NISCAIR Online Periodicals Repository Collection: IJTK Vol.05(1) [January 2006]

Empowerment through Traditional Knowledge System for Agricultural sustainability

Thu, 29 Dec 2005 22:58:59 GMT

Title: Empowerment through Traditional Knowledge System for Agricultural sustainability

Authors: Gopalam, A; Reddy, P V R M

Abstract: Developing agricultural sustainability by harnessing Indigenous Knowledge often referred to as Traditional Knowledge. Innovations and practices derived out of success stories from rural locale provided zeal to research scholars to probe into these systems of empowerment. Educational initiatives ranging from classroom culture to farmer centered knowledge require a thorough research investigation and ultimately need to be introduced in higher education. Rich cultural heritage and knowledge dimensions, which have natural tendency to diminish with spatio-temporal changes need to be protected and is required to be brought back either in its native form or slightly modified form. Either of these may be, advantageous for agricultural productivity. Indigenous knowledge, which is centered on beliefs, practices and traditional technologies, is required to be documented through systematic planned approach by educational initiatives. As a prelude to educational initiatives, documenting Indigenous Knowledge, through established protocols may be the primary requirement. This includes community, individual and public domain knowledge systems, so that the existing data structures and efforts of organizations working to document this knowledge system are strengthened.

Page(s): 158-161

Amta and Amti (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.)-Cultural and agricultural dynamics of agrobiodiversity conservation

Thu, 29 Dec 2005 22:58:59 GMT

Title: Amta and Amti (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.)-Cultural and agricultural dynamics of agrobiodiversity conservation

Authors: Singh, Ranjay K; Sureja, Amish K; Singh, Dheeraj

Abstract: The local farmers possess an immense knowledge of their environment, based on the years of informal wisdom and close observations of the nature. By living in rich and variety of complex ecosystems, they have developed an understanding of the properties of the plants’ use, the functioning of ecosystem, food web, and techniques for their effective management. Equally, people’s knowledge and perceptions towards environment are important elements of cultural identity and biodiversity conservation. Looking to the importance of such knowledge systems, an effort has been made to carryout a research on use and conservation of Amta and Amti in purposively selected tribals’ villages of Madhya Pradesh. Tribal farmers have been found to develop the location specific practices to conserve Amta and Amti. These crops form an integral part of local medicines used for curing many diseases of human and animals, ethnic foods, culture, cropping systems, ecology and overall socioeconomic conditions of the farmers. The calyx and corolla of these crops are frequently used for preparing beverages. The tender leaves and stem are used as vegetable and for preparing chutney. Amta and Amti are significant and integral part of local cropping systems and are mixed with red gram, finger millet, kutki (millet), paddy and local vegetables. A synergistic relationship exists between Amta and Amti and these crops, thereby helping to control insect pest population, conserve natural resources and increase the productivity. The perception of women folk towards the different values related to Amta and Amti were found to be stronger than the male folk and similarly percentage of contribution in conservation of these crops women folk play a major role.

Page(s): 151-157

Traditional method of rainfall prediction through Almanacs in Ladakh

Thu, 29 Dec 2005 22:58:59 GMT

Title: Traditional method of rainfall prediction through Almanacs in Ladakh

Authors: Angchok, D; Dubey, V K

Abstract: Farmers in Ladakh (North-eastern part of J&K State) are still following the agronomic practices of crop production based on astrological facts of Lotho (Tibetan almanac), yet there is no systematic study or very few ever attempted to see the rationality of the ancient knowledge system. Like Indian Panchang (the religious calendar), the Tibetan Lotho also has a mathematical base for predicting the meteorological occurrences. An attempt has been made through this study to check the rationality of rainfall predictions made in lotho. The findings were quite encouraging and the rainfall predictions made in lotho were found to be going hand-in-hand with the predictions made by Government meteorological departments through modern techniques and procedures.

Page(s): 145-150

Cultivation and conservation practices of Euryale ferox Salisb. in Manipur

Thu, 29 Dec 2005 22:58:59 GMT

Title: Cultivation and conservation practices of Euryale ferox Salisb. in Manipur

Authors: Singh, M Romeo; Gupta, Asha

Abstract: Euryale ferox Salisb. is a subtropical plant available in most of the Asian countries. Euryale ferox Salisb. fruits due to its use in local delicacies and for medicinal values have demand in local market. The paper highlights the management and conservation practices of Euryale ferox Salisb. in Manipur with a note on cultivation. Some traditional medicinal uses of the plant are also mentioned.

Page(s): 143-144