Indigenous Knowledge Collection in NICRA-AICRPAM Domain Districts for Weather Events

Abstract

Indigenous Technical Knowledge (ITK) is the experience of local people gained from past generation and forefathers. Knowledge base is gained through tradition and culture. Prevailing knowledge is used in making farming operational management for gain in crop production. Crop and irrigation cycles are also being followed through traditional knowledge base and advanced techniques are available now. However, importance of the treasure of knowledge gained from forefathers and inherited to local people in present situation can't be ignored. Indigenous technical knowledge (ITK) is the assemblage of awareness and understanding of various facts which people have developed over a large span of time and continue to expand it. Social participation gives an idea of the respondent's participation in social activities.  The NICRA-AICRPAM project has been carried out since 2011 in Chhattisgarh state. Main objective of the project is developing climate resilient technologies in agriculture. This ITK collection can be one effective mean to achieve this objective. The study was conducted to identify indigenous knowledge prevailing among the village side in NICRA domain districts Mahasamund and Kanker (Chhattisgarh state). The study was to examine traditional knowhow of farmers in Kanker and Mahasamund districts of Chhattisgarh during 2021 and their scope of application in farming activities. The objective of survey was to collect and document traditional knowledge base from the local farmers so as to work towards climate resilience in agriculture. As rainfall is the main factor in rainfed agriculture, stress was on collection of knowledge regarding rainfall prediction. The study was conducted under CRIDA, Hyderabad sponsored NICRA-AICRPAM project entitled “National Innovations on Climate Resilient Agriculture”. Project has been implemented in Department of Agrometeorology, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur, (C.G.) since 2011. Here in this paper the astronomical, environmental and biological indicators perceived by local masses in forecasting rainfall have been collected, identified and examined. This knowledge will help its utilization in agricultural operations and practices. Interviews were conducted by Field Information Facilitators by contacting masses and peasants. Various indigenous technical knowledge of the project domain area were collected and analyzed. Experience of seasonal rainfall forecasting can be strengthened by using this knowledge base. ITK techniques of rainfall prediction may serve as supplemental knowledge base to advanced scientific technologies.