Preserving Local Seeds

Objective:

Preserve crop diversity and maintain farmers’ access to seeds suited to local growing conditions.

Principle:

Save seeds from healthy plants that show the typical characteristics of the local variety, then dry, label and store the seeds under suitable conditions.

Implementation – Key Steps

1. Identify healthy, vigorous plants with the desired characteristics.
2. Harvest the seeds when mature and clean them thoroughly.
3. Dry the seeds completely, keeping them away from moisture and strong direct sunlight.
4. Store the seeds in clean, dry, tightly closed containers.
5. Label each batch with the variety name and the location and year of harvest, then check the condition of the seeds periodically.

Precautions and Practical Advice:

Keep varieties separate, save seeds only from healthy plants, and check the rules governing seed exchange and movement.

Benefits for Climate Adaptation:

Seed saving preserves crop biodiversity, helps farmers maintain their own seed supplies and passes on practical knowledge.

Indicative Investment Cost:

Costs are low when clean, dry containers are already available, with some expense to allow for labelling and suitable storage.

LESSONS FROM THE AIN LAHJAR ASSOCIATION’S EXPERIENCE

As part of the project, the Ain Lahjar Association focused on preserving traditional varieties maintained by farmers that were declining, becoming scarce or gradually disappearing. The project paid particular attention to varieties that rural families have traditionally grown and saved, including local varieties of broad beans, maize, dry beans, chickpeas and lentils, as well as traditional cereals such as wheat and barley. Adapted to local growing conditions over generations, these varieties represent a valuable genetic and cultural heritage. By sorting, selecting, drying and storing seeds, the women who took part learned why it matters to preserve these varieties, keep seed available for future growing seasons and pass traditional seed-saving skills on to future generations. This work helps preserve crop biodiversity, enables rural families to maintain their own seed supplies and strengthens the ability of local agriculture to withstand the effects of climate change.