Blending Traditional Knowledge of Farmers in Agriculture with Modern Scientific Technologies in Coastal Region of Maharashtra
摘要
Konkan region, nestled along the coast of Maharashtra state, is a rich agricultural landscape dominated by main crops such as paddy, millets, and pulses. Complementing this is a significant horticultural activity featuring mango, cashew, coconut, and various spice crops. Globally acclaimed Alphonso mango, celebrated for its exquisite taste and aroma, is a hallmark of the region. Despite the march of modernity, many indigenous agricultural practices persist, ranging from land preparation to post-harvest management. This chapter delves into the Indigenous Traditional Knowledge (ITK) embedded in Konkan’s agricultural practices, exploring ways to integrate these age-old techniques with modern technologies. The aim is to foster economically sustainable agriculture by harnessing local resources effectively. Recognizing the close association between farming and nature, ITKs for weather prediction and crop suitability based on soil, climate, and lunar cycles are developed. These practices also extend to nutritional management, plant protection, and water management tailored to specific land elevations and soil types. Notably, this chapter emphasizes practices tailored for salt-affected soils due to sea water intrusion. For instance, using Konkan Annapurna briquettes instead of conventional fertilizers demonstrates a significant reduction in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium requirements. Integrated nutrient management (INM) practices not only decrease the need of market-purchased fertilizers but also enhance soil physical health and water retention capacity. This chapter underscores the effectiveness of indigenous plant protection techniques in reducing expenditures on market-bought chemicals, offering savings ranging from 30% to 50%. This comprehensive review culminates in a summary of sustainable, economic, and efficient agricultural practices. The synergy of traditional knowledge with modern techniques emerges as a potent force, contributing to crop management, soil health improvement, and climate-resilient agriculture, ultimately fostering sustainable practices that harmonize with the region’s ecosystem.