An Indian farming biodiversity success story

A group of  local women in India did not expect United Nations backing and help from the Global Environment Facility when they set out to protect a special variety of indigenous, nutrient-rich rice. This story illustrates that powerful partnerships are often best grown from local knowledge and driven by local people. Food is more than a form of nutrition, it is a way of life and an inclusive part of these women’s culture. Restoration of the rice variety is protecting not only the crop but their lineage. The project has helpful lessons for public private partnerships wanting to support biodiversity and farmers. Also a helpful read to learn how to get local crop varieties into food value chains.