Agricultural heritage itk

Indigenous technological knowledge

1. Agricultural Heritage By Dr. V.Reeta Department of Agriculture www,cgc.ac.in Campus : Jhanjeri , Mohali

2. Indigenous T raditional K nowledge

3. Importance of Indigenous Knowledge System Indigenous Knowledge is an essential part of the development process of local communities. IKS provides the foundation for their beliefs and traditional practices Indigenous knowledge helps to promote biodiversity conservation. IK learning attitudes and values for a sustainable future IK starting locally: From the “Known” to the “Unknown ”.

4. Sources of ITK Farmers Community leaders Elders Traditional stories Songs and poetry Ancient records NGO’s Extension agencies Published materials of different languages.

5. The differences between traditional knowledge system and scientific system Sl.No . Traditional Knowledge system Scientific System 1. All parts of the natural world are regarded as animate, all life forms as interdependent Human life is generally regarded as superior, with a moral right to control other life forms 2. Knowledge is transmitted largely through oral media. Knowledge is transmitted largely through the written word 3. Knowledge is developed and acquired through observation and practical experience Knowledge is generally learned in a situation, which is remote from its applied context 4. Knowledge is universal, natural, qualitative and practical Knowledge is essentially reductionist, quantitative, analytical and theoretical

6. Contd . 5. Knowledge is generated by resource users in a diachronic (long term) time scale Knowledge is generated largely by specialist researchers on a synchronic (short term) time scale 6. The nature and status of particular knowledge is influenced by socio cultural factors such as spiritual beliefs, and is communally held The nature and status of particular knowledge is influenced by peer review, and is held by individual specialists 7. Explanations behind perceived phenomena are often spiritually based on subjective Explanation behind perceived phenomena are essentially rational and objective 8. Knowledge is used to make suitable decisions under variable conditions Knowledge is used to put forward hypothesis and to verify underlying laws and constants

7. Plant Production The plant production system includes the basic genetic and physiological regulations on plant growth, the impact on growth of soil, water, nutrients, disease and pests and the influence of management processes . P lant productivity will be dependent on implementing innovations across all aspects of the production system while more efficiently using resources and reducing negative impacts on the environment.

8. Plant Production Through ITK 5-methods of plant production are: Agroforestry Crop Rotations Mixed-/Inter-cropping  Poly culture Water Harvesting

9. Agroforestry Agroforestry involves the measured maintenance and planting of trees to develop a microclimate that protects crops against extremes. Blending agricultural with forestry techniques, this system helps to control temperature, sunlight exposure, and exposure to wind, hail, and rain. This system provides food , fodder, firewood, timber, and medicine while improving soil quality, reducing erosion, and storing carbon.

10. Agroforestry

11. Crop Rotations Crop rotation is the practice of growing different crops on the same land so that no bed or plot sees the same crop in successive seasons. It is a practice designed to preserve the productive capacity of the soil, minimize pests and diseases, reduce chemical use, and manage nutrient requirements, all of which help to maximize yield. The practice of crop rotation builds better soil structure and increases the ability to store carbon on farms.

12. Crop Rotations

13. Mixed-/Inter-cropping Mixed cropping, also known as intercropping, is a system of cropping in which farmers sow more than two crops at the same time. By planting multiple crops, farmers can maximize land use while reducing the risks associated with single crop failure . Intercropping creates biodiversity, which attracts a variety of beneficial and predatory insects to minimize pests and can also increase soil organic matter, fumigate the soil, and suppress weed growth.

14. Mixed-/Inter-cropping

15. Poly culture Poly culture systems involve growing many plants of different species in the same area, often in a way that imitates nature. By increasing plant biodiversity, poly culture systems promote diet diversity in local communities, are more adaptable to climate variability and extreme weather events, and are more resistant to pests and diseases. Poly cultures are basic to permaculture systems and design and provide many advantages such as better soil quality, less soil erosion, and more stable yields when compared to monoculture systems.

16. Poly culture

17. Water Harvesting Water harvesting is defined as the redirection and productive use of rainfall, involving a variety of methods to collect as much water as possible out of each rainfall.  Many water harvesting structures and systems are specific to the eco regions  and culture in which it has been developed. This may involve collecting water from rooftops, from swollen streams and rivers during monsoon season, or from artificially constructed catchments. This ensures that farmers have a substantial amount of water stored up in the case of drought or limited rainfall.

18. Water Harvesting

19. Conclusion Indigenous technical knowledge provides valuable inputs to make efficient use of natural resources and extends relevant support for sustainable development. Indigenous techniques used in different component of farming system are mostly organic, eco-friendly, sustainable, viable and cost effective. But, there is a need to explore, verify, modify and scientifically validate these practices for their wider use and application.

20. Some important questions Write short note on Indigenous traditional knowledge. What do you mean by plant production? Discuss plant production techniques using indigenous technological knowledge.

21. Thank You