Navdanya is an Earth-centric, women-centric and farmer-led movement dedicated to protecting biological and cultural diversity. Guided by the philosophy of Earth Democracy, we see the world as One Earth Family (Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam), with no separation between humans and nature and no hierarchies between species, cultures, genders, races or faiths. For over three decades, we have conserved India’s rich heritage of nutritious and climate-resilient seeds through more than 150 community seed banks, where native varieties are freely saved, shared and bred. Across 22 states, our farmers grow real living food from Desi seeds.
For Navdanya, food is life, not a commodity produced with toxic chemicals that drive extinctions, fuel climate change and spread sickness, disease and pandemics. Ecological farming nurtures human health, regenerates soil, protects water and restores biodiversity. When you eat organic and connect directly with us, you care for your own wellbeing and the health of the planet. Through our Earth University, we invite you to return to Earth and join our courses on Earth Democracy, ecological care, biodiversity conservation, seed saving, agroecology, regenerative organic agriculture, healthy living foods, indigenous knowledge and building an ecological civilisation.
The name Navdanya means “nine seeds,” symbolising the protection of biological and cultural diversity, and also “the new gift,” representing seeds as commons and the right to save and share them. In today’s context of biological and ecological destruction, seed savers are the true givers, offering the ultimate gift—the gift of life, heritage and continuity. This is the gift that Navdanya continues to bring to you through more than three decades of committed service to the Earth and humanity.
Volunteer, save seed and learn alongside Dr Vandana Shiva at Navdanya's Bija Vidyapeeth in Dehradun.
Thirteen days living and learning on the Navdanya farm in Dehradun — soil, seed, food and health, taught by Dr Vandana Shiva and other speakers.
RegenerativeAppropriate participation and design as nature.
ReconciliatoryReintegrating humans as integral parts of nature.
RestorativeHumans doing things to nature.
SustainableNeutral point — not doing any more damage.
GreenRelative improvements.
ConventionalCompliance to avoid legal action.
The dominant paradigm of the industrialisation and commodification of our food system has degraded the planet, rural economies, and the quality and safety of our food. It has created vulnerability at the ecological, social, economic and political levels.
The vicious cycle of interconnected degeneration is unravelling the earth's vital life-supporting processes and the fragile fabric of our societies.
But we have a living, growing alternative of regeneration based on diversity and agroecology. The transition from Corporate Control to Food Democracy — from Vulnerability to Resilience — is not just a possibility. It has become a necessity.
Learn how Navdanya's nine principles of biodiversity guide this transition to a food and agriculture system that regenerates nature's and people's economy.
Explore Regenerative Agriculture →
Navdanya signifies ‘nine seeds’—a symbol of protecting biological and cultural diversity—and also the ‘new gift’ that upholds the right to save and share seeds. In an era of ecological loss, seed savers offer the ultimate gift: preserving life, biodiversity, traditional knowledge, culture, and sustainability.