A Seed Ball Initiative
To encourage a plantation drive of native plants by engaging the community to make seed balls.
Live Demo Location: Kotanger | Rania | Jharkhand
Forest resources form an integral part of indigenous food system and also a source of livelihood. Villages located in the periphery of forests witness the gradual change in the environment especially in the soil and trees.
In order to maintain a balance between the community and forests, Torpa Rural Development Society for Women (TRDSW) introduced the Seed Ball Making Initiative.
8 Villages were selected for a live demo of making seed balls:
- Kotanger
- Khatanga
- Kelo
- Baghiya
- Sarangloya
- Banabira
- Gopla
- Kocha
Total Number of Participants: 248 (184 Female | 64 Male)
List of Ingredients:
- Clay/soil – 6 parts
- Compost (from Cow-Dung)/ Organic manure – 3 parts
- Powdered material (rice bran / ash / vermicompost – optional) – 1–2 parts
- Cow urine- 5 Liters
- Water – As required (just to make the dough damp enough for rolling balls).
- Seeds -1–3 seeds per ball (large seeds = 1, small seeds = 2–3).
The Method:
Step 1: Mix clay/soil + compost + Rice bran+ Cow urine with water.
(Ratio:- 4:2:1 for Soil:Compost:Rice Bran+Slightly diluted Cow urine with water)
Step 2: Add water slowly to make a thick paste.
Step 3: Take the mix on top of your palm and place seeds inside and roll into small balls (about lemon size).
Step 4: Dry the seed balls in the shade until firm.
Step 5: Store in a dry place
Step 6: Scatter the seed balls in fields/forest areas just before or during the monsoons.
Why Seed Balls?
- Seed balls help reduce atmospheric CO2, a direct action against climate change.
- Seed Balls help maintain and create plants and trees and thus prevent degradation of forests.
- An interactive activity for children (during summer holidays) and mothers to make seed balls and dry them for future use.
“Koi nahi chootega”
A call to all women in the community, where “No one is left behind”
The TRDSW Difference
Capacity Building: The community is introduced to the seed ball making method from start to end.
Live Demo: Leaders of Self Help Groups and Farmer Groups attend a hand-on workshop with direct inputs and guidance from the TRDSW staff.
Vocal for Local: Emphasis on native seeds for making seed balls as these seeds can easily adapt to the environment. Also, the community is familiar with seeds of native plants and trees.
Native Seeds used for Seed Balls by 8 Villages of Torpa and Rania:
– Aam (mango)
– Kathal (jackfruit)
– Daahu (wild jackfruit)
– Chaar (almondette)
– Karanj (indian beech)
– Imli (tamarind)
– Ber (indian plum)
– Kusum (ceylon oak)
Environmental Sustainability:
Success of seed balls leads to increased green spaces and fruit-bearing trees that also provide a sustainability for rural communities.