Seeds, unlike other agricultural products, have longer shelf life. However, seeds are also prone to diseases and insect pests.  A good storage condition can decrease the losses which is about 10% in stored food grains. There is an increasing trend of using pesticides which effectively control the storage pests. But the use of pesticides leaves harmful residues and are not economically and environmentally sustainable. The more sustainable approach of seed storage are the use of indigenous knowledge and technologies. Application of botanical extracts such as Neem, Timur, etc. which  are followed by our ancestors are more beneficial and sustainable as chemical seed treatment. Indigenous seed storage technologies are more adoptable, cost effective and prolong storage life of seed.  They are innovative and holistic approach to agricultural practices rooted in traditional knowledge and cutting-edge technologies. Emphasizing the preservation and utilization of  seeds, indigenous seed storage technology  aims to enhance crop diversity, improve resilience to climate change, and promote food security.

Indigenous Seed storage technologies include many traditional practices that have been developed and refined over generations by indigenous communities. Storage can be defined as that stage in the agriculture production cycle aimed to reserve commodities for a period until they are ready to be utilized, consumed, exchanged, or released to the market. An estimated 60–70% of the nation’s food grain is kept in household storage in a variety of traditional containers, such as bamboo baskets, mud constructions, gunny sacks, and contemporary bins. It is essential to store seeds properly to prevent spoiling and to improve their viability, germination rate, and keeping quality. Evidence of the use of ash, sand, and herbs in ancient civilizations has been found, and these materials are thought to have mystical powers that extend seed storage life. These practices are often adapted to local climates, environments, and available resources.

Some key aspects of indigenous knowledge for seed storage are:

1. Selection of healthy and pest-free seeds: Indigenous farmers are skilled in selecting and sorting seeds based on their characteristics. This includes identifying seeds that are disease-resistant or have other desirable traits. This process ensures that only the best-quality seeds are stored for planting in the next season. It is mostly done by the experienced hand of middle-old age women.  After harvesting, they winnowed seeds by using locally available “Nanglo” and sun-dried the seeds.
   
2. Seed drying techniques: Indigenous knowledge often incorporates effective seed drying techniques to reduce moisture content. Sun drying, shade drying, or a combination of both are commonly used methods. Proper drying helps prevent mold and fungal growth, preserving seed viability. “Gundri “ made from rice straw or woven bamboo mat ( mandro) are used.
   
3. Pit storage of Potato Tubers:  In this method, potato tubers are kept in a pit that is 2.5 meters long, 1 meter broad, and 60–75 cm deep. Pits ought to be built in a cool, shaded area. Water should be sprayed within the pit to cool it down if needed.  The pit is lined all round inside with neem leaves and dry grass after two days. Pits are filled with tubers until 15 cm remain on top, a covering of dry grass (12 inches thick) is added. Over the pit, there is a thatch to provide sun and rain protection. Two months prior to planting, seed tubers kept in pits should be removed to allow for sprouting in diffused light (Gautam, 2019).
   
4. Use of wooden ash: The use of wooden ash for seed storage is a traditional practice used by various indigenous communities. Wooden ash is rich in alkaline compounds, acts as a desiccant to absorb excess moisture and reduce the chances of fungal growth. The use of wooden ash has been found beneficial for controlling storage pests because the egg formation and larvae feeding have deterred by the presence of silica in ash and soil (Mehta, Negi, Rathi, & Ojha, 2010).
   
5. Use of various plant parts : Plants such as neem, Timur and citrus as a storage pesticide is found beneficial as they emit a pungent type of smell which acts as a repellent of insect and affects their survival. Neem contains meliacin, nimbin and azadiractin which acts as antifeedants against several pests. Neem also possesses anti-fungal properties  and inhibits the growth of fungi and molds on stored seeds.
   
6. Use of mustard oil: Mustard oil contains antimicrobial properties, particularly due to compounds like allyl isothiocyanate. For storage of pulses such as Cowpea, black gram, lentil, etc. the use of 10-15 drops of mustard oil per kg of pulse is found beneficial.  The mustard oil is rubbed over the seed coat with the help of hands. The presence of pungent smell protects the seed from storage pests.
   
7. Use of Bamboo bins ( Bhakari) : Bhakari are the woven bamboo mat rolled into a cylinder and they are coated with paste made from cow dung and urine, mud and mustard cake on both sides and sun dried. The base of Bhakari consists of rice or wheat straw mixed with cow dungs. The paste acts as a repellant for insect pests. Bamboo bins have been traditionally utilized in various parts of Nepal due to its availability, durability, strength, and porous structure that allows air circulation.
   
8. Jhutta : Garlic  and maize are tied in bunches ( Jhutta ) for the ease of handling and storage. Traditionally, Jhutta of 6-7 cobs are placed in an open structure made of bamboo poles or timber.
   
9. Gourds : Hollowed-out bottle gourds with durable outer shells are used as natural containers for seed storage. These materials provide protection from external elements and pests while allowing for some breathability.
   
10. Claypot for seed storage: Using clay pots for seed storage is a traditional and effective method that has been practiced for centuries. Clay pots are porous, allowing for a degree of breathability. This helps regulate moisture levels inside the pot and prevents the buildup of excess humidity, which can be detrimental to seed viability. Clay is a natural material that doesn’t introduce harmful chemicals or residues to the seeds. It is a safe and non-toxic option for seed storage.

Farmer groups at the local level implement traditional knowledge of using wooden ash, sun drying of seed etc. to prolong the shelf life of seeds and  practice traditional methods of seed storage such as Bhakari. There is the need to identify and implement such methods at the community level for its preservation and protection. These traditional practices not only showcase resourcefulness but also demonstrate a deep understanding of the properties of different plant materials. Integrating indigenous knowledge with modern scientific understanding can lead to sustainable and culturally sensitive seed storage practices that benefit both biodiversity and local communities. Recognizing the value of indigenous knowledge in seed storage is essential for promoting agricultural resilience in the face of changing environmental conditions.

                                                                                 Shreesha Khatri

                                                           Agriculture and Forestry University