eChapters

Introduction

Throughout their existence on this planet, human beings have adapted to the diverse environments they inhabit. Depending on the topography and prevailing natural conditions, individuals have successfully navigated the challenges posed by nature and their surroundings. As life has progressed, humans have gained insights into nature, its resources, and the prudent utilisation thereof. This understanding encompasses various natural phenomena, the associated challenges, and the methods to mitigate them. Over time, humans have evolved into repositories of such knowledge, collectively known as 'indigenous knowledge' or 'traditional wisdom,' passed down from one generation to the next. Each specific region possesses its unique set of indigenous knowledge reflecting the harmonious coexistence of humans with their environment.

Indigenous agricultural knowledge (IAK) stands as a crucial force in the realm of agricultural development. It represents a systematic and collective body of knowledge, practices, and beliefs that evolve through adaptation processes and are transmitted across generations through cultural channels, elucidating the intricate relationship between living beings and their environment. With this collective wisdom, farmers have adeptly cultivated food crops in diverse environmental conditions and seasonal variations, relying on indigenous techniques in the absence of external inputs, resources, and scientific knowledge. This includes refraining from the use of synthetic agrochemicals and instead embracing practices like crop rotations and soil fertility restoration through closed nutrient cycles (Melash et al., 2023).

India boasts a long-standing heritage of indigenous and ethnoveterinary knowledge in livestock care, developed over generations through careful observation, experience, and adaptation to local conditions. These practices emphasize sustainability and affordability, making them particularly valuable for small-scale and marginal farmers. By relying on readily available, seasonal, and natural resources, they align closely with ecological principles and traditional wisdom.
Feeding methods rooted in indigenous systems often utilize locally sourced tree leaves, grasses, agricultural residues, and customized herbal or homemade concentrates. Fodder options such as neem, babul, ber, subabul, moringa, and arhar leaves are commonly used, appreciated both for their nutritional content and medicinal properties. In several rural communities, animal diets are enhanced with supplements like bran, oilseed cakes, fermented grains, and by-products such as buttermilk residue, all aimed at improving digestion, health, and milk production.
Ethnoveterinary approaches focus on disease prevention and treatment through natural substances. Ingredients like turmeric, garlic, fenugreek, ashwagandha, and shatavari are frequently added to fodder or water to promote immunity, reproductive efficiency, and general vitality. A common post-calving practice involves feeding a mix of jaggery, wheat bran, and ajwain to lactating cows to aid in uterine cleansing and boost milk secretion.
These traditional methods offer a viable alternative to commercial feeds, synthetic additives, and antibiotics. Deeply rooted in regional customs and passed down through generations, they represent a rich repository of community knowledge. Documenting and validating these practices through scientific inquiry and participatory research can reinforce the resilience of rural livestock systems.

Abstract

About 20 percent of the world’s total population is residing in the mountains and this proportion is likely to increase in the present century as environmental degradation and pollution are driving the human population for settlement in the clean and serene environment of the mountains. Himalayan region has sizeable area in countries like India, China/Tibet, Nepal, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bhutan, etc. Remarkable progress has been made in greenhouse research and development in many countries. However, Himalayan regions which reserve unique flora and fauna have attracted little attention so far. Changing climate, fast increasing population and shrinking land and water resources are the major challenges before us to meet the food and nutritional security of the population at global level. Improvement in the production and productivity of crops are the immediate need to boost the availability of food and improve the economic conditions of the farmers.

Greenhouse technology has tremendous potential to improve production and productivity of crops even under uncongenial soil and climatic conditions. The farmers having very small farm holdings in countries like Japan and South Korea have improved their income and living standards by adopting protected cultivation technologies. Similarly, Israel has demonstrated successful crop production under desert and uncongenial climatic conditions by improved water management practices and using greenhouse technology. However, India is yet to trap the potentials of the technology. Modern greenhouses require uninterrupted huge electric power for control of environment (heating/cooling/air circulation etc), which is considered one of the major causes for global warming. High installation and running (energy) cost, high cost of production; poor government support and lack of farmer friendly /cost effective greenhouse technology are some other challenges. Appropriate modifications suiting to our requirements, as per the need of crop, climate and farmers may lead to popularization of greenhouses in the country, especially among the small and marginal farmers. Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully demonstrated the innovative approach to popularize low cost zero energy based solar greenhouse technology in higher Himalayan regions of the country. Such greenhouses are specifically designed using local resources and also trap natural solar radiation/ heat and maintain it for longer period. Similarly, other approaches like using mud/ unbaked bricks, double wall approach, making hot beds, blackening of walls, using water bottles, greenhouse-cum-animal shed, etc. effective to reduce the adverse effects of the environment on crops with little inputs in hilly regions. Need of the hour is to review our approach for the greenhouse technology in farmers’ prospective and device simple and cost effective innovations for fast propagation of greenhouses in the country. This will not only improve the economic status of the farmers but also provide nutritive food to their families and enhance production and productivity of various crops in the country without deteriorating the environment.

Dairy farming has been the backbone of the agriculture and rearing of livestock for milk/milk products and draft power has been the tradition of ancient rural India. Whenever the crops have failed miserably attributed to natural calamities, the livestock has emerged the savior of farmers providing livelihood security in rural India. India is a country of villages (640930 villages) and 68.84% population of India is living in villages as per the All India Census, 2011. Further, 41.8% rural population is below poverty line as compared to 25.7% urban population (Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics, 2012). The marginal and small farmers are rearing 71.7% of total livestock revealing that livestock has been the source of sustainable livelihood security for rural poor majority of which falling under the category of population below poverty line.

INTRODUCTION

The enemies of plants have been harming the organized agriculture ever since man started depending on plants for food. Fossil evidence indicates that plants were affected by disease since 250 million years ago. Conditions of food shortage and famines have been created by these enemies of plants. Naturally, the man had been obvious of their presence and proposed explanations and methods of combating them according to the knowledge available at that time all over the world. It is not true that attention to plant diseases was first given in the western countries. In the ancient Indian literature many plant diseases and their remedies were mentioned.

Duck (Anas platyrhynchos) is one type of indigenous poultry species, reared traditionally by the poor farmers for their livelihood. Maximum numbers of duck flocks concentrate in the paddy (Oryza sativa) growing and watershed areas of the state like Assam, Bihar, Manipur, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Orissa, and Tripura. Ducks rise on the free-range system with readily available fallen grains in paddy fields, insects, snails, earthworms, small fishes, and other aquatic materials. 

Abstract

The hilly regions of western Himalayas comprise of three states namely Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttaranchal which are divided into High Altitude Temperate, High Hill Temperate and Valley Temperate zones. Through observations, trial and error, man has developed skills related to cultivation, utilization and livelihood. These were transmitted through generations and in this way, a system of traditional knowledge developed and moved forward for the benefit of the society. Food is the basic necessity for the survival of human beings. Since ancient times, various methods have been used to process and preserve foods especially in the Himalayan regions. The food habits and preparation of various dishes depend upon the availability of crops and surrounding vegetation. On the basis of the substrate used, traditional foods and beverages of Himalayan region are broadly classified as Cereal and Legume based, Milk based, Fruits and Vegetables, and others. Some of the popular traditional foods of Himalayan region are Aenkadu/Askalu, Bagpinni/ pinni, Chhangpa, Chaulai ka bhat, Kutu ki roti, Lesuwa roti, Tilkuta, Kaddu ke khwaire, Mooli ke khwaire, Sarson ki dhusi, Arbi ke sukhe danthal, Chaulai ki kheer, Ogal ka halwa. Traditional fermented foods and beverages are very popular in the tribal and rural areas of western Himalayas. Besides being source of nutrition, these fermented foods constitute staple food (Bhaturu) in larger part of western Himalayas while others are consumed during local festivals, marriages and special occasions. A variety of indigenous fermented foods and beverages available are; Kinema, Marcha, Phab, Bekanthu, Gundruk, Sinki, Soibun, Sura, Chhang, Daru, Angoori/ Kinnauri etc.Due to lack of proper scientific technology the quality of such foods especially beverages (many- a- times) is uncertain and their consumption leads to a higher incidence of fatal diseases among the consumers. This chapter briefly reviews the preparation, significance and quality of indigenous foods of Western Himalayas which offer tremendous opportunity for sustaining livelihood of the people of Himalayan region and stimulating agro-industrial development even in the developing countries, after upgrading and sustaining their quality.

The word indigenous, originates from the Latin work, indigena, implies that the individual and its ancestors originated from a specified country or continent. Presently, certain synonymous words used for indigenous chicken are: ‘native’, ‘local’ or ‘village chicken’. The indigenous fowls are well adapted to the local climate, need less input and produce tasty egg and meat at the least possible cost through scavenging. The birds require no scientific feeding, health care, housing and management and thus make the indigenous birds suitable for backyard poultry farming. Indigenous birds are normally handled by women, can significantly contribute to farmers’ livelihoods through increased food security and cash income. These breeds are self-propagating; contribute to poultry diversity and cultural heritage. Because of their local origin they are less prone to disease or predator attacks, and their cultural and sporting values secure additional income. The prices of egg and meat of local birds are 100- 150 percent higher than that of commercial counterpart. Some of these fowls are described in brief, as below.

Introduction

Indian subcontinent is one of the twelve mega diversity centres for cultivated plants and their wild relatives. More than 15000 species of flowering plants are indigenous to this region, which include 160 species of economic importance, 320 species of wild ancestral forms and approximately 800 species of ethnobotanical origin. Global diversity in vegetable crops is estimated around 400, of which 80 originated in India. These indigenous vegetables have immense potential in meeting the vegetable requirement of the country. They are rich in nutritional value especially in proteins, minerals and vitamins. Many of these vegetables have medicinal uses. Most of them are not used to their potential and their popularisation is needed in meeting the vegetable requirement of the country in coming days.

Ash gourd (Benincasa hispida Cong.)

Ash gourd also known as Wax gourd (Benincasa hispida Cong.) belonging to family Cucurbitaceae, is cultivated for its immature and mature fruits used as vegetable and in confectionery and ayurvedic medicines. A small fruited medicinal ash gourd is also grown in Kerala which is good for people suffering from nervousness. In areas where winter is mild, the crop can be grown throughout the year. The released varieties are KAU Local, Indu, Co.1, Co.2, APAU Shakthi, Karikumbala, Boodikumbala and IVAG -502. In addition, MAH-1 and MAH-2 are F1 hybrids released from private sector. The crop is raised by sowing seeds in pits at a spacing of 2.5 × 2.0 m in Tamil Nadu, 3.4 × 1.8-2.5 m in West Bengal and 4.5 × 2.0 m in Kerala. The seeds can also be sown in channels at a spacing of 2 × 0.5m. The crop is trailed on branches and twigs spread on the ground. The fruits are harvested at immature or fully ripe stage depending on demand. Immature fruits can be harvested 21 days after anthesis. Mature fruits for storage, long distance transport and seed extraction are harvested after full development of waxy coating on fruit surface. The average yield are 30-35 t/ha.

Introduction

The arid region of India, constituting 12 m ha area  which occurs dominantly in the northwestern part of the country. The state of Rajasthan accounts for highest area (61%) followed by Gujarat (19.6%) Punjab (5%) and Haryana (4%) of the total geographical area of hot arid ecosystem. These areas experience an annual rainfall between 100-500 mm with the coefficient of variation 40-70 per cent. The mean annual rainfall in the western Rajasthan varies from less than 100mm in extreme western part of the Jaisalmer district to more than 400 mm in eastern part of the region. The high temperature during summers as high as 48^ºC and low in winters up to –3^ºC. High wind velocity  (10-13 km /hr) and high annual  evapo- transpiration  (1527 mm /year)  again gives a great threatening to the arable cropping in this region. The vagaries of monsoon in terms of its occurrence and distribution during the season has a wide variability >48 per cent with 30-35 days of average rainy days per year.

Abstracts

About 60-70% of total food grain production is retained and stored by farmers for household consumption, use as seed, feed for cattle and payment of wages to labours etc. in our country. Yet the quality of grains stored is not so good, and hence, preserving the harvested crops without loss or damage has always been a problem of national importance. This study was conducted in Jabalpur district of Madhya Pradesh state. A tribal block namely Kundam was selected for study purpose. The responses of 120 women were recorded in pre-tested structural schedule through interview. Rural women are an important source of information on the use of indigenous practices for grain storage. The data reveals that the majority of respondents are using dry leaves of Neem, dry onion bulb, wheat straw, Nirgudi leaves, roots of bach etc. for storage of grain at household level. In our country, indigenous practices of grain storage have always been and are still followed, because it is supposed that these practices are useful in control of grain loss.

Indigenous knowledge plays a pivotal role in the sustainable management and conservation of fish populations. Rooted in centuries-old traditions and practices, these systems offer unique insights into local ecosystems, seasonal patterns, and species behavior that are often overlooked by conventional scientific approaches. Indigenous knowledge can acknowledge fish conservation, emphasizing its value in fostering biodiversity, maintaining ecological balance, and supporting livelihoods in fishing communities. Traditional fishing practices, community-based resource management, and cultural norms contribute to the sustainable use of aquatic resources. There are so many challenges such as the erosion of indigenous knowledge due to climate change, environmental degradation, and policy neglect. By integrating indigenous practices with modern conservation strategies, for a collaborative approach that respects and harnesses traditional wisdom to ensure the long-term sustainability of fish populations and aquatic ecosystems.

No society can ever desire to achieve a long-term goal of sustainable development unless it builds upon its own knowledge, traditions, ethical foundations and technological endowments. The knowledge of the people particularly in drought and flood prone regions, hill areas, tribal areas and other high risk environments, has to become a building block of new technological improvements. Knowledge happens when our expectations are belied, modified and sometimes confirmed. Because the asymmetry in our expectations is influenced by our access to resources, institutions, technology and cultural platforms, we get different kinds of knowledge, even when we confront similar situations Gupta (2005). In any community living close to nature, asymmetry in knowledge generation and its utilization is inevitable. The experts exist not just in our profession, but in every profession.

What is Indigenous Knowledge?

Indigenous knowledge (IK) is the local knowledge which is considered as the social capital of the poor. It is their main asset to invest in the struggle for survival, to produce food, to provide for shelter and to achieve control of their own lives. Indigenous knowledge is a cumulative body of knowledge, practices and manifestations maintained and developed by people with long histories of interaction with their natural environment. It forms the basis for local-level decision-making in agriculture, health, natural resource management and other activities, especially for the poor, and provides problem-solving strategies for communities (World Bank, 1998). IK is a tacit knowledge that is not easily codifiable and unique to a particular culture and society.

1. Abrus precatorices

Scientific name     :     Abrus precatorices Linn.
Common name      :     Indian Liquorices
Family      :     Fabaceae
English      :     Indian liquorices
Hindi      :     Gunj
Kannada      :     Gulaganji

Plant habitat and description : It is found in South China, the pacific island, tropical Africa, the West Indies and almost all tropical countries in moist places. In India, it occurs commonly near the ravines of miscellaneous forests, waysides, grass of localities up to 1000 m altitude and throughout warmer regions of country. It is propagated by seeds and can also be propagated by cuttings of firm shoots in sand under glass.
A much branched, perennial climber with woody stem. Leaves are paripinnate leaflets opposite, deciduous, oblong, ligulate, membranous, and glabrous or thincy silky beneath.

The Indian region is one of the world’s eight centres of crop plant origin and diversity, distinguished by Russian Scientist N.I. Vavilov. The region is home to a rich endemic assemblage of plants. Scrub jungles, grasslands, dry and moist deciduous forests, semi-evergreen and evergreen forests are the variety of vegetations along the Ghats. The complex terrain and heavy rainfall have helped to preserve flora and fauna in this region. The Western Ghats are an area of exceptional biological diversity and conservation interest, and are “one of the major Tropical Evergreen Forest Regions in India”.  This region is extremely rich in floristic diversity and most of the species are not exploited so far. There are many underutilized endemic flowering plants found in Western Ghats having ornamental value. 

Flora of Western Ghats
 The Western Ghats cover only 5% of India’s total geographical area but contains more than 27% (4000 species) of  country’s total plant species (Nayar, 1996). The Western Ghats, also known as the Sahyadris, extend about 1600 km. starting in North from Tapti river and going down to Kannyakumari in the South. These ranges run parallel to West coast hardly 40 kilometres away on an average from shoreline. The Western Ghats run through states of Maharastra, Goa, Karnataka, Tamilnadu and Kerala. Elevation of Western Ghats is in  900 – 1500 m and in some places goes beyond 2000 m. The Western Ghats form major watershed in Peninsular India and  58 major Peninsular Indian rivers originate from them.

INTRODUCTION

North East India is a rich storehouse of indigenous agricultural practices and local varieties of crops. The region comprising of the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Tripura, Mizoram, Nagaland and Sikkim can be physiographically categorized into the Eastern Himalayas, Northeast hills (Patkai-Naga Hills and Lushai Hills) and the Brahmaputra and Barak Valley plains. At the confluence of the Indo-Malayan, Indo-Chinese and Indian biogeographically realms, the NE region is unique in providing a profusion of habitats, which features diverse biota with a high level of endemism (Chatterjee et al., 2006). The northeastern region is rich in biological diversity and contains more than one-third of the country’s total biodiversity. This biodiversity and variability of the ecosystem are used and conserved by traditional communities through various informal institutions and using traditional ecological knowledge systems. Ethnic communities of the region practice their traditional cultivation practices of diverse crop suitable in different ecosystems solely on organic conditions without any external inputs to the system; and value the land and the environment for the sustainability of the system for future generations. There is no systematic record to describe what they are, what they do and how they do, how they can be changed, their operations, their boundaries and their applications.

There has been a paradigm shift in the poultry sector regarding its structure and operations. Over five decades, backyard farming has transformed into a dynamic commercial agri-business. The poultry raised commercially is more enterprise-oriented, whereas poultry raised in backyards and small farms has proven to provide nutritional security worldwide. Although backyard poultry contributes more than 12% to national egg production, it is often neglected. There is a high concentration of commercial poultry egg and meat production in urban and semi-urban areas.

Warren (1987) defined indigenous knowledge as local knowledge, knowledge that is unique to a given culture or society. This knowledge is the information base for the society, which facilitates communication and decision making. Indigenous knowledge is passed down from generation to generation by word of mouth.
 
Carter (1988) while describing the nature of indigenous knowledge indicated that IK is highly localised and restricted. Local environmental factors and cultural conditions govern the revolution of IK these vary between countries, regions and even farm to farm.

12.1. General Practices for Storage

• Lime juice is mixed with grains and then sun dried before storage to prevent insect pests (Farmers in Nigeria).
• Seeds are safely stored in earthern pots after mixing with the leaves of neem and Vitex negundo (Farmers in Gujarat, India).
• Drying seeds and grains of all the crops on the new moon day before storing to avoid pest attack.
• Store seed materials in earthen pots which are kept on the ‘Paran’ directly above the furnace in kitchen. The smoke acts as a repellent.
• Grains, trees etc. harvested on full moon day are raqre prone to storage pest attack.
• Mixing the dried leaves of neem with seeds while storing them.