25th Mobile Biodiversity Festival kickstarts in Vaddi!

Jan 15, 2025 | Event

Deccan Development Society kickstarted the 25th edition of its iconic ‘Mobile Biodiversity Festival’ at Vaddi village, Nyalkal Mandal on 14th January 2025. Dr. Sheik N. Meera, Director of ICAR ATRAI Zone ‘X’ attended the ceremony as the Chief Guests. Ch. Ravi Kumar, Advocate at Telangana High Court; Ms. Usha Seethamahalakshmi, Researcher at MAKAAM; Mr. Panthangi Rambabu, Senior Journalist, Dr. D. Prasad Rao, Padmashri awardee and Reknown Cardiologist, Mr. J. Hanumanthu, Circle Inspector, Handur, B. Srinivas Reddy, local farmer leader and Mr. Koulas Rajasekhar, MPDO Nyalkal attended the ceremony as special guests. The festival kickstarted with a ritual installation of seeds by women farmers amidst traditional dances, rituals and songs. The ceremony began with lighting of lamp by guests and with a special song on 25th Mobile Biodiversity Festival sung by DDS staff members.

               

In welcome address, Ms Parmangari Narsamma, senior sangham representative, said “This is a unique festival that is not for any gods but to celebrate farmers control over crops and seeds. We have been celebrating this proudly since 25 years and will continue to do so.” Mr A. Giridhar, Joint Director of DDS, said “This festival is a one-of-its-kind in the country that celebrates biodiversity with the same value that gods and myths have. This is a great celebration of local knowledge and culture. This festival has now inspired similar celebrations in at least 11 other states in the past two decades.” Biodiversity Conserving farmers Mr N. Shobhamma, E. Narsamma, K. Lacchamma, M. Anishamma and K.Ratnamma were felicitated by the guests for their efforts in cultivation of traditional crops. A special publication titled ‘Harvest Haven – Seeds of Diversity’ was released by chief guests on this occasion. The publication catalogues traditional knowledge on 30 local food crops and around 70 landraces, detailing their characteristics, cultivation processes and preservation.

Mr B. Srinivas Reddy, local farmer leader, said “DDS has been working in our region since a very long time. It is because of the works of womens sangams in our villages that these old crops are surviving in villages.” Ms Usha Seethamahalakshmi, Researcher at MAKAAM said “The term farmer usually conjured images of only men working in fields. But it is women that do most work on the farm. It is very nice to see such a farmers’ meeting packed with women. These women have stoof on their feet practicing their traditional agricultural practices. However, we are unsure if future generations will have same access to land due to growing land acquisitions. I hope this festival can serve for discussing these crises of the upcoming era.” Mr.J. Hanumantha, Circle inspector at Hadnur said “In our native place, rice is now the only crop. But our parents and grandparents used to eat jowar roti and so many other varieties of food. I am happy to see these crops and food not only survive but celebrated like this” Mr Pathangi Rambabu, Senior Journalist said “Across the country, only three or four crops have spread across the entire agricultural area. Recent studies by ICAR and ICMR have shown that nutrition in rice is declining across years. At the same time, poisonous content is increasing. This is the kind of agriculture that government policies have caused. Festivals like these are necessary for showing that an alternative agriculture is possible.” Mr Ch. Ravi Kumar, Telangana High Court Advocate said “25 years is almost a generation. Your generation has withstood many crises to grow the old crops on your lands. However, these lands themselves are under threat now. Government is pushing for industry zones in this area at the cost of such rich agriculture. Envisioning development only through industrialization is to transfer lands from farmers to companies without ensuring a secure livelihood for your children. We will stand by you for your fight against such landgrabbing.”  Dr. D. Prasad Rao, Padmeshree awardee and Reknown cardiologist said “I am from Prakasam District. In our region, we used to grow many varieties of crops. However, only one or two crops have taken over the entire region now. But many women are growing around 15 varieties in the same field here. It is a remarkable achievement in current times when everyone is ruining their soils and getting into debts in commercial agriculture.” In his chief guest address, Dr Sheikh.N.Meera, Director of ICAR ATRAI Zone ‘X’ said “I am very happy to be present at such a unique occasion. Only in this festival, you see a circle inspector and high court lawyer and also speak about the importance of old crops. There is a need for scientists to learn for farmers who are the biggest experimenters. This farmer science should be connected to formal science. The central government has also launched a large-scale program on national farming to work along with KVKs. Demand for millets is expected to double in upcoming years. In this context, we should make sure that Zahirabad millets should be promoted as a brand on its own. There is also need to increase processing facilities for millets. I hope that we can offer whatever help possible by us to encourage the great work that these women are doing in their farms by conserving precious biodiversity.” The guests performed the inauguration ritual to begin the caravan procession of carts launch the festival.The caravan is scheduled to tour across 26 villages for nearly one month. The route map for the festival can be found here.