Germination Report
Gram Disha Trust (GDT) with the collaboration with Kalasan Nursery Farm has its first round of germination trials as part of a broader effort to establish a community seed bank.
This initiative aims to conserve, multiply, and distribute open-pollinated heirloom seeds that are well-suited to the Himalayan agro-climatic zone.
Seed Bank will be rooted in principles of ecological sustainability and regional seed sovereignty, allowing farmers, especially in mountain regions, access to high-quality, organically grown, locally adapted seed varieties.
The choice of Open Pollinated seeds of Tomato are deliberate since apart from the Seed Bank GDT run Delhi based social enterprise JaivikHaat, has also secured market channels for sale of Tomatoes. Farmers know that while growing tomatoes for seeds, the plant also generates the crop. It is possible for farmers to sell the tomato crop and retain specific healthy fruits for seed multiplication. This also demostrate that it is possible for farmers to get market returns during seed multiplication instead of assuming it is a investment cost only for farmers.
Varieties Sown
A total of 4 tomato varieties out of 8 were sown in pots on June 25th, 2025. Under observation to assess germination rates and early-stage growth:
1. Atomic Grape Tomato
2. Black Plum Tomato
3. African Togo
4. Kashi Tomato
Germination Performance (13 Days After Sowing)
The seeds were sown on June 25 in organically prepared soil and observed under controlled pot conditions. Although not the ideal season due to excessive rains. By July 8, all varieties had germinated successfully. Below are summarized observations by variety:
1. Atomic Grape Tomato
Germination Rate: low-moderate
Sapling Vigor: Healthy but spaced
Notes: Slower growth but no signs of stress
2. Black Plum Tomato
Germination Rate: High
Sapling Vigor: Dense, robust canopy
Notes: Needs space to promote air circulation and root space
3. African Togo
Germination Rate: Moderate
Sapling Vigor: Slightly curled foliage, steady growth
Notes: Likely a varietal trait; healthy green pigmentation
4. Kashi Tomato
Germination Rate: Very High
Sapling Vigor: Uniform height and strong leaf development
Notes: Promising candidate for future multiplication
Growing Conditions
Soil: Organic mix with compost and cocopeat
Watering: Daily misting in late evening; no waterlogging observed
Weather: rainfall and cloudy skies, providing gentle light conditions
Disease/Pests: No signs of damping-off or infestation detected
Seed Bank Strategy and Upcoming Work
This is the first of several germination rounds to be conducted under the Seed Bank Program. Supported by Gram Disha Trust, the program emphasizes community access, seed literacy, and regenerative agriculture.
Next steps include:
- Thinning and transplanting select seedlings into larger beds or bags
- Monitoring varietal performance (plant vigor, disease resistance, fruiting behavior)
- Seed saving from healthy, true-to-type plants
- On-farm trials.