Sustaining Indigenous Agricultural Knowledge for Food Production
Contents: Preface. 1. Conceptual framework of indigenous knowledge system. 2. Indigenous agricultural knowledge. 3. Indigenous agricultural knowledge of Gond tribe of Kalahani, Orissa. 4. Indigenous knowledge of agricultural resources of East Godhavari, Andhra Pradesh. 5. Indigenous agricultural practices of Tharu tribals of Eastern Uttar Pradesh. 6. Traditional Paddy cultivation practices of sunderbans delta. 7. Documentation and evaluation of pest control practices of rice cultivation by tribals of Tamilnadu. 8. Turning to the tradition: indigenous wisdom of tribal farmers of Tamilnadu. 9. Evolutionary status and management of sacred groves a concept based on traditional wisdom for conservation of biodiversity. 10. Surangam a unique indigenous water harvesting technology. 11. Indigenous knowledge of Birbhumi (West Bengal) Dairy farmers. 12. Traditional practices of livestock keepers in the rural areas of Sundarban Islands. 13. Indigenous knowledge and livestock resources. 14. Traditional knowledge system to combat foot and Mouth Disease in cattle in India. 15. Attitude of farm scientists and extension personnel towards indigenous agricultural knowledge. Subject Index.
A lot of concern is being expressed globally for food security of billions of people in coming decades. The tragedy of this feature is, energy intensive, water Hungary and labour saving devises in food production are increasingly being propagated by the resource rich nations. Countries like India are madly copying it, although ecologically devastating experiences are multiplying. Hybridization followed by genetic engineering has become favourable scientific time pass. All around world, genetic food is being seen with doubt. Opposite to this worldview of Modern science, Indigenous/traditional wisdom stands taller. The studies cited here in the form of field surveys and farm experiments deserve close examination. There is no conflict with the approach of modern reductionist science. What is desirable is examination of facts with open mind. Even if we could produce bit less but save ecology, it will be more desirable rather then running to compete with chemical commercial practices, which are seen against nature, therefore, non-sustainable.
This book is a small contribution for appreciation of peoples wisdom. It is high time that content of agricultural education in India is suitably modified to include this dimension at under graduate post graduate level. Let us not be shy to face the realities. Attempts to ignore it may bring misfortune.
In a vast and ecologically rich country like India, this book is a drop in the ocean. Howsoever, small it may be, it is a good beginning. Researchers will find it of interest as variety of methods has been attempted across the country. The lone article on traditional pesticide experiment in vegetable production is an eye opener.
Many notions could still serve the purpose with modification. Who knows, some of them might be having wider ramifications just like HIV vaccine having utility in the control of cervical cancer. The purpose of this publication will be well served, if scientists start appreciating the traditional ideas, rather than hating them.
