Native Seed FAQ for beginner ZBNF farmer

1. From where do I source my first batch of native seeds?
• Post on your local ZBNF whatsApp group.  No luck, then
• Ask another ZBNF farmer, if you know one. No luck, then
• Post a request on ZBNF facebook. No luck, then
• If you have run out of all the above options, then don't get disheartened. I know your intention was to buy from a farmer friend directly. But you couldn't find a good source.
• Your next option is, you have IIHR (Indian Institute of Horticulture Research) with zones all over India and they provide open pollinated improved varieties. 
• They are an authentic source. 
• They guarantee germination rate of their seeds and rest assured they have followed seed selection process which is very important to guarantee your plant will have same characteristics as its parent. 
• What I mean to say by this last point is, there is no hybrid variety cross pollinated by wind or bird or another source. Since they ensure seed are selected from those fields where there is no other variety of the same plant grown within a specified area.
•  They have a criteria they check for very strictly while collecting seeds from farms.
•  The open pollinated vegetable varieties from Bangalore are sold under the trade name of Arka Anamika is OP (Open Pollinated) variety of okra or bhendi. IMPORTANT: Please ask before buying that the variety they are selling is OP and not F1. Of course you will know by cost, F1 variety are very expensive.
• The Arka open pollinated variety are  not very expensive and from next season you can save your own seeds from the plants you have grown. 
• Just remember to follow seed selection process  to ensure quality and good germination of your seeds for the following season.
• There are also few NGOs working with farmers to create Native Seed Banks. you can approach them for native seeds.  
• One such organization is Green Foundation in Kanakapura, Karnataka. They are close to Bangalore and also send seeds via post, if you are willing to pick the postal expense. Contact Shivkumar @ GreenFoundation for details of seed availability and cost.
• I can vouch for their seed selection process since I have known them for past 14 years.
2. Should I buy from a farmer or from an authentic source?
1. If you have a local farmer then I would go with him. Just check with him how he has collected his seeds.
2. If he has not followed the seed selection process, it only means the germination rate may be low.
3. Or if he had other farmers growing other similar variety of plants, then the authenticity of his seeds with respect to parent may not be there.
4. Based on these two important criteria you may chose to buy from your local farmer friend or look for another source.
3. How do you know the authenticity of the Native Seeds I procure from a farmer friend?
1. If you are buying from a farmer  visit his farm so your doubts are cleared about the variety of the plant. Since in native seeds produce plants identical to parents. If you are happy with the plants you see, then you can pick the seeds from him.
2. If you cannot visit his farm, then ask for a picture or ask questions related to  seed selection process.  Based on his response you make your decision about the authenticity of the seeds you are to procure from the farmer.
3. Many times, farmers are not aware of  seed selection process but they know the process of seed selection. So don't question him "Are you following a procedure for seed selection"? Rather be friendly and ask him how does he collect his seeds for next sowing season?
4. Are there really seeds which have not been mixed by wind pollination by a hybrid variety growing in the neighbor farm?
1. You have to ask questions or visit his farm to ensure cross pollination related problem w.r.t authenticity of the seeds.
2. Let's see in an area like Bellary where Thor Dal is grown for acres, there can be a ZBNF farmer growing native variety surrounded by two sides with farmers growing different hybrid variety. Chances of getting a pure open pollinated variety is low, unless the plant is reproducing using self-pollination.
5. What questions should I ask the farmer friend to know he/she is fol the seed selection process so you are guaranteed of rate of germination or variety?
1. Since you will have to invest time only once to collect native seeds. I would suggest visiting the farmer field would be ideal. For following seasons you can make your own seeds and donot have to buy from others.
2. However, if you cannot visit the farmer field during time of harvest or for other practical reasons, then ask check on his seed selection process by asking few questions and make you decision based on his response.
6. Is the farmer's answer convincing or should I do a field visit before I buy my seeds?
1. Our hope is all ZBNF farmers are down to earth and donot intend to cheat you.
2. However, they may not the seed selection process and have simply collected seeds from the post harvest heap.
3. Or they did not find time and patience to follow seed selection process , though they knew the procedure.
4. So it's best to visit the field or ask a friend or another local ZBNF farmer for recommendation or simply trust your farmer to be genuine. 
7. Where can I find an authentic source? Contacts please...
1. Few that I know of
1. NGOs working directly with farmers on Native Seed Banks
1. Green Foundation, Kanakapura, Ramanagara Dist. Contact Shivkumar @ GreenFoundation for details of seed availability and cost.
2. Sahaja Seeds, Bangalore. I am not sure about their seed selection process. Can someone who knows Sahaja Seeds seed procurement methods send me details, so I can update with more authentic information.
2. Open Pollinated Improved Varieties
1. These are available from various commercial companies like Namdhari too. However, I have not  tried them or intend to try them.  Eg: Namdhari also produces Arka open pollination variety. But I don't buy from them.
2. I buy directly from IIHR, Bangalore online or I walk into their seed office at Hesaraghatta and buy what I want. 
3. NOTE: For next season, start saving seeds following seed selection process. Don't keep running around for seeds every season. This is the first habit you need to cultivate as a ZBNF farmer.
8.  How to trust my seed source?
1. May God Be With You. 
2. If your intentions as a beginner ZBNF farmer are good, good things SHALL HAPPEN to you.