Genetic Resource Ecology Energy And Nutrition Foundation

Green Foundation actively engages in sustainable agriculture, employing techniques that prioritize environmental preservation, social equity, and economic viability. An important initiative by the Foundation is the establishment of Janadhanya, an association that empowers farming community members to collaborate in conserving agro-biodiversity, facilitating market connections for produce, and promoting organic farming. This collective effort fosters food and livelihood security while nurturing the principles of sustainable agriculture at the grassroots level. Janadhanya's membership is comprised of individual farmers affiliated with Self Help Groups, and it extends support to women through income-generating enterprise groups. These efforts enhance economic stability for farming households and empower women, potentially amplifying their role in family farm management.

Green Foundation plays an active role in soil and water conservation efforts. It guides farmers in constructing farm ponds strategically located on their land to catch rainwater, thereby reducing reliance on groundwater and increasing resilience to climate change. These ponds serve as irrigation sources and recharge groundwater while preventing run-off. Additionally, the Foundation promotes the traditional practice of silt application, where nutrient-rich sediment from tanks and lakes is spread on fields to enhance soil fertility. Through this guidance, Green Foundation revitalizes indigenous farming techniques, counteracting siltation effects, improving crop yields, moisture retention, and water filtration, ultimately fostering sustainable agriculture.

Green Foundation administers a comprehensive Seed Programme that encompasses the establishment of community seed banks as vital components of community agriculture. These banks are not merely repositories for seed storage, but dynamic systems nurturing traditional crop varieties within gardens or fields. Farmers actively partake in selecting and preserving these varieties, attuning them to specific needs like quality, pest resistance, and climate adaptation. The initiative facilitates local seed networks, reducing reliance on external suppliers. Supported by the National Biodiversity Authority, Green Foundation bolsters three existing Community Seed Banks, promoting genetic diversity maintenance and on-farm conservation through farmer engagement. The project aims to sustain these banks, foster farmer adoption of local crop varieties, and even propose recognition of these areas as Ragi Heritage Sites.

Green Foundation employs a Participatory Guarantee System (PGS) for organic farming certification. This collaborative approach involves farmers and stakeholders in certifying organic produce, eliminating costly third-party audits. Certification benefits consumers seeking credible organic products and small-scale farmers who can command better prices. Green Foundation's engagement since 2006 has resulted in 82 certified PGS groups. The process follows Organic Farming Association of India (OFAI) guidelines, including forming Local Groups, conducting peer appraisals, and Green Foundation's oversight. OFAI's Regional Council recognizes compliant groups, while the PGS India Council maintains records and a database, ensuring the system's credibility.

Green Foundation focuses on agrobiodiversity conservation, crucial for future food security and ecological resilience. The organisation establishes community seed banks and networks, allowing farmers access to indigenous seeds. Through in-situ and ex-situ conservation, it safeguards diverse seeds in changing climates. By promoting organic farming, training on climate change impacts, and advocating for indigenous seeds, it empowers farmers to preserve their ecology. These efforts, managed mainly by women, have led to tangible success, with seed banks fostering pride and raising their community standing. The initiative has extended to multiple regions, collaborating with other NGOs and influencing Government support for widespread seed bank establishment.