Amid El Nino threat, Mysuru experts urge shift to drought-tolerant indigenous seeds

With the El Nino phenomenon and deficient rainfall posing a serious risk to horticultural crops this season, the Joint Director of Horticulture in Mysuru, Manjunath Angadi, has called on farmers to adopt preventive measures and prioritise cultivation of drought-resilient indigenous crop varieties.

Inaugurating the 12th Annual General Meeting of the Desi Seed Producers Company at the Institution of Engineers Hall in Mysuru on Wednesday, Mr. Angadi explained that inadequate rainfall can significantly affect horticultural produce. Slow plant growth, delayed flowering, increased pest and disease incidence, and ultimately reduced yields are among the likely consequences, he warned.

The event brought together seed conservers, farmers, and officials to discuss strategies for climate resilience in agriculture. Seed conservationist Shivalli Boregowda, who serves as a Director of the company, emphasised the need for farmers to produce and market seeds of traditional crop varieties that are naturally better adapted to changing climatic conditions. He noted that Sahaja Seeds, the company’s brand name, has been playing an important role in promoting such climate-resilient indigenous seed varieties across the country.

In his address as chief guest, D.M. Nagaraj, President of the Rotary Club, J.P. Nagar, Mysuru, assured that the Rotary Club would extend support to farmers’ markets and fairs organised to create awareness among consumers in Mysuru about organic and indigenous farm produce. Such initiatives, he said, help bridge the gap between growers and urban consumers while encouraging sustainable farming practices.

The Desi Seed Producers Company, described by its founder G. Krishna Prasad as “India’s first farmer-owned organic seed company,” was established by a group of like-minded seed conservers from Mysuru, Mandya, Chamarajanagar, and Dharwad districts. Over the years, it has grown into a successful farmer-owned enterprise. Under the Sahaja Seeds brand, the company markets indigenous organic seeds nationally. With support from the Department of Horticulture, it also operates the Kisan Mall organic retail outlet on the Kukkarahalli Lake premises in Mysuru to promote and sell organic products.

During the financial year 2025-26, the company recorded a turnover of ₹1.1 crore and distributed a profit share of ₹75,000 among its seed-producing farmer members, according to a press statement. This demonstrates the economic viability of indigenous seed production and the growing demand for such varieties.

Presiding over the meeting, Mr. Krishna Prasad spoke about the origin and impact of Sahaja Seeds. “It was born out of the vision of a small group of dedicated seed conservers. Today, our indigenous seeds have customers across India,” he said. He also revealed that the governments of Meghalaya, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh are procuring seeds from Sahaja Seeds, underscoring the trust in these climate-resilient varieties.

Mr. Krishna Prasad highlighted that the company has emerged as a model for other Farmer Producer Companies by promoting seed self-reliance. This is particularly relevant at a time when Indian agriculture faces the dual challenges of climate change and dependence on imported hybrid seeds. Indigenous varieties often require less water, are more resistant to local pests, and preserve biodiversity.

The threat from El Nino is not new to Indian agriculture, but its intensity and frequency have increased in recent years. The India Meteorological Department has often linked deficient monsoons to El Nino conditions in the Pacific Ocean. For horticultural crops, which are vital to the income of small and marginal farmers in Karnataka, the impact can be severe. Experts at the meeting stressed that proactive planning and adoption of suitable crop varieties can mitigate these risks.

During the programme, Arpitha C.P. was felicitated for her contribution to the growth of the Sahaja Seeds Farmer Producer Company. Her recognition reflects the important role of women in promoting sustainable agriculture and seed conservation.

The meeting concluded with a collective call to farmers to not only rely on traditional knowledge but also to strengthen community-based seed systems. By doing so, they can ensure food security and agricultural resilience in the face of unpredictable weather patterns.