Gene Campaign

Gene Campaign

The Gene Campaign is a non-governmental organization (NGO) that focuses on promoting sustainable agriculture and biodiversity conservation. It was founded in 1989 by Dr. Suman Sahai, an Indian physicist and social activist.

History

The Gene Campaign was established in response to the growing concerns over the impact of modern agricultural practices on the environment and the loss of traditional farming methods. Dr. Sahai recognized the need to address these issues and founded the organization to advocate for sustainable farming practices and the conservation of agricultural biodiversity.

Objectives

The primary objective of the Gene Campaign is to promote sustainable agriculture and biodiversity conservation. The organization aims to achieve this by:

1. Raising awareness: The Gene Campaign conducts awareness campaigns to educate farmers, policymakers, and the general public about the importance of sustainable agriculture and the conservation of agricultural biodiversity.

2. Capacity building: The organization provides training and support to farmers, especially those in rural areas, to adopt sustainable farming practices and preserve traditional knowledge related to agriculture.

3. Advocacy and policy influence: The Gene Campaign actively engages with policymakers and government agencies to advocate for policies that promote sustainable agriculture and biodiversity conservation.

4. Research and innovation: The organization conducts research and promotes innovative approaches to sustainable agriculture, including the use of traditional and indigenous farming practices.

Projects

The Gene Campaign has implemented several projects to achieve its objectives. Some notable projects include:

1. Seed conservation: The organization works towards the conservation of traditional and indigenous seed varieties, which are essential for maintaining agricultural biodiversity and ensuring food security.

2. Farmer empowerment: The Gene Campaign supports farmers by providing them with training, resources, and access to markets, enabling them to adopt sustainable farming practices and improve their livelihoods.

3. Policy advocacy: The organization actively engages with policymakers and government agencies to influence policies related to agriculture, biodiversity, and food security.

4. Climate change adaptation: The Gene Campaign promotes climate-resilient farming practices and supports farmers in adapting to the challenges posed by climate change.

Impact

Over the years, the Gene Campaign has made significant contributions to sustainable agriculture and biodiversity conservation. The organization's efforts have led to the conservation of numerous traditional seed varieties, the adoption of sustainable farming practices by farmers, and the formulation of policies that prioritize agricultural biodiversity and food security.