Indian Heritage of Natural Farming: Ancient Roots, Sustainable Futures
authored by: Gagan Matta, Nitin Kamboj, D.S. Malik
Indian Heritage of Natural Farming presents a comprehensive exploration of the traditional wisdom, cultural heritage, and scientific principles that have shaped sustainable agricultural practices in India for centuries. The book highlights the philosophical foundations of natural farming, emphasizing harmony with nature, ecological balance, and ethical approaches to agriculture.
The text systematically discusses ancient livestock management, indigenous soil fertility practices, traditional plant protection methods, rainfall prediction systems, seed management, and weed control techniques developed through generations of practical experience. Detailed insights from classical agricultural texts such as Krishi-Parashar, Arthashastra, Vrikshayurveda, Brihat Samhita, and other traditional literature provide valuable knowledge on ancient Indian agricultural systems and ecological farming practices.
Special emphasis is given to indigenous plant health management, traditional liquid formulations like Kunapajala, and the role of agriculture in the socio-economic and cultural development of ancient India. Designed for students, researchers, farmers, and agricultural professionals, this book serves as a valuable resource for understanding and revitalizing India’s rich heritage of natural and sustainable farming systems.
Prof. (Dr.) Gagan Matta is renowned environmental scientist and academician with over 20 years of research experience and 15 years of teaching, holding Ph.D. in Environmental Science from Gurukul Kangri University, Haridwar, Bharat. Presently serving as Associate Professor in the Department of Zoology and Environmental Science in Gurukul Kangri University, Haridwar, Bharat, specialized in water quality indexing, limnology, aquatic ecology, toxicology, and environmental pollution, Dr. Matta's research spans hydrology, green audits, and environmental communication. He has authored 8 books, edited 20, published over 95 journal articles, and contributed 35 book chapters. His work has earned 15 research grants and 12 copyrights and recognized with prestigious awards, including the "Scientist of the Year Award – 2023". Mentored 8 Ph.D. candidates and 33 M.Sc. dissertations contributing to developing academic programs and environmental policies.
As an advocate for science communication, Dr. Matta works on initiatives to raise awareness of water hygiene and environmental sustainability. His global presence invited talks in the UK, Italy, and China, and his roles in various academic bodies solidify his status as a leading environmental scientist committed to research, teaching, and policy development.
Prof. Nitin Kamboj is Professor in the Department of Zoology and Environmental Sciences, Gurukula Kangri (Deemed to be University), Haridwar, Uttarakhand, joined the Dept. on 18th October 2006. Dr Kamboj has 19 years of teaching experience and 25 years of research experience in the field of Environmental aspects as natural resources and watershed management. He has published more than 50 research papers in national and internationally reputed journals and has also published 07 books. He has organized more than 18 programs as organizing secretary in International/national workshops/conferences in the Dept. Till the now, about 06 research students have been awarded the Ph.D. degree under the supervision of Dr. Kamboj, and more than 30 master's students have completed their dissertations under the supervision of Dr. Kamboj. Dr. Kamboj has completed a research project funded by the UCOST, Gov. of Uttarakhand. Presently, Dr. Kamboj is coordinating as convenor in the research project “Development of Natural Farming Model Unit”, funded by NMCG, Gov. of India. Dr. Kamboj has visited Mauritius to attend the International Congress of Environmental Research, Reduit University of Mauritius.
Prof. D.S. Malik is Professor in Department of Zoology and Environment Science, Gurukula Kangri (Deemed to be University), Haridwar (Uttarakhand). Prof. Malik has 30 years of teaching and research experience in the field of aquatic biodiversity and conservation in North Himalaya region. He has published more than 175 research papers in national and international research journals of repute. About 29 research students were awarded the PhD degree under the supervision of Prof. D. S. Malik. He has completed many research projects funded by UGC, UCOST, DST, NMCG, Govt. of India. Presently, Prof. Malik is coordinated as Deputy Nodal Officer in research project “Development of Natural Farming Model Unit”. Prof. Malik has been visited many overseas countries i.e. Mauritius, Sultanate of Oman, Germany, Italy, U.S.A. etc.
Chapter 1. Introduction to Indian Heritage of Natural Farming
Chapter 2. Evolution and Heritage of Natural Farming in India
Chapter 3. Philosophical Foundations of Natural Farming
Chapter 4. Pioneers of Natural Farming in India
Chapter 5. Contributions of Modern Advocates of Natural Farming
Chapter 6. Ancient Livestock Management Practices
Chapter 7. Soil Fertility in Ancient Agriculture
Chapter 8. Traditional Plant Protection Practices
Chapter 9. Indigenous Knowledge of Rainfall Prediction
Chapter 10. Seed Importance and Seed Management
Chapter 11. Traditional Weed Management Techniques
Chapter 12. Ancient Agricultural Texts: An Overview
Chapter 13. Insights from Classical Texts I
Chapter 14. Insights from Classical Texts II
Chapter 15. Insights from Classical Texts III
Chapter 16. Insights from Classical Texts IV
Chapter 17. Traditional Concepts of Wealth in Agriculture
Chapter 18. Agricultural Economy and Trade in Ancient India
Chapter 19. Indigenous Plant Health Management Systems
Chapter 20. Indigenous Preparations and Practical Applications
Indian Heritage of Natural Farming, Natural Farming in India, Indigenous Agricultural Practices, Traditional Farming Systems, Sustainable Agriculture, Organic Farming, Ancient Indian Agriculture, Vrikshayurveda, Krishi-Parashar, Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Soil Fertility Management, Traditional Plant Protection, Indigenous Seed Management, Ecological Farming, Traditional Livestock Management, Kunapajala, Ancient Agricultural Texts, Natural Resource Conservation, Agroecology, Sustainable Farming Practices