ABSTRACT
Over the last decade, M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) facilitated the establishment of community seed banks in 15 villages that now have their own safe seed storage and an institutional system for regular seed production, distribution and exchange. MSSRF provides training and capacity building periodically for both men and women; the training focusses mainly on seed quality, monitoring, storage and management. It has supported community seed banks and managing institutions in implementing a four Cs framework: conservation, cultivation, consumption and commercialization. In 15 locations, community seed banks have evolved into village millet resource centres (VMRCs), where the local managing groups provide information support. Communities have also been enabled to make their own choices of varieties based on local weather conditions. Millet production and yield have been increased through the selection of adapted varieties, use of high-quality seed and improved agronomic practices.
