Aroma of Resistance: How Navdanya Turned the Basmati Battle Into a Larger Fight for Seed Freedom
DEHRADUN, NOVEMBER 9:
The legendary story of Dehraduni Basmati—its fragrance, its journey and its fight for identity—took centre stage on Uttarakhand State Foundation Day as Navdanya wove together celebration, history and the larger struggle for seed sovereignty.
The “Dehraduni Basmati Festival” opened with the grain’s remarkable origin, which has become a proud symbol of the Doon Valley.
Farmer Mohamad Alli narrated how the rice first arrived in 1839 during the British–Afghan conflict.
Afghan ruler Dost Mohammad Khan, exiled to Mussoorie, longed for the flavours of home and had Basmati seeds brought from Afghanistan.
When planted in the valley’s fertile soil, the grain transformed—turning longer, more fragrant and even more flavourful than the original.
Thus was born Dehraduni Basmati, a rice that would one day define the identity, economy and aroma of Uttarakhand.
From the Basmati Battle to Today’s Biodiversity Fight
The festival also revisited the larger movement that shaped India’s modern seed rights.
In 1994, when U.S.-based RiceTec tried to patent a “new Basmati variety,” Dr. Vandana Shiva and Navdanya led a nationwide and global campaign against what she called “biopiracy.”
The public outcry forced the U.S. Patent Office to revoke 15 of the 20 claims in 2000, marking a historic victory for India’s farmers and traditional crops.
That spirit of resistance echoed through the Foundation Day celebrations, where Navdanya honoured farmers who have safeguarded Dehraduni Basmati despite shrinking farmland and corporate seed pressures.
Honouring Keepers of the Soil
Certificates of honour were presented to farmers committed to protecting their land and traditional seeds.
Women farmer Rajeshwari Devi shared proudly:
“No one in our village has sold their land. We stayed with our soil — and that is why our Basmati still survives.”
Leaders Speak: ‘The Seed Is Our Sovereignty’
The event featured conservation icons — Dr. Vandana Shiva, Dr. S.P. Subbuddhi, Dr. B.B. Mathur, and Dr. V.P. Uniyal — who described Dehraduni Basmati as both a cultural treasure and a frontline in the fight for seed sovereignty.
Dr. Vandana Shiva said:
“Uttarakhand’s identity lies in its food biodiversity. When concrete replaced Doon’s fertile land, a few farmers kept the soil alive. Women farmers, especially, are the real custodians of our Basmati and our Beej.”
She linked the festival to the larger threat posed by corporate seeds:
“When companies like Monsanto control seeds, they control farmers. Navdanya is the alternative—our path to seed freedom.”
Dr. B.B. Mathur highlighted Dehradun’s unique agricultural prominence:
“Whether it is litchi or Basmati, this valley has always stood apart. Navdanya’s conservation work is historic. At a time when farming is itself a challenge, these farmers keep hope alive.”
Dr. V.P. Uniyal praised Navdanya’s ecological approach:
“Seed conservation, beneficial insects, crop diversity—this is the agriculture of the future. We are encouraging students to join this mission.”
Addressing young entrepreneurs, Dr. S.P. Subbuddhi said:
“This is the era of startups based on traditional crops. Kanali, timla, gucchi mushrooms—these can create sustainable livelihoods while strengthening biodiversity.”
A Festival of Flavour and Heritage
Around 150 people attended the event and enjoyed dishes made entirely from Dehraduni Basmati—rice, kheer, pulao, veg biryani and even dosas—showcasing the grain’s versatility and unmatched aroma.
The celebration closed with a joint pledge to protect seeds, soil and traditional farming practices—not just for Dehraduni Basmati, but for the future of Uttarakhand’s agricultural identity.
In every kitchen where Basmati cooks, the aroma now carries two stories: one of origin, and one of resistance.
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