Did you know that there are over 150 varieties of pumpkin that exist all over the world? Are you aware that there are more than 60 varieties of eggplant and over 10 varieties of okra?
As amazing as this sounds, many of these varieties are on the verge of becoming extinct. With only the most common and popular ones being sold in the markets, the survival of the rest looks bleak.
On a mission to save as many varieties of vegetables as possible, 38-year-old Aravinthan R P from Coimbatore quit his job to pursue his dream. So far, he has collected and planted various seeds — saving close to 70 varieties of eggplant, 20 varieties of okra, 28 varieties of tomatoes, and 20 varieties of beans.
“I never really imagined that I would end up doing this. But life worked out in a way that saving these varieties of seeds has now become my passion,” Aravinthan tells The Better India.
When you can’t find authentic organic produce, you grow them
Born and brought up in the small town of Karur,…