Navdanya

Navdanya is a women-led, farmer-driven movement rooted in the protection of biological and cultural diversity. Founded on the philosophy of Earth Democracy, Navdanya envisions the planet as One Earth Family (Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam) — where there is no separation between nature and humans, and no hierarchies between species, cultures, genders, races, or faiths. 

For over three decades, Navdanya has conserved India’s rich heritage of climate-resilient and nutrient-rich seeds. Through more than 150 community seed banks across 22 Indian states, they freely save, share, and cultivate native seed varieties, keeping biodiversity alive and accessible. At the heart of Navdanya’s practice is the belief that food is not a commodity — it is life. Grown without toxic chemicals or industrial interventions, food becomes a way to care for the Earth, regenerate soils and water systems, and sustain biodiversity. Eating organically and ecologically is a commitment to both personal health and planetary wellbeing. 

Navdanya invites communities around the world to reconnect with the Earth through educational programs at their Earth University. Courses cover Earth Democracy, seed saving, agroecology, regenerative organic agriculture, Indigenous knowledge, and the foundations of ecological civilization. 

The name Navdanya carries a double meaning: it refers to the “nine seeds” that symbolize biodiversity, and to the “new gift” — seed as a commons, freely shared and protected by those who care for the Earth. In today’s context of ecological destruction, seed savers are the true givers — offering the gift of life, heritage, and continuity.