Biodiversity and food security  goes hand in hand. The indigenous communities are conserving the abode of biodiversity resources through time immemorial. While the recent study states that one million species of plants and animals are at risk of extinction these remotely placed, so called “illiterate” and “primitive”  indigenous communities world wide are still preserving the hosts of genetic diversity and landraces. The traditional knowledge and cultural practices of these communities revolve around the principles of sustainable use of the natural resources, recycling of resources, sustainable production and consumption.  

Baiga community of Ghogra and Bhurbhuspani villages under Kabirdham district, Chhattisgarh are one such Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups in India who are conserving the rich biodiversity of their area, both agro and forest biodiversity. They are the seed keepers of traditional varieties of highly nutritious millets like kodo, Kutki, different varieties of paddy, maize, pulses etc. IBRAD is involving these PVTGs for establishment of community seed banks for conserving the genetic diversity to address the issues of food and nutrition security and promote the farming practices that helps in climate change mitigation and adaptation.