Odisha SOP for landrace seed conservation under Shree Anna Abhiyan
Why in the news
Odisha has brought in a Standard Operating Procedure to protect traditional seed varieties known as landraces. It is part of the state’s Shree Anna Abhiyan, which emphasises farmers’ knowledge and community management of seed.
Key facts
- SOP covers survey and documentation, conservation infrastructure, digital registration, farmer-led trials and quality standards.
- Crop Diversity Blocks will be created at sub-district level.
- Community Seed Centres will be managed by farmer groups and women’s self-help groups.
- Seeds are registered in the names of custodian farmers or communities, and local landrace names are kept.
- Protection is to be facilitated under the PPV&FR Act.
| Progress so far | Number |
|---|---|
| Traditional varieties mapped and conserved | 163 |
| Landraces identified as farmer-preferred | 14 |
| Varieties undergoing nutritional profiling | 103 |
About landraces
Landraces are locally adapted traditional crop varieties valued for taste, stable yield, pest resistance and nutrition. A Landrace Varietal Release Committee is to set field and seed standards. Odisha’s Koraput region is recognised by the FAO as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System.
Exam angle
- Link Shree Anna Abhiyan with Odisha.
- Know the numbers: 163, 14 and 103.
- The legal anchor is the PPV&FR Act.