In a bid to improve food production while conserving natural resources such as soil and water, Indian farmers are being encouraged to incorporate tribal and traditional agricultural techniques  Keeping in mind the population spurt, a number of alternatives to industrial farming are being launched to cope with the shortage of food grains in the country. One of the approaches that is gradually taking precedence is reverting to traditional agricultural methods. Researchers have gradually started appreciating the benefits of traditional farming in developing countries. These methods maintain a balance with the surrounding as they are eco-friendly and highly efficient. These traditional farming methods not only improve food productivity but also maintain soil fertility. As the benefits of traditional methods are gradually being recognised, a workshop on tribal heritage agricultural system (THAS) was organised in order to protect the tribal heritage agricultural techniques. Such endeavours will encourage farmers to adopt traditional methods of farming and other systems related to cropping patterns, unique methods of keeping a check on pests, irrigation facilities and methods of soil conservation.
However, according to Dr Biksham Gujja, senior policy advisor, Freshwater Programme, World Wide Fund for Nature, Gland, and team leader of ICRISAT-WWF Project, “Modern and traditional modes of agriculture have been evolving simultaneously. For example, some traditional agricultural methods such as crop diversity, crop rotation, intercropping and application of organic manure, which have evolved over centuries have sound scientific basis, but methods such as shifting cultivation and slash burn methods are not effective any more. On the other hand, modern methods of agriculture that improve yield but heavily depend on chemical inputs, excess water, mono cropping etc need to be modified in the interest of environment and consumer health. Also, some practices may not be viable in the changing climatic conditions. The challenge is to pick up the best from both traditional and modern methods and meet the food security needs of the growing population, while reducing water crisis and improving the ecosystem.”
Benefits of traditional agricultural methods
Some of the traditional methods of improving food production in the country could be by storing food grains with dried neem leaves like the Korku tribe as it would prevent the food from pest attacks. Diverting irrigation water through banana trunks is another traditional and eco-friendly method, which is practised even today. These local agricultural methods are now being considered as sustainable ways of improving agricultural output with the available natural resources.
In this context, Rajesh Krishnan, campaign manager for sustainable agriculture campaign of Greenpeace India, says, “The country is recognised for its diverse traditional agricultural practices. India is divided into different climatic zones. As a result, indigenous techniques are being undertaken depending on the climatic zones across the country. With the traditional farming methods, farmers would refrain from mechanically removing pesticides in the soil, thereby conserving the soil from losing its fertility. In the past, the dependency on agro-based chemical was not high. As a result, soil and water, which are the key resources, were saved from pollution.”
In order to promote the traditional agriculture methods, the government should identify and support these traditional practices that would be beneficial for farmers as well as prevent environmental degradation.
Sabrina Mitchell |
