40-year-old Shree Devi, an illiterate mother of three (two daughters and one son), is an active member of the women’s self-help group, Bibi Fathima Mahila Sansana Sanga. She is seen here checking the quality of the harvested indigenous seed. Shree Devi learned about the importance of seed banks through SWISSAID’s partner NGO personnel, and she has been practicing seed saving ever since. Indigenous seed banks are crucial for food security, preserving biodiversity, and supporting sustainable agriculture by providing farmers with access to diverse, locally adapted seeds. These seed banks promote resilience to climate change and pests, while preserving traditional agricultural knowledge. The need for seed banks has become even more important due to the escalating challenges of climate change, habitat destruction, and agricultural practices that reduce genetic diversity. Modern agriculture’s reliance on monocultures and high-yield varieties has led to a significant reduction in the genetic diversity of crops, making them more vulnerable to diseases, pests, and changing climatic conditions. Seed banks preserve a wide range of plant genetics, which can be reintroduced to enhance genetic diversity in crops. Indigenous seed banks offer access to a variety of seeds, including traditional and local varieties that are often better adapted to specific climates and soil types than commercially available seeds. These diverse seeds contribute to a more balanced diet, as different varieties provide unique nutritional benefits. Local varieties are typically more resilient to drought, floods, and other climate-related challenges, ensuring food production even in adverse conditions. By conserving and using indigenous seeds, farmers can also reduce their dependence on expensive and unsustainable chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Seed banks act as repositories of plant genetic diversity, ensuring that valuable traits, such as disease resistance and drought tolerance, are preserv