative is transforming the way farmers preserve and protect fennel (saunf) biodiversity.
Dr Bhagirath Chowdhary from South Asia Biotechnology Centre showing the Abu Saunf Community Gene Bank in Rajasthan, India (Image courtesy YouTube Channel of South Asia Biotechnology Centre SABC, @southasiabiotechnologycent8604)
A First-of-its-Kind Initiative in Rajasthan
Rajasthan can now proudly boast about its first community-driven gene bank dedicated to fennel. The “Abu Saunf Community Gene Bank” isn’t just a collection of seeds—it’s a testament to the dedication of local farmers who act as true custodians of agricultural biodiversity. More than 100 unique fennel accessions, collected from major fennel-growing regions across Rajasthan, have found a safe and permanent home here.
Why a Community Gene Bank?
At its core, this community gene bank focuses on the collection, documentation, storage, and exchange of both traditional and improved fennel seeds. By preserving local varieties that have adapted to the specific agro-climatic conditions of Sirohi and other regions, farmers stand a better chance of maintaining resilient crops in the face of changing climates. These efforts ensure that future generations will benefit from the diverse traits, flavors, and cultural heritage encapsulated in these seeds.
The Role of PPV&FRA in Empowering Farmers
One crucial aspect of this initiative is its alignment with the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPV&FRA) of India. PPV&FRA provides a legal framework to:
1. Encourage farmers to register their unique and traditional crop varieties, securing official recognition.
2. Protect farmers’ rights so they can continue to save, use, exchange, and sell farm-saved seeds.
3. Promote fair benefit-sharing, ensuring that farmers, who are the primary custodians of these genetic resources, receive their rightful rewards.
By working closely with PPV&FRA, the “Abu Saunf Community Gene Bank” underscores the importance of in-situ conservation—where local farming communities maintain and enhance genetic diversity right in their fields, while also gaining legal protection and recognition for their valuable contributions.
Meet Farmer Ishaq Ali
The farmer hosting this community gene bank is Ishaq Ali, who exemplifies the central role of local communities in protecting genetic resources. Under the guidance of the Biotech Kisan Hub, Ishaq Ali has been passionately working to develop high-yielding fennel varieties that suit local agro-ecological conditions. One notable success is “Abu Saunf-440,” a promising variety he developed that is in the process of being registered under the PPV&FRA as a farmer variety.
This registration journey not only elevates the standing of “Abu Saunf-440” but also demonstrates how farmers themselves can drive agricultural innovation, safeguard biodiversity, and adapt to climate change—all with the support of India’s legal frameworks for plant variety protection.
A Gift to “Rising Rajasthan” and Beyond
The “Abu Saunf Community Gene Bank” stands as a gift from the fennel farmers of Sirohi to the broader agricultural community. It serves as a pioneering model for other regions, showing how collective determination and strong partnerships—across government agencies, research institutions, and farming communities—can foster economic resilience, food security, and biodiversity conservation.
Through this remarkable project, “Rising Rajasthan” is living up to its name, shining as an example of how bold ideas and tireless efforts can lead to lasting impact. The farmers of Sirohi have shown that they’re not only growing crops but also cultivating a more sustainable future—for themselves, for India, and for farmers all around the globe.
Image-Dr Bhagirath Chowdhary from South Asia Biotechnology Centre showing the Abu Saunf Community Gene Bank in Rajasthan, India (Image courtesy YouTube Channel of South Asia Biotechnology Centre SABC, @southasiabiotechnologycent8604)
Special Thanks
A heartfelt acknowledgment to the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), CAZRI RRS Pali, and the South Asia Biotechnology Centre (SABC) for their unwavering support and vision.
Together with the PPV&FRA of India, they are championing the rights and innovations of farming communities—reminding us that when farmers unite to protect and share their agricultural heritage, everyone reaps the benefits.
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