What they do
Navdanya, founded by Dr. Vandana Shiva, is a seed sovereignty movement that has established over 150 community seed banks across India, preserving indigenous seed varieties and traditional farming knowledge. The organization advocates against genetic engineering of seeds, corporate seed patents, and industrial monoculture, while training farmers in biodiversity-based organic farming.
Why they matter
Navdanya addresses the political economy of seeds: who controls them, who profits from them, and who loses access. In a world where three companies control over 60% of the global commercial seed market, Navdanya's community seed banks represent a decentralized alternative that keeps genetic resources in farming communities rather than corporate vaults.
How to support
Navdanya has established 150+ community seed banks across India, preserving thousands of indigenous rice, wheat, and vegetable varieties.
Key project to explore
The organization has trained over 500,000 farmers in biodiversity-based organic farming methods adapted to their local conditions.