More than 2,500 attendees participate in Vegetable and Seeds Festival at VIT in Vellore

At a recent awards ceremony, nine farmers from six different states were honored with the Seed Conservator Awards 2026. This recognition highlights their significant contributions to the preservation of traditional seeds, which play an essential role in maintaining biodiversity and sustaining agricultural practices.

The event aimed to promote sustainable agriculture and raise awareness about the importance of conserving native seed varieties, which are often at risk due to industrial farming practices and climate change. The farmers recognized at the ceremony demonstrated exceptional commitment to their communities and the environment through their practices, contributing to food security and resilience in the face of modern agricultural challenges.

The Seed Conservator Awards are part of a broader initiative to encourage sustainable farming and ensure the continued availability of diverse crops that are well-adapted to local conditions. This year’s recipients are diverse in their backgrounds and farming methods, representing a wide array of agricultural traditions across the regions they serve.