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Life is full of ripple effects. What goes right in one place can be felt miles away, even from the comfort of our homes. Whether its electricity lighting up our rooms or a warm meal on the table, we often forget that someone, somewhere, went that extra mile to make life a little easier for the rest of us.
And likewise, the Niyamgiri Mountains of the Eastern Ghats are well-acquainted with ecologist Dr Debal Deb and his team, who dedicate their days to conserving endangered heirloom varieties of rice.
This story is brought to life in the 42-minute film, Seed Stories, directed by Chitrangada Choudhury.
The film documents the efforts to preserve over 1,000 heirloom rice varieties, the rich agro-ecological knowledge of the Adivasi community, and the profound changes brought by the introduction of genetically modified (GM) cotton.
Kicking off on Sunday, September 1, 2024, Seed Stories will be screened at Museum of Goa (MOG), Pilerne, as part of ‘MOG Sundays’.
The screening will begin at 11.30 am, and will be followed by an interactive session with the film's director, Chitrangada Choudhury, noted Goan environmentalist Claude Alvares, and organic farmer Yogita Mehra.
“Chitrangada is a good story teller, and if we are going to go by the film that will be seen during the event, she has a great story to tell,” begins Claude.
“Not many of us know that India has thousands of heirloom varieties of rice. One outstanding scientist from Odisha, Dr Debal Deb, actually grows some 1,200 varieties on a small plot of land without support from anyone," he continues.
"This is an extraordinary story for those who wish to know about why we need to keep our own seeds, and how we can keep them in living condition without much expense,” adds the knowledgeable man.
He explains how we, Goans, don't need gene banks and corporate-sold and manufactured seeds. And, how these are invading the sacred spaces we always kept for our own seeds.
“Rice is key to this country. Therefore, any story about a rice seed conservationist would be good to hear on a Sunday morning,” says Claude.
When asked about what attendees can expect from the session, Yogita smiles, "I haven't watched the film, but I'm familiar with Debal Deb's work. People will be amazed to discover just how many varieties of rice exist that they've likely never even heard of."
She further explains that people will be truly impressed by the dedication of farmers who have preserved these seeds by continuously cultivating them, generation after generation.
But, what can Goa take from this?
“Goa has its own unique varieties of rice, chillies, mangoes and many other crops that are becoming increasingly rare as the years go by. I believe that small-scale farmers and kitchen gardeners can play a crucial role in preserving these edible plant varieties by continuing to grow them in their farms and gardens," Yogita concludes.
Seeds are the first signs of life. And, while what we water grows, we must ask -- would life be if there were no seeds to water?
DETAILS
WHAT: Screening of Seed Stories, followed by a conversation session
WHEN: Sunday, September 1, 2024
WHERE: Museum of Goa (MOG), Pilerne Industrial Estate
TIMINGS: 11.30 am onwards
ENTRY FEE: Free of cost
TO REGISTER: Text your name to +91 7722089666