Indigenous methods of seed conservation and protection in Uttarakhand Himalaya

Abstract

In Uttarakhand Himalaya traditional agriculture is the mere way to meet the subsistence needs of the local farming communities. In traditional system of agriculture, local seed material of traditional crop varieties plays an important role for crop production. In such a situation, the protection of seed material and its conservation for future needs is also of very paramount importance. In order to protect the seed material and food grains, local practices by using indigenous plant material and other articles are very useful, eco-friendly and sustainable. In the present study, the investigators have surveyed the entire Uttarakhand Himalaya for documenting the indigenous seed and grain protection practices of the farm households. The indigenous practices are discussed here in the light of Western science. <br><br>The present investigation was undertaken with the aim of objectives to provide protection to the knowledge of local farmers and document it before it’s lost under the onslaught of development. Another important objective was to pave the way for values addition in the indigenous knowledge by the scientists, researchers and development workers for sustainable development.