ANCIENT FARMING METHODS OF SEED STORAGE AND PEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN INDIA - A REVIEW
M Shaila, Nafeesa Begum
Abstract
Ancient Indian farmers evolved nature friendly farming systems and practices. Agricultural activities were designed to ensure ecological sustainability. India developed its own holistic scientific knowledge. It has a number of classical texts related to agricultural science. Kautilya's Arthashastra, Patanjali's Mahabhasya, Krishi-Parashara, Varahmihira's Brhat Samhita and Surapala's Vrikshayur veda are some of the manuscripts that contain valuable information about agricultural implements. Traditional farming system is an ecologically based age-old farming system developed by ancient farmers through generations of their interaction with nature and natural resources for food, fodder and fiber. Pest control practices of our ancestors are evident from protohistoric, historic and Vedic periods.The Vedas, world's oldest scriptures, form a rich body of traditional ecological and agricultural knowledge. The Vedas represent the grandest homage ever rendered to the environment. Traditional methods of seed storage & protection are becoming more popular because of their eco-friendly & harmless nature for the whole environment. India's agriculture has proved to be sustainable by maintaining the country's fertility and biodiversity over centuries. Hence, a study was undertaken to collect & document the details of various traditional seed storage structures available among the farmers so as to preserve & propagate them for use by the future generations. It is important & need to apply the traditional methods that have been gained from our ancestors to enhance the sustainability of the agriculture in future.