dc.description.abstract |
Indigenous Technical Knowledge (ITK) was recognized as a possible key to
low external input sustainable agriculture that contributes both to sustainable
agricultural production for the farmers, as well as a source of knowledge that can add
on to the existing science based knowledge of the researchers. Identifying,
documenting and incorporating indigenous knowledge systems into agricultural
extension organizations were essential to achieve sustainable agricultural
development.
Keeping in VIew the objectives of the study and the perusal of available
literature shows that most of the attributes included in the study were expost facto in
nature and in expost facto studies the chance for manipulation by the researcher is
very less. The study was conducted in Palakkad district. A multi stage sampling
procedure was followed for selection of samples for the study. Out of the 13
developmental blocks five were selected based on the criteria of highest agricultural
predominance and presence of at least three production systems out of five envisaged
in the study namely rice based, homestead based mixed farming system, plantation
including spices, seasonal crops and annual crops. One of the blocks was selected to
represent one agro eco zone. Four panchayats were selected within each block based
on the same criteria of highest agricultural predominance and presence of at least
three production systems out of five. Thus 20 panchayats were included for the study.
The objectives of the study necessitated the involvement of three types of
respondents viz.,farmers, extension personnel and scientists. These three groups were
referred as Farmers Sub System (FSS), Extension Sub System (ESS) and Research
Sub System (RSS) respectively.
There were 34 ITK practices in coconut, which were agreed as good practices
by FSS and ESS and supported by RSS with rationalization. These practices were
documented. In ginger six ITK practices were documented after evaluation by FSS
and ESS and rationalization by scientists. In pepper five ITK practices were
documented after evaluation by farmers and extension personnel and rationalization
by scientists.
Similar work can be done in other districts of Kerala so that a comprehensive
ITK package can be developed. It was a must because almost all ITKs were location
specific.
Those ITKs, which were rated as good by the FSS, ESS and RSS, can be blended
with modern technology and can be fed back to the farmers. The ITKs, which were
not rationalized by the scientists but considered as good by the farmers, can be
selected for further study. The correct dosage and other details like time of
application and method of application can be developed for each ITK so that it will
become more specific. Those ITKs, which were fool proof, can be included in the
package of practices for the corresponding production systems. |
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