Indigenous pulse storage methods in Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh: An exploratory study

Abstract

Storage of pulses is one of the important links in the entire pulse production and utilization chain. Farmers with their informal experimentations and available resources have evolved several indigenous storage structures and methods for safe storage of pulse grains and seeds. With the objective of documenting the traditional pulse storage structures and farmers’ methods for reducing storage losses in Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh, the present study was conducted in six districts covering 12 villages of the region. Total of 180 pulse growing farmers from 12 villages of six prominent pulse growing blocks from the selected districts were sampled for the data collection. The information on indigenous pulse storage structures and practices were collected using focused group discussions and participatory observation techniques utilizing the checklist and semi-structured interview schedule. Discussions were also held with village elders, progressive farmers representing all categories of the land holdings to elicit information about the indigenous storage practices as well as the rationale of using those indigenous practices. The collected data was also verified through triangulation by various groups in the village. Exploratory-descriptive research design was utilized for the study and findings were synthesized in narrative form to make them comprehensible. Bunda, munda, khatti, country stores, earthen pots were the commonly utilized storage structures for safe storage of pulses. In addition, kerosene oil, neem leaves, asafoetida, onion, salt, wheat straw dust were found commonly mixed with the seeds for safe storage.