In an effort to maintain the agrobiodiversity and resilience of agricultural systems, in 2009 the National Biodiversity Centre (NBC) decided to establish a community seed bank, based on cooperation among farmers and with the support of the NBC. It was inaugurated in 2011.
Achievements and challenges
With the formation of the Buckwheat Group and the community seed bank, the cultivation of this crop in Bumthang has been revived. Buckwheat used to be a traditional crop in the area, but in the late 1970s it was replaced by potatoes and then rice. Today, the value of this crop has also increased significantly.
Although the seed bank has been successful, it also faces some challenges.
For example, buckwheat is a low-yield crop with little response to chemical fertilization. Bumthang has adopted organic farming practices, but the availability of manure is limited. Activities to grow barley are being expanded, and plans are underway to include Bumthang chili, as it is an important ingredient in Bhutan's diet.
Source: https://www.bioversityinternational.org/fileadmin/user_upload/BANCOS_COMUNITARIOS_DE_SEMILLAS_Vernooy.pdf
- Kick-starting
- Creating networks
- Local institution
- Peasant movement, Peasant organisation