My Journey of Rescuing a Tree from Extinction
Debal Deb |
TEDxBellandur
• August 2019
Dr Debal Deb, a scientist, biodiversity conservationist and ecologist committed to working with traditional farmers in eastern India to conserve indigenous seed diversity from extinction since 1996. Also known as 'Rice Warrior of India', Debal has managed to save more than 1000 varieties of rice, all of which he stores in community based seed banks in West Bengal and Odisha for farmers.
Debal works with farmers to truly recognise the depth of their knowledge, and believes that solutions to hunger must benefit the small producer who is at highest risk. In his words, "Farmers are unnamed, unknown and greatly talented scientists."