A Comprehensive Update on Traditional Agricultural Knowledge of Farmers in India

Abstract

Traditional agricultural knowledge is an important information created by the forefathers in past civilizations. The forefathers practised traditional agriculture during Harappa, Vedic and Iron Age civilizations. The present small and marginal farmers utilize traditional information in crop production and management, crop protection, farm machinery, tools, soil and water management, medicinal and aromatic plants for diseases diagnosis, animal husbandry, stored grain pest management, weed management and value-added value products. The traditional information in agriculture practices is collected from the different geographical states of India. The information from traditional practices used in specific activities by the farmers. The farmer utilizes compositions of natural resources in the geographical states for crop husbandry and farm-linked activities. The Southern and North-Eastern states of India have more traditional agricultural practices. The farmer applies specific information in crop production and management, crop protection, farm machinery and tools, soil and water management, medicinal and aromatic plants for disease diagnosis, animal husbandry, stored grain pest management, weed management, and value-added food products. The farmer preserves and transfers the information to the rural community. The farmer transmits information to the present generation to create mobilisation. Traditional agriculture information transforms agriculture resources, maintains biodiversity ethics and enlightens historical and practical approaches to the present generations. This chapter outlines and provides comprehensive information on the traditional agricultural knowledge of the farmers.