Conserving Assam's Agricultural Heritage | Collecting Organic Seeds to Empowering Farmers | Neelam Dutta's Organic Journey

Conserving Assam's Agricultural Heritage | Collecting Organic Seeds to Empowering Farmers | Neelam Dutta's Organic Journey

Conserving Assam's Agricultural Heritage | Collecting Organic Seeds to Empowering Farmers | Neelam Dutta's Organic Journey

Early Beginnings and Transition to 

Organic Farming : 

Neelam Dutta, now 37, inherited his family farm in Pabhoi, Assam, after his father's passing in 2001. Inspired by Rachel Carson's Silent Spring, he made a pivotal decision to shift to organic farming in 2003, recognizing the environmental harm caused by conventional agriculture.

Diversity in Farming : 

While continuing paddy and fish cultivation on the six hectares of family land, Neelam observed the need for crop diversity. To combat soil fertility issues and pest management, he introduced vegetable cultivation to his farm.

The Crucial Role of Organic Seeds :

"The backbone of organic farming is organic seeds," emphasizes Neelam. In 2008, alarmed by the disappearance of heirloom seeds due to genetically modified alternatives, he embarked on a mission to collect and conserve indigenous seeds.

Maintenance Breeding for Preservation :

Neelam, along with 30 women farmers, annually cultivates these seeds through maintenance breeding. This process ensures the purity and genetic quality of the seeds, contributing to the conservation of over 800 varieties of native vegetables and 200 types of indigenous paddy.

Empowering Farmers and Ethical Practices :

Pabhoi Greens, Neelam's venture, goes beyond seed conservation. It establishes self-help groups in villages, enabling women farmers to grow native herbs and vegetables for direct selling and seed production. Ethical pricing ensures fair procurement of seeds.

Organic Vegetables

Market Presence and Unique Varieties : 

Pabhoi Greens boasts a diverse seed catalog, including over 200 types of tomatoes, a hundred varieties each of capsicum and chillies, eggplants, lettuces, cabbages, cauliflowers, and more. These seeds, adaptable to various climatic zones, are sold online, with around 8,000 packets annually priced at Rs99.

A Holistic Approach : Conservation and Commercialization :

Neelam, both a seed conservationist and an organic farmer, emphasizes balancing conservation with commercialization. The farm cultivates native varieties of organic rice, vegetables, and fruits, directly supplying local markets and farmer cooperatives.

Sustainable Farming Practices : 

Organic vermicompost manure, panchagavya, jeevaamrut, sashyagavya, amrutpani, cow urine, and neem-based biopesticides form part of their sustainable farming practices. Neelam's farm also has a gene pool of around 200 varieties of indigenous rice, including aromatic Nanyya rice, Madhuri, and Joha.

Impactful Training and Local Empowerment : 

Pabhoi Greens' commitment extends to training. Over 20,000 individuals have received free training in seed conservation, empowering farmers to be self-reliant and creating a local market for their organic produce.

Conclusion : Nurturing Sustainability :

Neelam Dutta's journey exemplifies the power of organic farming and seed conservation. Through Pabhoi Greens, he not only preserves Assam's agricultural heritage but also empowers local communities, creating a sustainable and resilient future for farming in the Northeast.

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