Planting diversity for future generations

13/10/2026

“I love planting these seeds because they represent more than harvests. They connect us to our traditions, support our communities and remind us that agrobiodiversity begins in farmers’ fields.”

In Shahristan district, in Tajikistan’s northern Sughd region, where farming families rely on every harvest, agrobiodiversity often survives because of the dedication of individuals. One of them is Gulbar Mirmahmedova, a 46-year-old mother of two and a farmer whose fields have become a living repository of traditional crops.

Born in Khushekat village in Ayni district, Gulbar grew up in a large family where agriculture was part of everyday life. She learned to farm from her parents and grandparents, gaining practical knowledge that would later become the foundation of her life’s work. 

Her passion for beans began long before she became a farmer. As a child, she was fascinated by watching the plants develop, from their first blossoms to the formation of colourful pods and seeds.

“I have loved these plants since childhood,” says Gulbar. “I was always curious to see how they flowered, grew and changed shape. Even today, I never tire of watching that process.”

Every year, on 15 October, the International Day of Rural Women celebrates women farmers like Gulbar, who sustain and enrich life in rural areas.

Seeding the future 

When she married in 2011 and moved to Shahristan district, she brought with her a small collection of horse beans from her home village. What started as a handful of seeds gradually grew into a rich collection of local varieties. She carefully planted, selected and preserved them season after season, ensuring that valuable genetic resources were not lost.

For Gulbar, seed conservation is not only about farming. It is also about strengthening communities. She regularly exchanges seeds and knowledge with other women farmers, helping them diversify their fields and maintain access to reliable crops. Through these informal networks, local crop varieties continue to circulate from household to household.

“Seeds become stronger when they are shared. When women exchange seeds and knowledge, we help each other feed our families and ensure that valuable crops are never lost.”

Gulbar has transformed her 1.5-hectare plot into a place where agricultural diversity thrives. Today, she grows and conserves more than 21 varieties of beans and other legumes, preserving crops that are becoming increasingly difficult to find in rural communities.Gulbar’s dedication drew the attention of experts of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) working on the project “Facilitating agrobiodiversity conservation and sustainable use to promote food and nutritional resilience in Tajikistan”, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF). When she learned about the initiative, she invited the team to her home to show them the varieties she had been safeguarding for many years.

Through the project, Gulbar received practical support, including more than 100 metres of irrigation hose, mesh fencing and solar fruit dryers. She also participated in a series of training sessions on agrobiodiversity conservation and sustainable agricultural practices.

Today, Gulbar contributes her seed varieties to the community seed bank established through the project in Shahristan district, helping to ensure that traditional crops remain available to other farmers. Her collection includes several rare and ancient bean varieties that have been passed down through generations.

The legumes grown on her farm remain an important part of local diets. Rich in protein and other nutrients, they are used in a variety of traditional foods and contribute to household food security, particularly in remote mountainous areas where agricultural options can be limited.

“Many people see a bean as just a crop, but I see it as resilience. These varieties have adapted to our mountains over generations, and I feel responsible for keeping them alive for the farmers who will come after us.”

During a successful growing season, she harvests more than 800 kilograms of beans from different varieties. Gulbar enjoys preparing a wide range of traditional dishes with them, and her children are particularly fond of bean-based meals, reinforcing her belief that preserving these crops is essential for future generations.

Samples of the varieties she conserves have been collected for preservation and research. Some are now being tested in other parts of the country, creating opportunities for farmers in different regions to benefit from crops that have proven resilient and productive under local conditions.

Although challenges such as limited market demand and changing consumer preferences persist, Gulbar continues her work with determination. Each planting season is another step towards protecting Tajikistan’s agricultural heritage. 

“Every seed I plant carries a story from the past. By saving these traditional varieties, I am not only growing food for my family today but also protecting a heritage that belongs to future generations.”

This story is part of a series celebrating women farmers worldwide, from producers, fishers and pastoralists to traders, agricultural scientists and rural entrepreneurs. The International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026 recognizes their essential contributions to food security, economic prosperity and improved nutrition and livelihoods, despite heavier workloads, less favourable working conditions and unequal access to resources. It calls for collective action and investment to empower women, in all their diversity, and to build a fairer, more inclusive and more sustainable agrifood system for all.