Seed Bank – Building cities as seed economies

Seed Bank – Building cities as seed economies

PREMISE

Food is one of the most fundamental elements of human existence. Humans have thrived and survived because our ancestors learnt how to gather, produce and consume food. Our has sustenance has been ensured due to these crucial elements of knowledge passed through generations.
As industrialization percolated in the civilization, mass production began. Then there was an influx of consumers – who were capable of paying for the food, instead of producing it. The need to grow food depleted, and as a result, skills and crafts related to agriculture and food production are gradually becoming mostly obsolete in the urbane environment. Mass consumerism through supermarkets is slowly changing how we perceive, acquire and consume food.
The paradigm shift in food production and consumption interspersed with the rising population of our cities creates a bigger problem. We are now wholly reliant on global networks of production and distribution. As individuals, not only we are losing access to crucial, knowledge pertaining to self-sustenance but also losing the diverse species rapidly. This cyclic process of decreasing plant diversity in tandem with worsening climate makes things even gloomy for our urban lifestyle in the coming future.

CHALLENGE

The Industrial Revolution has provided us with a highly consistent supply of processed food. In a way, it has given birth to issues like overconsumption, poor quality, high wastage and an over-dependence on manufacturing agencies. On the flip side, we cannot escape mechanization, which successfully meets the soaring demands of consumers. Artificially increasing the speed of production and boosting longevity by adding preservatives is a hidden yet common practice. In the longer run, our perception of fresh food will be completely eroded.