#Biodiversity – Sowing Seeds of Hope: Women Farmers Revolutionizing Food Sovereignty in Bali

On the enchanting island of Bali, where age-old traditions harmonize with the natural rhythms of the earth, a dedicated group of women is sowing seeds of hope. These seeds carry not only the promise of food sovereignty but also stories and wisdom that will nourish generations to come.

The Challenge: A Threat to Biodiversity

Bali’s rich agricultural biodiversity is facing unprecedented challenges. Traditional food and medicinal plants are disappearing, placing immense pressure on the island’s cultural heritage. Farmers have become overly reliant on external inputs, such as chemical fertilizers and imported seeds, leading to soil degradation and a significant loss of food sovereignty. This crisis jeopardizes not only local food systems but also the time-honored traditions connected to Bali’s unique crops.

A Solution in Bloom: Bibit Pusaka Bali

In response to this pressing issue, Bibit Pusaka Bali was founded in 2022 to empower local communities through a community-based seed bank and home gardens, all led by the resilient women of Bali. Female food producers across the island’s regencies are uniting to preserve local seeds through knowledge-sharing and regular gatherings. These monthly meetings focus on critical topics like agroecology, permaculture, biodynamics, and seed freedom, equipping participants with the essential skills to thrive.

The Seed Saving Cycle: A Path to Sustainability

The process of preserving Bali’s agricultural heritage begins with the seed-saving cycle, which includes:

1. Collecting Seeds: Harvesting from healthy, naturally fertilized plants.
2. Harvesting: Waiting until seeds are overripe and soaking fleshy seeds to remove residue.
3. Drying: Drying seeds on cloth mats, out of direct sunlight to maintain quality.
4. Storing: Using labeled, airtight jars for optimal preservation and sharing within the community.
5. Testing: Ensuring seed viability with germination rates of 80% or higher.

This cyclical approach not only nurtures biodiversity but also empowers women and families to cultivate their own home gardens, reinforcing food security.

The Impact: A Resilient Network

Through the commitment of Balinese women farmers dedicated to seed preservation, significant strides have been made, including:

• Establishing Home Gardens: Transforming landscapes across Bali with traditional food and medicinal crops.
• Reviving Local Varieties: Reintroducing native seed varieties and reducing dependence on imported seeds.
• Improving Soil Health: Enhancing agricultural practices through agroecological methods.
• Strengthening Community Bonds: Fostering a sense of unity and cultural preservation among farmers.

Collaborations with farmers’ groups have proven vital. As Bibit Pusaka Bali shares knowledge on seed production and preservation, farmers significantly reduce their costs by avoiding the purchase of expensive hybrid seeds. This knowledge-sharing not only enhances food accessibility for families but also supports sustainable gardening practices.

Empowering Women and Families

The seed-sharing initiatives of Bibit Pusaka Bali are instrumental in empowering women and families to cultivate their own food gardens. By fostering a culture of sustainability, the project helps families create resilient home gardens, ensuring better food access and security.

Together, supporting the incredible work of Bibit Pusaka Bali helps sow the seeds of hope for a more sustainable and food-secure future in Bali.

Our work in knowledge sharing and local seed exchange is ensuring better food access to families and farmers. Education on how to produce and save their own seeds helps farmers save money and increase their income.

Komang Sri Mahayuni Gusti Ayu – Bibit Pusaka Women Farmers For The Cultivation And Preservation Of Native Seeds in Bali