Navdanya

Navdanya is an Indian non-governmental organization and a global movement focused on biodiversity conservation, seed saving, and ecological farming. It was founded in 1984 by Vandana Shiva and others. The name Navdanya translates as “nine seeds” in Hindi, symbolizing biodiversity and the network of seed keepers. The organization promotes seed sovereignty, farmer-led agriculture, and food justice, opposing corporate control of seeds and patenting of living organisms.

Navdanya conducts field work, including the Navdanya Farm near Dehradun in Uttarakhand, where farmers, students, and researchers experiment with organic farming and agroecology. It maintains seed banks and an ever-growing seed library, collects and exchanges heirloom and locally adapted varieties, and supports farmers in saving seeds and maintaining biodiversity.

The movement operates a network of community seed banks and offers training, education, and outreach programs on seed saving, organic cultivation, and sustainable crop production. It campaigns internationally on issues such as intellectual property rights, access to seeds, and the rights of farmers to save and share seeds. The organization also produces publications and engages in advocacy to influence policy toward agroecology and food sovereignty.

Navdanya collaborates with farmers’ organizations, academic institutions, and social movements around the world. It is part of broader conversations on biodiversity, climate resilience, and sustainable agriculture and has contributed to the global seed sovereignty movement.