Harsita Priyadarshini Mohanty
2025 Eco-Hero
2nd PLACE
Harsita Priyadarshini Mohanty
Age 13
Koraput, Odisha, India
Agro-Biodiversity Conservation of Indigenous Paddy & Millet Seeds
High Resolution Image | Press Release
Driven by a passion to safeguard India's rich agricultural heritage, 13-year-old Harsita Priyadarshini Mohanty has become a visionary "seed girl" through her project, "Agro Biodiversity Conservation Of Indigenous Local Landrace Of Paddy & Millet Seeds." Witnessing the detrimental effects of global warming and climate change on local biodiversity, Harsita established the "Harsita Priyadarshini Indigenous Seed and Grain Bank," a vital initiative born from her self-funded efforts and deep commitment to sustainable farming.
Her seed bank meticulously collects and preserves 180 varieties of paddy, 60 varieties of millet, and various other forgotten food seeds. Through her unique "loan for exchange" method, Harsita distributes 2 kilograms of indigenous seeds free of cost to local farmers. In return, after cultivation, farmers replenish the bank with 4 kilograms, ensuring a continuous and expanding cycle of conservation. In 2023, 20 farmers benefited, growing to 60 farmers in 2024, significantly empowering 40 women and girl farmers to adopt organic practices. Her ambitious goal is to reach 1,000 farmers within five years.
Inspired by the pioneering work of Padmashree Kamala Pujari, a tribal legend in seed conservation, Harsita is deeply rooted in her rural, tribal-dominated community. She actively conducts awareness camps for over 2,000 students, emphasizing the importance of indigenous seeds and forgotten foods. Her efforts promote food security, biodiversity protection, climate resilience, and ensure clean air, water, and soil for future generations. Her work has been lauded by her school principal, Krishna Nisonko, who notes that while many students are drawn to tech, Harsita's interest lies in "safe food, safe life" through agro-biodiversity conservation.
Jagannath Mishra, Chairperson of EKTA NGO, highlights her exceptional dedication: "Compared to other young people I have worked with, Harshita is exceptionally motivated, focused, and consistent in her environmental work... She is also a natural leader and inspires others to act." Despite financial challenges, Harsita has sustained her project through personal savings, grant money from a national competition, and community support, demonstrating that willingness and a strong mindset can overcome significant hurdles.
Harsita strongly advocates for a modern approach to agriculture. In her own words, "The same kind of innovation seen in tech should be applied to agriculture to ensure a sustainable food future." She plans to further expand her seed bank, create a knowledge library on natural farming, and continue inspiring more youth to embrace agriculture. Her remarkable contributions have earned her recognition as "Seed Girl" or "Millet Girl" and appreciation from high-level dignitaries, including the President of India and the Union Agriculture Minister.
