Al Qarara Seed Bank rebuilds heirloom seed stocks in Gaza

The Al Qarara Seed Bank in the central Gaza Strip is working to rebuild its collection of indigenous heirloom seeds following destruction during the ongoing conflict. Operating out of a makeshift tent in Deir el-Balah, the team is documenting and storing varieties of wheat, barley, spinach, parsley, zucchini, and okra.

Project manager Salem Muhanna noted that these traditional seeds are vital for survival and agricultural continuity because they are better adapted to local conditions and can be replanted year after year, unlike commercial hybrid varieties. The bank, originally established in 2017 with support from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), suffered significant losses of various seed types due to the fighting.

The effort comes as Gaza’s agricultural sector faces collapse. Before the conflict, agriculture and fishing accounted for approximately 10 percent of the territory's economy, but currently, only about 3 percent of cropland remains accessible and undamaged. The team faces ongoing challenges including repeated displacement and limited access to essential farming supplies like water and fertilizer.