You may be amazed to know that seeds were not generally sold in my childhood. Instead, growers saved their own seeds or exchanged them with other growers. Seeds were naturally grown in the living soil – pollinated by insects or winds in the open environment. For centuries, farmers produced food without using toxic chemical fertilisers and pesticides. Food production was not dependent on external inputs. Agriculture and gardening were, therefore, not capital-intensive. These villages were known for their clean environment. Doctors advised their patients to spend some time in the clean air of the villages.
Then came high-yielding seed varieties, followed by hybrid seeds. These seeds were developed under controlled conditions and were promoted to feed the increasing populations. But they could not help achieve food security or combat malnutrition. On the contrary, farmers are in constant debt as they have to pay exorbitant prices for seeds, toxic fertilisers and pesticides, water for irrigation and heavy machinery. An even bigger price we have to pay is in the shape of contaminated soil and food and polluted air, water and the environment.
Natural, open-pollinated seeds have several advantages:
- You are not dependent on the market forces on the choice of plants.
- You can save open-pollinated seeds and sow them year after year without spending on seeds.
- Seeds become better suited to your soil and produce nutrient-dense food.
- You can have stable seeds that are very well adapted to your local conditions.
- You can enjoy much more diversity of food on your table.
- You can resist seed slavery.
Grow Food Forever, Sow Natural Seeds