3rd Edition Of Plant Science and Molecular Biology World Conference 2026

Abstract

Traditional farming communities across India have long developed innovative seed preservation practices that ensured the continuity of agricultural production under diverse environmental conditions. However, many of these techniques remain poorly documented despite their potential relevance to contemporary sustainability challenges. This paper explores a range of indigenous seed storage methods, including the use of sweet flag (Acorus calamus) rhizomes as a natural insect deterrent, ash-based protection against moisture and pests, hermetically sealed earthen containers coated with cow dung, bamboo storage chambers, and smoke-curing of seeds above traditional household hearths. These practices are deeply rooted in local ecological understanding and reflect generations of empirical knowledge regarding seed viability, pest management, and environmental adaptation. By examining the ecological mechanisms underlying these techniques, the study highlights their contribution to strengthening seed longevity, enhancing crop resilience, and safeguarding genetic diversity within traditional agricultural systems. The integration of locally available materials and low-energy storage approaches demonstrates a practical model of nature-based solutions that remains highly relevant in the context of climate uncertainty and resource constraints. Furthermore, these preservation strategies support the maintenance of landrace conservation, thereby protecting valuable genetic resources that are increasingly threatened by agricultural homogenization. The paper argues that systematic documentation, scientific validation, and incorporation of such indigenous practices into contemporary conservation and farming initiatives can contribute significantly to sustainable food systems. Reviving and recognizing these traditional technologies not only strengthens agricultural resilience but also preserves an important component of cultural and ecological heritage for future generations.

Keywords: Seed Longevity, Crop Resilience, Genetic Diversity, Nature-Based Solutions, Landrace Conservation.