Conversations at Navdanya

Along one of the lush pathways on the Navdanya Biodiversity Conservation Farm, we sat down with Dr. Vandana Shiva to discuss the effects of globalization on small, organic farmers and traditional artisans around the world. Dr. Shiva gave us some great examples of the connections between the slow food and slow fashion movements and elaborates on the interdependent nature of creativity and diversity in organic farming and traditional handicrafts.

“The seed and the spinning wheel are linked both because they are small and therefore can be in anyone’s hands. One little seed multiplies, just as the training to spin a spinning wheel multiplies, and both create freedom on the deepest level.”

We also discussed the interconnectedness of production and consumption — how the demands of the market and our global consumption patterns not only dictate production levels but also directly affect the livelihoods of small producers.

Next, we sat down with Isis Noor Yalagi, Director of Jeunesse Enfance Développement Environnement; an organization in Benin that works to strengthen the development of African youth and their connections with the environment. Madame Yalagi was at Navdanya for the Vasundhara conference and eagerly discussed with us the importance of women’s roles in the conservation of the Earth’s biodiversity.

“Women are the direct link to the Earth.”

She also talks about the deeper meaning behind organic movements and how they represent a stand for world peace, harmony, and compassion – a way of re-giving life to the Earth and producing healthy bodies.

“Organic movements are sovereignty movements.”

Another one of our valuable conversations took place on the seed drying terrace with Navdanya’s seed keeper, Bija Didi. Bija’s knowledge and care for seed saving came simply from her personal gardening experience, having taught herself the rare skill of being able to identify and sort an incredible variety of seeds.

“People always ask me about the importance of saving seeds, and I always say well, how will you eat? How will you grow anything? How will you survive?”

Bija Didi sorting through some dried lady finger seeds