Why is it in the News?

In his 50s, Madakam Unga, a Muria tribal farmer who migrated from Chhattisgarh and settled in the dense forests of the Godavari Valley, is still practising ‘deda’, a traditional method of preserving seeds that his ancestors handed over to his family.

What is the Deda Method?

• The Deda Method is an ancestral seed preservation technique passed down through generations.
• This unique method involves the use of natural materials to create a protective, airtight environment for the seeds, ensuring their viability for future planting.

Preservation Process:

• Seeds are packed tightly and wrapped in leaves to form a sturdy bundle resembling a boulder.
• The seed-filled leaf packages are then woven together with Siali leaves (Bauhinia vahlii), locally known as 'addakulu,' forming the distinctive deda structure.
• A deda consists of three layers:
  • The innermost layer contains wood ash spread over Siali leaves.
  • The ash is then covered with lemon leaves, creating a protective casing.
  • Lastly, seeds are preserved within this casing and sealed, with each deda supporting up to 5kg of seeds.

Advantages:

• The Deda Method effectively protects seeds from pests and worms, ensuring their quality and viability.
• Seeds preserved using this technique can be used for cultivation for up to five years.
• This method is particularly useful for preserving the seeds of various pulses, such as green gram, red gram, black gram, and beans.
• By utilizing the Deda Method, farmers can maintain a reliable, diverse collection of seeds, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices and supporting long-term food security.

Facts About Muria Tribe:

• Location: The Muria tribe is found in the states of Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha.
• Language: They speak Koya, a Dravidian language.
• Population and Status: In Andhra Pradesh, the Muria, also known as 'Gutti Koyas' by native tribes, are internally displaced people (IDPs) with a population of around 6,600.
• Cultural Practices: The Muria have a progressive outlook on marriage and life.
  • A notable example is the Ghotul, a communal dormitory that provides an environment for Muria youth to explore and understand their sexuality.

Recognition: While most Gutti Koya belong to the Gond or Muria communities, which are recognized as Scheduled Tribes in Chhattisgarh, they lack such recognition in Telangana.