In the serene landscapes of Koraput, Odisha, a young girl named Harshita Priyadarshini Mohanty is leading an extraordinary initiative – preserving rare varieties of paddy and millets to safeguard agricultural heritage. Aged just 12 and currently studying in Class VII, Harshita has already made waves in the world of organic farming, driven by her passion to conserve indigenous grains. Her inspiring story is a testament to how determination, vision, and hard work, even at a young age, can bring meaningful change to society.
The seed of inspiration: Following the legacy of Kamala Pujari
Harshita’s journey began three years ago, drawing inspiration from Kamala Pujari, an organic farming pioneer known for saving over 100 indigenous paddy varieties in Odisha. Harshita read about Pujari’s achievements and her efforts to promote organic farming, which resonated deeply with the young student. “Many paddy and millet varieties are becoming rare now,” says Harshita. “Through my collection, I wish to help farmers grow them in the future.”
What began as admiration soon turned into a mission. Harshita understood the urgency of conserving these seeds, not just for cultural heritage but for the sustainable future of agriculture. With the support of her parents, she began visiting local haats (markets) and farms across Koraput’s Jeypore, Boipariguda, Kundra, and Borrigumma blocks, collecting rare grains from farmers.
Building a foodgrain and seed bank at home
Harshita’s efforts bore fruit as she meticulously stored the seeds she gathered in glass bottles at her home, creating a small yet impactful foodgrain and seed bank. Today, she proudly preserves over 150 rare paddy varieties, 53 finger millet varieties, and seven pearl millet varieties. Her collection features some treasured rice types, including Kalajeera, Dubaraj, Pathan Goda, Radha Ballav, Burma Rice, and Siklala Koli.
What makes Harshita’s endeavour even more remarkable is that she offers these seeds free of charge to local farmers. Through her initiative, she hopes not only to revive endangered grains but also to empower farmers with sustainable cultivation options. Her outreach extends beyond just preserving the seeds—she actively promotes their use in farming, thereby closing the gap between conservation and agricultural practice.
For a young girl balancing schoolwork with a passion project of this scale, challenges were inevitable. “Initially, it wasn’t easy,” Harshita admits. Some people questioned her interest in agriculture, wondering if she would sustain such efforts over time. Yet, with the support of her family—particularly her father, Harekrushna Mohanty—she persevered.
A major hurdle was convincing farmers to share their grains for conservation. Many were sceptical about whether these grains, once grown, would still be relevant in today’s commercial agricultural landscape. However, as Harshita’s project gained recognition, more farmers began seeing the value of her work. With her patience and determination, she managed to win their trust and establish lasting relationships with them.
Recognition and a global platform
Harshita’s inspiring story has captured the attention of both the public and government authorities. As news of her work spread, officials and locals began visiting her home to witness the seed bank she had built. But the defining moment of her journey came when she was invited to the Global Symposium on Farmers’ Rights in New Delhi, hosted by the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
This prestigious symposium, inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu, saw representatives from 125 countries gathering to discuss farmers’ rights and agricultural sustainability. Harshita not only presented her collection at the event but also delivered a talk on the importance of conserving indigenous grains and promoting organic farming practices. For a young girl from a small district, speaking on such a global platform was a proud and empowering experience.
Harshita’s science club: Spreading the mission among peers
In her endeavour to involve others in her cause, Harshita has founded the ‘Harshita Priyadarshini Science Club’. Through this platform, she has inducted her friends and local farmers into her mission. The club provides rare seeds to farmers and encourages them to adopt sustainable farming practices. Harshita believes that empowering the younger generation with knowledge about agriculture and biodiversity conservation is crucial for building a sustainable future.
Harshita’s journey is just beginning, but her ambitions are already set high. She aims to become an agronomist—an expert in crop production and soil management—and continue her work in agricultural conservation on a larger scale. Her dream is to see Koraput’s agricultural wealth, especially its indigenous paddy and millet varieties, flourish once again.
For Harshita, the treasures of Koraput lie not only in its scenic beauty but also in its agricultural legacy. By preserving the seeds, she hopes to ensure that future generations can grow and enjoy these crops, safeguarding the cultural and biological diversity of the region.
A beacon of hope for sustainable agriculture
At a time when agriculture faces numerous challenges—such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and the dominance of commercial farming—Harshita Priyadarshini Mohanty’s initiative offers a beacon of hope. Her dedication to preserving rare grains, even at such a young age, is a reminder that change can begin with anyone, regardless of age. Harshita’s story reflects the power of passion, resilience, and community involvement in creating a better future for farming.
With her unwavering commitment to agricultural conservation, Harshita has not only made a name for herself but also inspired countless others to think differently about farming. As she continues her journey, the ‘Seed Girl’ of Koraput reminds us that even the smallest seeds, when nurtured with love and care, can grow into something extraordinary.
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