Rational of participatory approaches for the management of plant genetic resources and traditional knowledge

Abstract

For timely and successful diffusion of any agro-technique to the farming communities, the participatory approach is one of the options. In participatory approach, the researchers can reach to number of farmers for diffusion of agricultural technology with in a period of time. Now participatory approaches are becoming the integral part of the researchers for diffusion of any technology. For conservation and sustainable utilisation of PGR and TK, participatory approaches play a significant role. The genetic diversity of crop species can be enhanced by conserving the PGR and TK through formal institutions and the farming communities. In developing countries, farmers are the main elements in the conservation of PGR and production of agricultural crops. The women also play a major role in the selection of plant species, their preservation and sustainable utilisation. Although women are not involved in policymaking and to take decisions, they play a main role identification of crop genetic resources for household uses and their conservation. Through participatory approaches, farmers are encouraged to take part in the selection of new varieties by using their own experiences. They can interact with the researchers freely while selecting the suitable crop genetic resources. Both participatory varietal selection and participatory plant-breeding approaches encourage the farming communities for active involvement in the selection of new genotypes from the developed and the segregating genetic materials. The farmers select the genetic material for conservation and use depending upon their need and to secure the food security.