Question

Beej Bachao Andolan started at?
A. Bageshwar
B. Pithoragarh
C. Tehri
D. Chamoli

Answer 1

Hint: This popular movement was started by farmers of a particular town in Uttrakhand (also known as Uttaranchal) to protect and preserve their native plant species. This movement somewhat inherit its aims and objectives from a famous movement from the past known as –“The Chipko Movement”

Complete answer:
The literal meaning of The Beej Bachao Andolan means “save the seeds movement”. This movement began in the late 1980s. It was led by a farmer and social activist named - Vijay Jardhari. A village known as Jardhargaon in district Tehri of the Garhwal region became the birthplace of this movement.
At this time, farmers all around India were encouraged to use chemical fertilizers, hybrid seeds and try other modern materials and procedures to mass-produce better crops and plants. This genetically affected many native plants that were locally grown. The produce was also negatively affected. Many species of plant were at risk of being endangered or extinct. The effects of chemical pollution by chemicals were seen in the flora-fauna. Even the land was exhausted of its qualities and there was a shortage of food.
Mr. Vijay started experimenting on the age-old practice of “Baranaja” in which one would grow 12 different species of plants. It included both mixed farming and intercropping of the plants. This not only helped in reviving the old, endangered species but also prevented the exhaustion of all the minerals in the soil.

So, the correct answer is Option C.

Note: In this process he revived distinct varieties of rice, like - Chardham, Thapchini, Jhumkiya, Rikhwa, and Lal basmati
· Usage of natural pesticides like neem and walnut leaves was promoted.
· Bara or Baraha means: 12 and Anja means: seed or grains