Traditional seed systems are vital for sustainable food production, balanced nutrition, and maintaining genetic diversity, particularly in marginal environments. These systems encompass farmers' management of local landraces, including seed selection, production, storage, and exchange through gifting, bartering, or purchasing. They support socio-cultural practices and strengthen the networks of marginal farming communities, relying on ancestral knowledge and traditional storage techniques. The traditional system also internalizes minor environmental and weather changes, maintains soil health, controls market prices, and ensures minimum production and income security. However, the increasing influence of formal seed systems and technologies introduced by multinational seed companies threatens traditional practices in the outer Himalayas. While market seeds may increase yield, they can erode community-based plant breeding practices. This study documents and preserves traditional methods of seed selection, production, storage, and exchange, addressing the erosion of landraces and traditional crop cultivars, and the implications for seed sovereignty, in situ germplasm conservation, and the nutraceutical security of farmers in the Indian Himalayan region. Local people have developed unique storage structures that are relatively cheap, eco-friendly, climate-resistant, and offer long seed self-life. Previous studies highlight the erosion of socio-economic and cultural knowledge linked to traditional seed systems, while others report the role of such practices in improving genetic diversity and gene flow. However, many lack scientific evidence on seed selection and storage. This study aims to document farmers' knowledge and validate their seed storage practices through participatory field experiments.

The literature review extensively cites previous research highlighting the importance of traditional seed systems for sustainable agriculture and biodiversity conservation. Studies by Altieri and Merrick (1987), Sperling et al. (1993), Almekinders et al. (1994), Jarvis et al. (2000), Poudel et al. (2015), Jensen et al. (2013), Nabuuma et al. (2022), Montufar and Ayala (2019), Hlatshwayo et al. (2021), Brush (1991, 1995), Asiedu-Darko (2014), Bisht et al. (2006, 2007), Shiva et al. (2012), Maikhuri et al. (1997), Li and Wu (1996), Almekinders and Louwaars (2002), Vernooy et al. (2014), Maikhuri et al. (1996), Kiruba et al. (2006), Mobolade et al. (2019), Curtis et al. (1997), Wood and Lenne (1997), Bishaw and Turner (2008), Thomas et al. (2011a, 2011b), Maity et al. (2020), Pircher and Almekinders (2021), Mburu and Wale (2006), Agre et al. (2018), Lebot et al. (2018), Govender et al. (2008), Mishra and Pandey (2014), Odjo et al. (2022) are referenced to show the existing knowledge gap regarding scientific evidence on traditional seed selection and storage practices. The review emphasizes the need for documentation and validation of these practices.

The study was conducted in three villages (Baliwal, Pubowal, and Janani) in the Una district of Himachal Pradesh, India, located in the Shiwalik hills and Bhabar tracts of the outer Himalayan region. The area is characterized by undulating terrain and loose, boulder-pebbly soil. A chain referral method was used to identify 136 Key Knowledge Holders (KKHs) from different age groups, landholding sizes, and social categories. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews, focused group discussions, and collaborative fieldwork. Information was gathered on socio-economic profiles, cultural practices, and traditional seed system knowledge. A participatory experiment was conducted in Janani and Baliwal villages to validate traditional seed storage practices. Twenty-four earthen pots were used to store wheat and maize seeds, using traditional treatments like dry neem leaves, safety matchsticks, and combinations of both. The experiment compared the viability of traditional and hybrid varieties under different treatments. Data from line agencies like the Department of Agriculture, India Meteorology Department, and Gram Panchayats were also collected. Field data was collected over three years (2015-2018) during various stages of crop cultivation.

The participatory experiment demonstrated the effectiveness of traditional seed treatments (neem leaves, safety matchsticks, and their combination) in disinfecting seeds during storage, although with varying degrees of effectiveness. The study documented the traditional seed system's multifaceted role in maintaining crop vigor and diversity. It highlighted the vital role of seed selection, storage, and exchange practices in preserving local crop varieties and strengthening socio-cultural bonds within the farming communities. The analysis of responses based on age groups, landholding size, and social categories provided insights into the distribution of traditional knowledge and practices among different segments of the community. The study documented various traditional seed storage methods employed by the community, along with details about traditional crop varieties and their characteristics. Detailed information on the socio-economic and cultural context of the traditional seed system is also included.

The findings support the hypothesis that traditional seed systems are critical for maintaining crop diversity and vigor in the study area. The successful validation of traditional seed storage treatments using participatory experiments provides scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of these practices. The strong socio-cultural implications of the traditional seed system underscore its importance in maintaining community cohesion and resilience in the face of external pressures from formal seed systems. The study's findings have implications for policymakers and researchers working on seed sovereignty, conservation of agricultural biodiversity, and sustainable agricultural development in marginal environments. The detailed documentation of traditional seed management practices provides valuable knowledge for future research and conservation efforts.

This study provides strong evidence supporting the effectiveness and significance of traditional community-led seed systems in maintaining crop vigor, diversity, and socio-cultural networks. The participatory experiment validates the efficacy of traditional seed storage methods. Future research could focus on comparative studies of traditional and modern seed systems, the impact of climate change on traditional seed systems, and strategies for integrating traditional knowledge into sustainable agriculture development programs.

The study's geographical scope is limited to three villages in a specific region of the western Himalayas. Generalizability of the findings to other regions might be limited due to variations in ecological conditions and agricultural practices. The experiment was conducted over a relatively short period, and long-term studies are needed to understand the long-term effects of traditional seed storage methods. The reliance on self-reported data from KKHs may introduce some bias into the results.