Seed Banks Across Asia 

Assembling a growing body of knowledge related to appropriate seed storage practices and techniques over the years, ECHO is inspiring and equipping local seed banks to multiply and provide seeds to their communities. 

After planting the seeds provided by an ECHO partner seed bank, Mr. Phin has a more than adequate food supply for his family and he has also been able to sell some vegetables to his neighbors. He found that by planting a variety of crops, he has enough food for his family while also creating a second source of income. Many of his neighbors have followed his lead and have planted vegetable gardens in their homes as well. 

Backyard Gardens Take Root

In July of 2020, Pastor Nipon was able to travel from his home in Mae Hong Son province and attend a training at the ECHO Asia Demonstration Farm. Along with several other pastors, he learned about basic natural farming practices such as harvesting and using indigenous microorganisms and making fermented bio liquids. He also learned grafting techniques and the key principles of seed saving. He returned home with new ideas and a fistful of seed packages. 

In the year since, these seeds have taken root as Pastor Nipon and his wife have built and maintained a home garden. As COVID has made access to food in the village unreliable, this garden has proven to be essential. 

Equipping Young People to Help Themselves 

Puk had gone to the city to look for work as a laborer, but when jobs dried up, he returned to his home village in Northern Thailand where farming could be his livelihood. Through ECHO resourcing and connections, Puk was able to create a cooperative farm with other underemployed youth and connect with a small business who agreed to purchase their harvests. This group of young people who couldn‘t find work in the city have returned home to abundant livelihoods.