Vol. 8, Issue 1, Part A (2024)

In marginal environments—regions characterized by climatic uncertainty, soil degradation, and infrastructural limitations—conserving crop genetic diversity becomes a cornerstone of agricultural sustainability. While institutional genebanks contribute significantly to ex situ conservation, the role of farmers in maintaining dynamic in situ diversity on their own land is critical yet under-acknowledged. This paper systematically explores farm-level strategies used to conserve crop genetic diversity in challenging agroecological zones. Drawing on global case studies, peer-reviewed research, and indigenous knowledge systems, we examine mechanisms such as landrace maintenance, seed selection, intercropping, and community seed systems. The analysis reveals that farmer-driven diversity conservation not only sustains genetic resources but also reinforces adaptive resilience in the face of climate change. Institutional support, participatory breeding, and policy frameworks are also evaluated to understand how in situ efforts can be mainstreamed into national agricultural systems.