Seed Memory

Dr. Debarati Chakraborty
Modern seed breeding largely focuses on optimizing yield—but what becomes of flavor, culture, and traditional ecological knowledge in the narrow pursuit of profit?
Next up in Learning Lab, we’re joined by Debarati Chakraborty, PhD, scientist and CEO of Naturophilia India. We’ll explore Dr. Chakraborty's work at the intersection of seeds, soil, and cultural heritage throughout regions of India and Nepal, with a focus on the quiet and powerful efforts of communities to maintain their cultural memory through farming and seed saving.
Dr. Chakaborty's research and field experiences connect the worlds of AI, seed genetics, biotechnology, and community knowledge. Moving between laboratory science and living landscapes, she works alongside farmers and seed keepers, protecting biodiversity and cultural heritage on the fringes of formal markets.
Together we’ll explore…
🌱 Seed saving as a pathway for cultural memory
🌱 Low-tech, low-cost approaches to amending and improving soil fertility
🌱 What mainstream seed genetics often miss in efforts to maximize profitability
Join this live webinar with fellow land stewards, scientists, and regenerators to explore traditional ecological knowledge and resilience in India and beyond.