Paper Key : IRJ************693
Author: Angshuman Sarmah
Date Published: 03 Apr 2024
Abstract
ITK is deeply rooted in the cultural heritage and lived experiences of indigenous peoples. Passed down orally from one generation to the next, it encompasses a diverse array of skills and techniques tailored to local environments and resources. From agricultural methods honed to maximize productivity in challenging conditions to medicinal knowledge derived from centuries of observation and experimentation, ITK reflects the symbiotic relationship between indigenous communities and their natural surroundings. Moreover, ITK often embodies principles of community cohesion, reciprocity, and respect for nature, underscoring its holistic approach to sustainable living. In agricultural communities, ITK plays a significant role in shaping farming practices and resource management strategies. This research paper explores the utilization of ITK by farmers in the Darrang district of Assam, focusing on its relevance, effectiveness, and implications for sustainable agriculture. Through a combination of field surveys, interviews, and observations, this study highlights the diversity of ITK practices employed by farmers in the region and their contributions to enhancing agricultural productivity, resilience, and food security. The findings underscore the importance of recognizing and integrating ITK into mainstream agricultural development initiatives to promote inclusive and sustainable farming practices. Twenty respondents from each village of a total of fifteen villages were selected and data were collected from those three hundred respondents during the year 2023. The ITKs were further analyzed and tabulated based frequency and percentage and then ranked accordingly. There were 45 nos. of indigenous practices identified for cereals, vegetables, fruits and trees, storage pest and livestocks etc. which were practiced by different proportions of farmers in the district Darrang.