Rahibai Soma Popere

Rahibai Soma Popere is a 52-year-old tribal woman from the Mahadeo Koli community from Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. She has worked to conserve hundreds of native varieties and encouraged farmers to grow traditional crops. She spreads awareness about organic farming, agro-biodiversity, and wild food resources. Although she had not attended school, through practice and experience she learned about agrobiodiversity, wild food resources, and traditional culture. Popere is known as the ‘Seed Mother’ and was recently awarded the Padma Shri in 2021.