Gaza seed bank helps farmers cultivate the little land they have left

A farmers’ group in Gaza is rebuilding a local seed bank destroyed during Israel’s war in the enclave, aiming to preserve native crops and cultivate the limited arable land that remains. In early 2024, farmer Salama Muhanna said his “Bank of Seeds” in Qarara was destroyed several months after the Hamas-led attacks that preceded Israel’s assault. The bank previously held 70 tons of seed stock for 42 crops, including black-eyed peas, watermelon and sage, he said. Muhanna, 71, and his team have since rebuilt a modest collection of about 32 local seed varieties, stored in burlap sacks and plastic containers at a makeshift tent in Deir Al-Balah. They also grow seedlings nearby. Aid groups say local heirloom seeds are more resilient than imported hybrid varieties.