Relevance of Assamese Folk Song, Bihu Geet in Practicing Natural Farming in the Traditional Baree (Homestead Garden) System of Assam, India

Abstract

Aim: The study was undertaken to understand the relevance of Assamese folk songs, or Bihu geet, in the management of the traditional Assamese baree system in view of natural farming. Study Design: The data obtained from group discussion and personal interview method have been tabulated as described by [1]. Place and duration of Study: The study was conducted in a total of 24 villages from six districts viz. Nalbari, Baksa, Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Golaghat, and Sivsagar during the period January 2021 to January 2022 Methodology: From the three agro-climatic zones of Assam, two districts were selected and from each district, four villages were selected. From each village, 10 farmers above 60years of age were selected randomly thus making a sample size of 240 respondents. Data was collected by using a focus group discussion method and a personal interview method using a semi-structured interview schedule. Results: A total of 36 Bihu geet reflecting natural farming practices in the traditional baree system and its role in the management of the baree have been documented. Conclusion: From this study, it can be concluded that Bihu Geet forms an indispensable part of the Assamese Baree system and its scientific validation should be studied further as these are based on practical observation over a long period of time and can form a basis for natural farming.