Farmer-Preferred traditional green gram varieties: Keys to climate resilience and agrobiodiversity in Odisha, India

Agriculture in Odisha is closely linked to traditional knowledge systems, particularly among small and marginal farmers who depend on Traditional Varieties (TVs) for food, nutrition, and ecological sustainability. Green gram (mung bean) plays a vital role in rain-fed and rice-fallow ecosystems, yet its productivity remains low due to climatic variability, limited seed access, and poor market linkages. To understand the current status of traditional mungbean cultivation, a pilot study was undertaken in five tribal-dominated districts, viz., Balangir, Bargarh, Boudh, Nuapada, and Sambalpur, using participatory surveys, group discussions, and workshops alongside field-based agro-morphological evaluations. Results showed that TVs account for about 95% of the mungbean area, with ‘Chaiti’, ‘Chikni Kali’, and ‘Sagua Moog’ being majorly preferred for their yield, drought resilience, early maturity, local adaptability, and cooking quality. Beyond agronomic advantages, these TVs contribute to agrobiodiversity conservation and hold socio-cultural importance. The findings highlight the need for greater support to decentralized seed systems and the mainstreaming of farmer-preferred TVs. Strengthening policies that enhance the productivity and climate resilience of traditional farming systems is essential for sustainable agriculture in Odisha.