Dr. Debal Deb, a scientist, biodiversity conservationist and ecologist committed to working with traditional farmers in eastern India to conserve indigenous seed diversity from extinction since 1996. Also known as 'Rice Warrior of India', Debal has managed to save more than 1000 varieties of rice, all of which he stores in community based seed banks in West Bengal and Odisha for farmers.
Dr. Debal Deb works with farmers to truly recognise the depth of their knowledge, and believes that solutions to hunger must benefit the small producer who is at highest risk. In his words, "Farmers are unnamed, unknown and greatly talented scientists."
Founder of Vrihi, the first non-governmental and largest rice seed bank for farmers in eastern India, Dr. Debal Deb has managed to save 920 varieties of rice by re-establishing the vanishing culture of non-commercial seed exchange. Debal works with farmers to truly recognize the depth of their knowledge and believes that solutions to hunger must benefit the small producer who is at highest risk.
