ગુજરાતી
English
By Dilip Patel
Ahmedabad, April 26, 2025
Rajeshbhai Bariya, the founder of Gujarat’s first seed bank, has been crowned the ‘Seed Emperor.’ By collecting and preserving seeds from rare and endangered plants, he has created a seed bank comparable to the Reserve Seed Bank of India. Farmers cultivating these seeds could see higher profits than traditional crops.
Bariya’s seed bank boasts over 300 varieties, and he has distributed 1.5 million seeds to 17,500 people, with 3,000 farmers planting them. His dedication has made him the state’s leading seed contributor.
A Lifeline for Endangered Plants
The seed bank contains seeds of 100 endangered plant species. Bariya, now considered a pioneer in seed conservation, has become an inspiration for environmentalists and farmers alike.
Rajeshbhai Bariya’s mission is simple – to protect native plants from extinction. He collects seeds of traditional medicinal plants and indigenous trees, offering them free of charge to those in need.
The Journey of a Seed Guardian
Born and raised in Rajkot, Bariya developed a fascination for plants early in life. His passion for collecting seeds led him to establish the Vasundhara Seed Bank on his birthday, June 25, 2019. Initially, he sent seeds to 250 people using regular mail. Over time, his initiative grew, reaching schools, colleges, and thousands of farmers.
Today, the seed bank stocks 150 seed types in bulk, preparing thousands of seed packets annually. Bariya continues to spread awareness about the importance of conserving plant biodiversity.
A Nationwide Impact
Rajeshbhai Bariya has sent seeds across various states, including Maharashtra, Assam, Karnataka, and Punjab. During monsoon season, seed demand surges as more people participate in afforestation efforts.
With 80 species on the brink of extinction, his relentless work ensures their survival. Bariya’s initiative has sparked a movement, encouraging people to plant indigenous trees and medicinal herbs.
Future Vision
His dream is to expand the seed bank further, preserving more endangered plant species. He believes in the power of native seeds to combat deforestation and revive lost ecosystems.
Rajeshbhai Bariya’s journey from a passionate plant lover to the Seed Emperor stands as a testament to the power of individual effort in creating a greener future. Through Vasundhara Seed Bank, he has sown the seeds of hope for generations to come.
A seed bank was created by identifying and collecting seeds of endangered and inaccessible trees and vines and now it has become like the Reserve Seed Bank of India. There are 300 varieties of seeds in this seed bank, which have immense potential to earn better income than other crops, if farmers cultivate them understanding the economic and commercial value of their seeds.
15 lakh seeds of medicinal plants that can be grown in the fields have been sent to farmers and home gardens. 1.5 million seeds have been sent to 17,500 thousand people. Of which 3,000 have been planted in the fields. He has become the largest seed producer in Gujarat. Through the seed campaign, he has become the largest seed donor in Gujarat.
His bank has seeds of about 100 endangered plants and vines. There are a total of 300 varieties of seeds in their bank. Seed producers have now become seed moons. They redefine the concept of grains. Now people have started considering them as second parents.
The first seed bank in Gujarat was created by Rajeshbhai Baraiya of Rajkot. His bank has become popular among people and farmers. They collect seeds of endangered plants and give them free of cost to needy people. They have seeds of native herbs and native trees. This is the seed extract of the seed bank. The seed works as awareness. It will be beneficial to learn the basics from them.
Their sole aim is to save endangered plants. We are sending local vegetables. They send seeds of native creepers and trees. The taste of native variety is better than the hybrid variety. The seed navel is important.
Seed Bank
This bank is also named Vasundhara Seed Bank after the name of the earth. Getting seeds from forests has become limited in Gujarat and across the country. If forest plants are grown in the fields, deforestation and destruction of forest herbs can be prevented. He has seeds of 80 species of plants which are on the verge of extinction. On holidays he goes to the forest and collects seeds. Many people give him seeds. The place of seeds is getting bigger. Sowing seeds or planting seeds, is well understood.
Life of Rajeshbhai
He works in Rajkot on a meager salary of 20 thousand per month. His whole family helps in this work. Rajeshbhai Baraiya had a love for trees since childhood. When I was young, if I got any seed, I would bring it home. He used to plant it in the courtyard of the house. He used to get unique pleasure in watching the seeds grow into plants and trees.
The art of sowing seeds is worth learning from Rajeshbhai, the seed producer. Shiva has a thousand names, one of which is also the seed-maker. Which applies to Rajeshbhai. Thus, Rajesh also means the king of kings, i.e. emperor or ruler. He is getting this title by running the Save Seeds Movement.
He says that there are many plants which are now limited to some forests. Its qualities and benefits are amazing. Hence, it is on the verge of extinction. The work of collecting seeds of such valuable plants and distributing them among farmers and the general public was started.
Beginning
Rajeshbhai started collecting information about plants in 2017. Details of 250 plants were collected in a year. This information was conveyed to the public through social media.
In 2018, seeds of 30 trees and plants were collected. These seeds were sent to 50 people.
Bank created
On his birthday on 25 June 2019, Rajeshbhai started Gujarat’s first Vande Vasundhara Seed Bank. In the first year, he sent seeds to 250 people through regular post.
He keeps one and a half lakh seeds of 150 types of plants packed and ready.
In 2019-20, free seeds were distributed to 1250 people and 156 schools and colleges.
In 2020, there were seeds of 160 types of plants. It contained many seeds of plants that were on the verge of extinction.
In 2021, the demand of the people increased. Many people started sending seeds from the front.
Postman
They cover the courier cost. We deliver the goods to the village by post. In 2025, the courier cost will be 30-35, packing cost will be separate. Its price is 50 rupees.
Kit
He has made a kit. A kit contains 25 types of seeds. In which there are 10 seeds of each variety. So that the seeds that do not germinate can be sown again.
Plant seeds
Ashwagandha, Ajagandha, Sarpagandha, White and Red Agathi, Kuvadio, Kasundro, Ambadi, Marethi/Akkalakara, White Bhoyringni, Black and Yellow Dhaturo, Desi Tulsi, Phalsa, Karamda, Kariyatu, Gokhru, Bavasi, Chalaparni, Galtoro, Shankhpushpi, Bhagudo, Barmasi, Bahufali, Gangeti, Mardshing, Vilayati Tulsi, Vaijayanti, Kankudi, Ratan Jyot, Vilayati Nepal, Yellow Aval, Kadli, Desi Mehndi, Bhoyapilu, Nagavali, Aloe Cosmos, Orange Cosmos, Gorakh Mundi, Pankando, Milk Hem Kand, Oil Hem Kand, Karen, Vikal, Shyam Tulsi, Parijat, Raatrani, Ankol, Bijoru, Sarpanakha.
vines seeds
They have seeds of vines like nolvel, satavari, aparajita white and blue, bitter barber, Ganesh vine, bitter dodi, jivanti, varshadodi, kamandal tumbdi, chanothi white-red and black, thorny indramanu, kachaka, varadhara, gala, kaucha, shivlingi, ice cream vine, kagdoliya, panch padwa vine, narvel, desi kantola, gol tumbdi, nasotar.
Wild bees
Plants growing in the forests are: rukhado, balam khira, cashew, sesame, umro, black pepper, aritha, kanchanar, mahudo, ashoka, asopalav, borsali, khijado, tamrasinha, igoria, teak, ghutti, red shimlo, paras piplo, australian acacia, dantaranga,
Vadhwari, Kanti Babul, Ram Babul, Harmo Babul, Ratanjali, Til, Vyavarno, Garmal yellow and pink, Amla, Behra, Harade, Putrajiva, White Sandalwood, Kakas, Bhilamo, Pabdi, Karanj, Arjun, Khakhar, Giripushp, Bhammar peel, Gangedo, White Shimlo, Soneri Pushpa, Timru, Shirish white and black, Arduso, Charoli, Seed, Sindoori, Tecom
Fruits are: Piludi, Sawan, Vaas, Arni, Nagod, Mitho Mito Middo, Khatta, Ryan, Rangta, Ramphal, Ryan, Rangat
Cashew in Saurashtra
25 kg of cashews were distributed. Farmers are cultivating cashew in the coastal areas of Somnath and Veraval.
Cashews were also sent two years ago.
People are planting trees.
Rajeshbhai has worked in Mumbai, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Assam. Seeds have been sent to Karnataka, Punjab and Orissa. Demand increases before monsoon.
I always get 1500 messages. When you send a message on WhatsApp to 9427249401 you will receive a link. In which comes the list of seeds. The seeds you need can be ordered. (Google translation from Gujarati)
