In Nepal, indigenous knowledge revives crops that resist drought

Not only biotechnology, but also indigenous knowledge is capable of developing and conserving crop varieties resistant to climate change.Proof of this is the indigenous Gurung farmers of central Nepal, who are actively working to revive an almost forgotten millet variety but resistant to drought like few others.This is foxtail millet (Italian silk), a grain traditionally grown as a famine crop because it ripens at a time of year when farmers have already harvested everything else.«Foxtail millet is harvested before the monsoon, between June and July, when other crops no longer grow.Unlike other cash crops, however, it needs much less water to grow and requires only three months to be harvested for consumption." he explained Bina Gurung, a farmer from the small village of Ghopte involved in the venture.

Foxtail millet, known locally as bariyo kaguno, in the past it was a staple crop in the region, so much so that it was used as a daily substitute for rice.However, in recent decades, its cultivation has suffered a sharp decline when compared to crops such as rice, wheat and corn they have gradually become more commercial.Despite its strong resistance to drought and excellent nutritional properties, foxtail millet has thus gone out of fashion and has come close to the threshold of extinction.In a globalized world, with the agricultural sector in the hands of a handful of multinationals, the irreversible loss of local varieties is however not an exception.Indeed, at current rates, it now seems destined to become the rule.“With the increase in the use of hybrid seeds, many of our local seed varieties have already become extinct,” explained Bina, underlining how Nepal is not exempt from the phenomenon.Foxtail millet, among other things, is unlikely to provide a notable yield, which is why farmers have been more inclined to grow more profitable crops to sell more easily on the market. To deal with the now chronic lack of water, however, it was decided to try everything to make it back in vogue.In particular, credit goes to the Gurung women, who are more traditionally involved in the fields than men, and to the municipal seed bank of Ghanpokhara.

Foxtail millet represents an opportunity like few others in a context where diversifying means resisting.The cereal can in fact promote adaptation to new climate challenges in one of the most vulnerable countries in the world to the effects of global warming.Suffice it to say that the Lamjung district alone, where the Gurung indigenous people live, has experienced a significant increase in temperatures in just a few years, combined with drought, alterations in the monsoon season and irregular rainfall.In particular, it was the Ghanpokhara municipal seed bank that played a central role in reviving the crop.Founded in 2016, the local seed bank was created with the support of the research organization Local Initiatives for Biodiversity, Research and Development and a national group of seed banks.Today, the conservation body protects 63 local rice varieties, including 23 endemic to Ghanpokhara, and promotes organic farming by involving farmers in seed conservation while facilitating their access to markets.«Farmers in Ghanpokhara could limit themselves to growing other cash crops or managing accommodation facilities to benefit financially – commented farmer Ratna Gurung – but since the seed bank and the local government support the production of underutilized varieties, the community is encouraged to increase their efforts to revive foxtail millet and other crops."The good news is that things appear to be working:the demand for this crop is for example also increased in urban areas, as it is considered a healthier option than other cereals thanks to its lower glycemic index, making it more suitable for those with type 2 diabetes.

[by Simone Valeri]