Documentation of Indigenous Coping Mechanisms Towards Disaster and Risk Reduction 1. Executive Summary SEVA has undertaken a pilot project for documentation of indigenous coping mechanism towards disaster and risk reduction under the programme of Advanced Centre for Enabling Disaster Risk Reduction (ACEDRR) of Tata Dhan Academy. SEVA has documented 100 practices of traditional knowledge, innovations mostly from Tamil Nadu which have been adopted by the communities or individuals in order to survive or overcome disaster related risks and uncertainties. These practices have been classified broadly into agriculture, animal husbandry and direct risks to human. Documentation work has been initiated during April – 2008 and extended till Nov.2008. A team of 3 members has undertaken field visit in many places of Tamil Nadu to understand and document traditional knowledge, community practices and grassroots innovations which are being followed by the communities or individuals. SEVA has designed a tool kit for documentation of practices which may be a community knowledge or innovation. It includes name and address of the practitioner or innovator, education qualification, family background, title of the innovation, details of the practice or innovation, salient features of the innovation, details of herbal ingredients, method of preparation, dosage, feedback of the practice from other users, genesis of the practice or innovation, disadvantages of using this practice of innovation, diffusion or spread of the practice or innovation, whether patent has been filed, whether it has been tested by formal laboratories or institutes and any other relevant information. SEVA has interviewed the effectiveness of the practice or innovation by contacting those members who are using or adopting this practice to get feedback or impact assessment. SEVA has also gone through Numvali Velanmai back issues in order to review the existing coping mechanisms practiced by communities or farmers and also those who adopted after reading such practice or innovation (Numvali Velanmai is a quarterly news letter in Tamil being published by SEVA for disseminating indigenous knowledge and innovations over the last 16 years; It has a readership of about 2000 members including farmers, academics and social workers). After the documentation of the practice from the field they have been classified or categorized in to agriculture, animal husbandry and human related. SEVA has selected best 100 practices from the list after discussion with the team members. SEVA has also consulted and circulated this documentation work to the members of Honey Bee network and their inputs and suggestions have been considered. SEVA is also in the process of cross checking and taking all formalities while putting it in the website as a public document. SEVA has also published a special issue of Numvali Velnmai April – June 2008 on the documented coping mechanism. 1
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Documentation of Indigenous Coping Mechanisms
Towards Disaster and Risk Reduction
1. Executive Summary
SEVA has undertaken a pilot project for documentation of indigenous coping mechanism towards disaster and risk reduction under the programme of Advanced Centre for Enabling Disaster Risk Reduction (ACEDRR) of Tata Dhan Academy. SEVA has documented 100 practices of traditional knowledge, innovations mostly from Tamil Nadu which have been adopted by the communities or individuals in order to survive or overcome disaster related risks and uncertainties. These practices have been classified broadly into agriculture, animal husbandry and direct risks to human.
Documentation work has been initiated during April – 2008 and extended till Nov.2008. A team of 3 members has undertaken field visit in many places of Tamil Nadu to understand and document traditional knowledge, community practices and grassroots innovations which are being followed by the communities or individuals. SEVA has designed a tool kit for documentation of practices which may be a community knowledge or innovation. It includes name and address of the practitioner or innovator, education qualification, family background, title of the innovation, details of the practice or innovation, salient features of the innovation, details of herbal ingredients, method of preparation, dosage, feedback of the practice from other users, genesis of the practice or innovation, disadvantages of using this practice of innovation, diffusion or spread of the practice or innovation, whether patent has been filed, whether it has been tested by formal laboratories or institutes and any other relevant information. SEVA has interviewed the effectiveness of the practice or innovation by contacting those members who are using or adopting this practice to get feedback or impact assessment. SEVA has also gone through Numvali Velanmai back issues in order to review the existing coping mechanisms practiced by communities or farmers and also those who adopted after reading such practice or innovation (Numvali Velanmai is a quarterly news letter in Tamil being published by SEVA for disseminating indigenous knowledge and innovations over the last 16 years; It has a readership of about 2000 members including farmers, academics and social workers).
After the documentation of the practice from the field they have been classified or categorized in to agriculture, animal husbandry and human related. SEVA has selected best 100 practices from the list after discussion with the team members. SEVA has also consulted and circulated this documentation work to the members of Honey Bee network and their inputs and suggestions have been considered. SEVA is also in the process of cross checking and taking all formalities while putting it in the website as a public document. SEVA has also published a special issue of Numvali Velnmai April – June 2008 on the documented coping mechanism.
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2. Introduction
Local communities or individuals use time tested / traditional wisdom in order to prepare or cope with disaster like situation viz., long dry spell / drought, flood, cyclone, disease out break and other natural calamities. Change in cropping pattern, selection of crop varieties, breeding practices in animal production, herbal healing practices, irrigation practices, mutual help are few approaches, adopted successfully by communities are to be understood and therefore necessitate documentation of such practices or innovations. This will also help us to incorporate time tested models or approaches for adoption or replication. NGOs and other programme implementers would combine both traditional and other scientific approaches which may be cost effective and efficient. However so far there is no systemic attempt in documentation and even those practices documented are not shared with interested organizations / institutions. Due to this lacuna indigenous knowledge erosion is taking in a faster rate. Those old people who have been using this practice are unable to share this knowledge due to no mechanism or system in curriculam for the younger generation to learn from their communities or traditional wisdom.
The traditional practices or grassroots technologies are low cost, easy to adopt as they depend on local resources and often not polluting the environment and food chain system. The need for documentation work has been realized by Honey Bee Network in India and its founder Prof. Anil Gupta, Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad has motivated many professionals or volunteers to involve in this process of knowledge dissemination and SEVA is also one of the members in this mission.
Honey bee Network has drawn its spirit from the behavior of Bees. Just as flowers do not complain when their nectar is taken away, (in fact they attract the bees), we should collect the knowledge, innovations and practices of people in ethical and responsible manner. We should not make them anonymous and give them credit for their generosity in sharing their knowledge. Likewise, just as bees cross-pollinate flowers, we should also facilitate learning of farmers, artisans, pastoralists, and other innovators from one region to another by communicating in local languages. Further, the honey of wealth or benefits if generated through value addition or otherwise, be shared with the knowledge providing communities and individuals as well as nature in a fair and just manner.
Dissemination of indigenous knowledge through news letters, web sites ( www.sristi.org, www.indiainnovates.com and www.nifindia.org ) helps in respecting, recognizing and rewarding the traditional knowledge holders, and grassroots innovators and communities for attempting their own solutions to local problems without any aid from outside. Honey Bee Network thus is an ‘odd ball’ network celebrating creativity and innovation at grassroots. It also lobbies for protection of their intellectual property rights, follows the concept of Prior Informed Consent while dealing with their knowledge, tries to provide them value addition support and facilitates diffusion of innovations through commercial or non commercial channels.
The sharing of people’s experience is relevant at the time of globalization, which is responsible for the erosion of much of traditional knowledge / biodiversity though much greater erosion is taking place due to our inability to generate trust, reciprocity and mutual feeling of solidarity among the community members. (Real wages have gone down in many places) The following are few of the illustrative attempts of our network for the protection and promotion of traditional knowledge or grassroots innovations through empowerment of knowledge holders.
3. Description about Study Location
Documentation of coping mechanism has been undertaken in Tamil Nadu state, South India. SEVA over the last 16 years has been involved in the documentation of indigenous knowledge, innovations in the field of agriculture, animal husbandry and herbal treatment for human and animals. SEVA has also tested few practices in collaboration with some formal institutes like Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Science University, Chennai.
SEVA has a 3 members field team which include Mr.P. Vivekanandan, C. Balasubramanian and Mr.R. Nallasenapathi. Members of the team member individually visited villages and contacted selected individuals for documentation of coping mechanism. Clues for documentation work has been taken from the practices or innovations published earlier in Numvali Velanmai old issues. There after detailed study and documentation work has been initiated after contacting or locating selected places or villages. In some places 2 or 3 visits were also made for detailed study of the practice or innovation. Members used mostly public transport for reaching the field site. SEVA has utilized the type of innovators association of Tamil Nadu promoted by SEVA and SEVA staff team who are working with women self help groups and pastoralists or livestock keepers groups in selected districts.
Tsunami affected places, flood affected areas, drought affected areas and semi-arid tract were selected for study purpose. In addition innovators and old people in the communities of selected villages, herbal healers, tribal communities have been contacted for seeking more information. Group discussion or informal workshop has been facilitated by SEVA for the purpose of documenting traditional wisdom or innovation in the risk prone area such as Nagapattinam, Vellore, Thoothukudi, Ramanathapuram, Tirunelveli, Madurai, Theni, Virudhunagar, Sivagangai, Erode, Karur, etc.,
4. Review of Literature
In India, Honey Bee Network is one of the pioneer organized movement involved in documentation, validation and dissemination of indigenous knowledge and innovations. Prof. Anil Gupta, Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad has initiated work on documentation of agricultural practices and innovations during 1990 onwards. The Honey Bee network thus enhances knowledge providers’ capacity to solve their problems. The network comprises NGOs, volunteers, innovators and knowledge
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providers. The Honey Bee Network members, have been publishing the newsletters over the last 18 years ( some for lesser duration than others) in different language regions of India as given below:
Publication of News Letters in Different Languages
1. Tamil Language -"Numvali Velanmai "Editor : P.Vivekanandan, SEVA, 45,T.P.M.Nagar,Viratipathu, Madurai-625010, Tamil Nadu .Phone:0452-2380082email : [email protected]
2. Kannada Language –Hittalagida Editor : Dr.T.N.Prakash,Department of Agricultural Economics,University of Agricultural Sciences,GKVK, Bangalore-560 065.Ph: 080-23620025email: [email protected] ; [email protected]
3. Telugu Language – Honey Bee (just being launched)Dr K.L. Rao, Flat No 303, Angeerasa ApartmentsStreet 1, Lane 1, Tarnaka – 500 017, Hyderabad (AP) 040 - 27150566 ; (R) 9848073489
6. Malayalam Language -"IniKarshakan Samsanikkatte"Editor : Sri.James,T.J., Peermade Development Society,Peermade, Iduki-685531, Kerala.email : [email protected]
7. English:"HoneyBee" and Hindi ‘Sujh Bhuj’ Editor: Prof.Anil.K.Gupta,Indian Institute of Management, Vastrapur, Ahmedabad -380015. Gujarat.email: [email protected] ; [email protected]
Dissemination of indigenous knowledge through news letters helps in respecting, recognizing and rewarding the traditional knowledge holders, and grassroots innovators and communities for attempting their own solutions to local problems without any aid from outside. Honey Bee Network thus is an ‘odd ball’ network celebrating creativity and innovation at grassroots. It also lobbies for protection of their intellectual property rights, follows the concept of Prior Informed Consent while dealing with their knowledge, tries to provide them value addition support and facilitates diffusion of innovations through commercial or non commercial channels.
The sharing of people’s experience is relevant at the time of globalization, which is responsible for the erosion of much of traditional knowledge / biodiversity though much greater erosion is taking place due to our inability to generate trust, reciprocity and mutual feeling of solidarity among the community members. (Real wages have gone down in many places).
Govt. of India has recognized the work of Honey Bee Network and thus National Innovation Foundation (NIF) was established in February 2000 by Department of Science and Technology, by putting a small corpus for replicating the activities of honey Bee network. NIF announces biennial competition for scouting green grassroots innovations and traditional knowledge practices, and the accepted entries are entered in the National Register for Grassroots Innovation and Outstanding Traditional Knowledge or
People’s Knowledge Database in the case of common practices. So far over the last five years more than 40,000 innovations, traditional knowledge practices and ideas have been added to ten thousand practices collected earlier from over 400 districts making it about 50,000 innovations and traditional knowledge practices. Honey Bee Network has contributed about 80 per cent of these to NIF.. The awarded entries are screened further for patenting and so far 65 patent applications have been filed in India and six patent applications have been filed in the US patent office., three have been granted in USA and four in India. Relevant innovations and traditional knowledge practices are placed in public domain after obtaining prior information consent ( PIC) from the innovators. Commercially viable l entries are pursued for diffusion on business terms.
Patriotic peoples Science and Technology (PPST) Foundation, based at Madras has been organizing Congress on Traditional Science and Technologies of India, since 1993 onwards ; the first congress on Traditional Science and Technologies of India was organized on 28 Nov - 3rd December 1993 at Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay. It has published 250 abstract on agriculture, architecture, building materials forestry, health care and nutrition, metals, textiles, cottage / traditional industries, water management and vermiculture. PPST has subsequently organized 2nd congress on Traditional Science and Technologies at Chennai during 1995 and 3rd Congress during 1998 at Varanasi.
Compas ( Comparing and Supporting Endogenous Development ) is an International network over the last 12 years encourage its members to understand the diversity of rural people’s knowledge and encourage local experimentation. A.V. Balasubramanian and T.D. Nirmala Devi (2006) have compiled Traditional Knowledge Systems of India and Sri Lanka. Centre for Indigenous Knowledge Systems, Chennai has published Vrikshayurveda practices (treatment for plants and trees) in Tamil & English and also conserving traditional seed varieties of paddy and vegetables in Tamil Nadu. BAIF and NGO based at Pune has organized First International Confress on Ethnoveterinary Medicine during 1997 and it has compiled the proceedings of the conference as alternatives for livestock development. Dr. Jayvir Anjaria (2002) has compiled ethnoveterinary heritage in India. H. David Thurston (1990) has documented sustainable practices for plant disease management in traditional farming systems and he quotes that ‘ Today there is a serious concern about modern agriculture because it is so highly energy intensive, its genetic base its narrow and its goals of increasingly higher yields and labor use efficiency lead to extensive mono culture and over production. It is time to re examine the potential for traditional agriculture to contribute to an improved and sustainable modern agriculture’.
5. Importance or Significance of this pilot initiative
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Documentation of traditional wisdom and innovations will enhance the farmers, communities or individuals their understanding and preparedness to cope with the disasters, risks and uncertainties. The sharing of people’s experience is relevant at the time of globalization, which is responsible for the erosion of much of traditional knowledge / biodiversity though much greater erosion is taking place due to our inability to generate trust, reciprocity and mutual feeling of solidarity among the community members.
Indigenous coping mechanism have been tested over many years and some innovations developed by innovators are also tested by individuals ; they are all still open for testing or validation by farmers, individuals or research institutes. Such practices or innovations can be included after pilot testing in the main stream development by formal programmes while implemented by state authorities. However there is a urgent need to document such traditional practices or innovations which otherwise will be eroded due to lack of interest in the modern development programmes and also lack of motivation to learn from traditional wisdom by the younger generation.
6. Methodology
During April – November 2008 documentation of coping mechanism has been undertaken in Tamil Nadu state, South India. SEVA has a 3 members field team which include Mr.P. Vivekanandan, C. Balasubramanian and Mr.R. Nallasenapathi. Members of the team member individually visited villages and contacted selected individuals for documentation of coping mechanism. Clues for documentation work has been taken from the practices or innovations published earlier in Numvali Velanmai old issues (There is a systematic compilation of old issues of Numvali Velanmai published over the last 16 years). There after detailed study and documentation work has been initiated after contacting or locating selected places or villages. In some places 2 or 3 visits were also made for detailed study of the practice or innovation. Members used mostly public transport for reaching the field site. SEVA has utilized the type of innovators association of Tamil Nadu promoted by SEVA and SEVA staff team who are working with women self help groups and pastoralists or livestock keepers groups in selected districts. SEVA has also utilized the help of NGOs in Tamil Nadu and discussed with their farmers, women self help groups association members, healers and old people for documenting community knowledge and innovations.
Tsunami affected places, flood affected areas, drought affected areas and semi-arid tract were selected for study purpose. In addition innovators and old people in the communities of selected villages, herbal healers, tribal communities have been contacted for seeking more information. Group discussion or informal workshop has been facilitated by SEVA for the purpose of documenting traditional wisdom or innovation in the risk prone area such as Nagapattinam, Vellore, Thoothukudi, Ramanathapuram, Tirunelveli, Madurai, Theni, Virudhunagar, Sivagangai, Erode, Karur, etc.,
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SEVA has designed a tool kit for documentation of practices which may be a community knowledge or innovation. It includes name and address of the practitioner or innovator, education qualification, family background, title of the innovation, details of the practice or innovation, salient features of the innovation, details of herbal ingredients, method of preparation, dosage, feedback of the practice from other users, genesis of the practice or innovation, disadvantages of using this practice of innovation, diffusion or spread of the practice or innovation, whether patent has been filed, whether it has been tested by formal laboratories or institutes and any other relevant information. SEVA has interviewed the effectiveness of the practice or innovation by contacting those members who are using or adopting this practice to get feedback or impact assessment. SEVA has also gone through Numvali Velanmai back issues in order to review the existing coping mechanisms practiced by communities or farmers and also those who adopted after reading such practice or innovation (Numvali Velanmai is a quarterly news letter in Tamil being published by SEVA for disseminating indigenous knowledge and innovations over the last 16 years; It has a readership of about 2000 members including farmers, academics and social workers).
7. Outcome of Documentation Work
After the documentation of the practice from the field they have been classified or categorized in to agriculture, animal husbandry and human related. SEVA has selected 100 best practices from the list after discussion with the team members. SEVA has also consulted and circulated this documentation work to the members of Honey Bee network and their inputs and suggestions have been considered. Documentation of traditional wisdom and innovations will enhance the farmers, communities or individuals their understanding and preparedness to cope with the disasters, risks and uncertainties. SEVA is also in the process of cross checking and taking all formalities while putting it in the website as a public document ( www.sevango.in ). SEVA has also published a special issue of Numvali Velanmai April – June 2008 on the documented coping mechanism. The documentation work has been assisted by our documentation staff R. Vallimayil. Photos and videos in appropriate place are being attached along with the practice or innovation.
We have classified the practices in the following categories :
The details of the individual practices are shown in the Annexure 1.
SEVA will constantly upgrade in the practice or innovation after receiving latest information or development from the field.
8. Acknowledgement
SEVA acknowledges the active and continuous support received from the members or volunteers of Honey Bee Network and National Innovation Foundation, Ahmedabad over the last one decade or so. SEVA sincerely acknowledges the financial support received from TATA - DHAN Academy under ACEDRR pilot programme for documenting indigenous coping mechanisms during April – Nov. 2008.
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9. References
1. Anil Gupta (1990) ‘Honey Bee’ volume (1) 1990, Indian Institute of Management, Vastrapur, Ahemedabad – 380015.
2. BAIF (1999) – Ethnoveterinary Medicine Alternatives for Livestock Development – Proceedings of an international conference held in Pune, India on 4 - 6 Nov. 1997.
3. A.V. Balasubramanian and T.D. Nirmala Devi (2006) – Traditional Knowledge Systems of India & Sri Lanka published by Centre for Indigenous Knowledge System, Chennai.
4. David Thurstion, H (1990) – Sustainable Practices for Plant Disease Management in Traditional Farming systems published by Oxford & IBH publishing Company, New Delhi.
5. Jayavir Anjaria Minoo Parabia, Shilendra Diwedi (2002) – Ethnovet Heritage – Indian Ethnoveterinary Medicine an overview published by Pathak Enterprise, Ahmedabad.
6. PPST (1993 – Key note papers and Extended abstracts of “Congress on Traditional Sciences and Technologies of India” organized IIT, Bombay, 28 Nov. – 3rd Dec. 1993.
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Annexure – 1
1. Transplanting Method in Sugarcane to Overcome Flood and Water Stagnation
Mr. Bharathidasan (35) a youth in Thanjakur village in Sivagangai district has developed
innovative method in sugarcane planting to overcome rotting of seed setts during water
stagnation or flood situation . Before 1990s the official recommendation was to plant
setts in horizontal lying position. This practice is successful in all areas. However in
water stagnated areas or lands submerged due to flash flood caused by rain lead to
rotting of whole sett and the germination was poor in turn heavy loss for farmers in
Thanjakur area which is known for raising sugarcane in Sivagangai District.
To overcome this difficulty planting the setts in a slanting position with 1/4th portion in
side the ground and allowing the sett to be visible above the ground at 45o angle was the
idea which clicked well. Initially Mr. Bharathidasan tried this practice in his land of 20
cents during 1991. At that time many people criticized that it will not germinate. Since
the larger length of sett is above the ground level and is exposed, it t is certain to result
in good germination. After seeing the successful germination during water stagnation the
setts didn’t rot or spoil. Even rotted it was only a small bottom portion of the sett and it
will not affect the entire sett. Then this innovation has been accepted by nearby farmers
and adopted the same practice. Now over the last one decade this has been followed
by more than 50,000 farmers in Sivagangai and nearby districts. The innovator has been
awarded SRISTI sanman Award through SEVA. The method of plantation is shown in
the illustration.
Address of the Innovator:
Mr. Bharathidasan
Thanjakur,
Thiruppachethi via
Manamadurai Taluk
Sivagangai District
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2. Transplanting Method in Sugarcane to Reduce Water Requirements
Many farmers in Sivagangai district during 1980’s opted for sugarcane cultivation as a
private sugar factory has been procuring cane on regular contract basis. In the initial
years sugarcane cultivation was profitable but later on farmers realized water scarcity as
groundwater table has been getting reduced gradually. Water scarcity resulted in
reduction in area of irrigation. During that time Mr. Bharathidasan has developed a
practice which reduces not only water requirements but labour cost too. The method of
preparation of bed and planting is shown here:
In ordinary method of raising sugarcane farmers prepare beds and channels. The beds
are of 11/2’ width and raised to a height of 11/2’. The seeds setts are placed horizontally
for germination. Each bed is spaced at every 4 feet and water is allowed to enter each
bed from main irrigation channel. Mr. Bharathidasan has merged 2 beds so that the
width of the bed increased into more than 4’ (4+11/2’ + 11/2’). He irrigates beds
alternatively. This practice reduces water consumption by 50%. It also reduces labor
cost for weeding and intercultural operations. It reduces the number of setts from
conventional requirements of 30,000 into 15,000 (singled budded setts). The space
between the beds (alternatively) is filled with sugarcane trashes and it server as good
manure after composting in-situ. In this method sugarcane can be retained as ratoon
crop up to 8 years compared 3-4 years in conventional method.
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(For placing seeds setts 22 laborers are required in the conventional system compared
to just 4 laborers in the new method ; similarly weeding operation by laborers can be
saved from 35 – 40 per acre) .
The innovator has been awarded SRISTI Sanman Award through SEVA.
Address of the Innovator:
Mr. Bharathidasan
Thanjakur,
Thiruppachethi via
Manamadurai Taluk
Sivagangai District
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3. Control of Semporian Disease in Turmeric
Mr. Chellamuthu (45) is an agricultural laborer living in Karukkampalayam village, Erode
District, Tamil Nadu. He has been involved in spraying of chemical pesticides and he
suffered due to frequent exposure of pesticide exposure and realized his mistake. With
the help of Kodumudi Natarajan he developed skills in preparing herbal pesticide.
He developed a formula for control of turmeric disease. This disease is locally called as
Semporian. (Pathogenic disease or caused by mite or other sucking pests not visible).
The symptoms of the disease are noticed by small red spots on the surface of the leaf &
it will spread to the entire leaf and it will become burnt appearance. After some time the
plant will die. This disease will occur during the month of karthigai & Margali (winter
months-Nov - Dec) usually 150 days after planting of turmeric. Nowadays due to
spraying of chemical pesticides the disease is noticed much earlier i.e. 80 – 90 days
after planting.
Farmers normally adopts chemical method of control by spraying chemical pesticide like
Bevistin, Dithane M45, Monocrotophos, Rogor & spent up to Rs 600 to & 700 for 1 acre.
For control of this disease Tamilnadu Agriculture University, Coimbatore recommends
spraying of Indofil or Dithane M 45 once in 20 days keep on adopting this chemical
method to prevent this disease as told by the farmer. Therefore once this disease
comes farmer has to spend lot of money to save the crop.
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Mr.Chellamuthu developed a herbal formula for control of this disease. For preparing
the herbal formula the following ingredients are needed:
Garlic – 1 kg,
Ginger- 500 gm,
Green chillies - 500gm,
Pepper – 200gm,
Tobacco 500gm,
Neem oil 200ml,
Khadi soap 30gm.
First garlic has to be soaked 100 ml of kerosene for over night and this has to be ground
along with green chilies and pepper. Then tobacco is to be soaked in water for one day
and then filtered and has to be mixed in with 200 ml of Neem oil. Now all of them are to
be mixed together. Finally, soap 30 gm, has to be added and stirred well. Now the total
quantity of the mixture will be about 7 litres. This entire quantity will be sufficient to spray
1 acre. (Add 700 ml of the fluid in 10 litres of water and sprayed; totally 10 tanks are to
be sprayed; tank capacity is 10 litres).
After spraying this herbal pesticide the leaves turn in to dark green and the colour is
retained for ever. He has so far tried this practice for 6 farmers who cultivate Turmeric
and farmers gave good feed back. He sells this pesticide at the rate of Rs 50 per litre,
After seeing this success he tried the same method for control of sugarcane early shoot
borer, mealy bugs and paddy earhead bug which are also equally damaging pest . He
found satisfactory results.
The farmer has been awarded by National Innovation Foundation for a herbal formula for
control of many crop pests during 2002.
The address of Mr.Chellamuthu.
Mr. K.M. Chellamuthu,
Karukkampalayam,
Oonchalur post,
Kodumudi Via,
Erode Dist - 638 152.
Phone: 04204 – 266127; Cell: 9486602389
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4. Income from Dry lands through Cultivation of Indigenous Samba variety of Tamarind Tree
In Tamil Nadu several types of tamarind trees exist. Generally tamarind types with long
and flat pods are preferred as they yield well. Other than yield trait there are certain traits
which are to evaluated as they reduce cost of harvesting and number of fruits , quality of
fruits etc.
At the same time, some tamarind trees produce short sized pods, but produce them
profusely. Besides harvesting of matured fruits is rather easy. By simple mechanical
shaking, they will fall down and gathered easily. The labour and cost involved for
harvest are considerably low.
The yield of tamarind is as high as 300 kg per tree per year bringing an income of about
Rs 6,000/. Mr.Ramachandran, a farmer has identified this unique tree in his garden and
conserved this species. Now, he propagates this tree by collecting seeds and
distributing to interested farmers. This tree is now more than 50 years old and it has
been planted by his fore fathers as he claims.
Name of Innovator and Address:
Mr. T. Ramachandran
S.Pappinaickanpatti village,
(Via) T.Ramanathapuram
Elumalai – 625 535
Madurai – District.
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5. Innovation in Farm Forestry and Soil Conservation Practices followed by Mr.Velu Mudaliyar
Mr. Velu Mudaliyar (65) is a farmer in Puliangudi village in Thirunelveli District. Earlier
he was marginal farmer and through his hard work he earned money and procured lands
adjoining to Western Ghats. He is having about 10 acres of land and an open well
nearby the hill. The land was undulative and it is prone to soil erosion due to heavy
winds during July to September and flash floods during October to November. In order
to avoid erosion he established wind belt with trees like teak, neem, subabul, mango etc.
and he also constructed a check dam with locally available stone materials and it is
much stronger compare to ordinary check dam constructed by Government.
He also acquired skills in set right of problems in pump set, oil engine, laying of pipes for
irrigation etc. He has developed the following agro- forestry techniques as follows:
Raising green manure crop in Mango
He raises wild indigo (Kolinchi) as an inter crop in slopy land of young mango garden, to
prevent silt erosion and for improving soil fertility.
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Raising 2 -3 trees in the same pit:
He plants 2-3 numbers of tree saplings such as neem, tamarind in the same pit (a pit
size of 1 x 1 x 1 feet) for 3 years and allowing only one vigorous growing tree. The other
trees will be uprooted and used for fuel or for roof material.
Planting Hawaian giant (subabul)
The stump cuttings of subabul tree are used as planting material in the hedges of field.
Usual practice is to raise subabul seedlings and planting them in pits and it takes longer
time to attain a required size; instead vegetative propagation by using stump cuttings is
quicker and in a shorter time it will have good foliage. It acts as a live fence for the
garden as well as good fodder and for fuel wood production. In few plots of 2 acres he
raised subabul as a mono crop. The fallen residues are collected regularly and it is used
as a mulch or compost for enriching soil fertility in other parts of the field where he grows
field crops and vegetables.
Avoiding damage from wild pigs
He raises mango and guava orchard by planting healthy, vigorous seedlings of Mango /
Guava instead of the grafts, as the grafts spread over ground and their fruits are prone
to damage by wild pigs that exist in forest area nearby. Trees grown from seedlings
grow straight and their fruits are not nearer to ground and thereby escape damage from
wild pigs.
Using herbal pesticide
He uses need seed kernel extract and neem oil for control of pest and disease in his
garden. For preventing fruit fly damage in hybrid moringa (drumstick) he prefers raising
country variety (perennial moringa tree) which is highly resistant to fruit fly.
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Selecting trees to overcome drought
Earlier about a decade ago, he was raising coconut, acid lime, and guava on large scale.
Nowadays due to climate change and meager rainfall he plans to remove coconut and
acid lime and replace with teak, perennial moringa tree, mango and amla (Indian
gooseberry).
Collection of seed materials and raising nursery
He carefully selects seeds from high yielding and vigorous trees and raises nursery at
his farm. He is selling seedlings of guava, acid lime, neem, mango, jack fruit, amla, teak
etc. Many farmers relay upon him for procuring quality seedlings.
He has been awarded “Viruksh Mithra” award by Forest Department for his outstanding
work.
Name of Innovator and Address
Mr. Velu Mudaliar
No. 4, Chidambara vinayagar Temple Street
Puliangudi -- Post
Thirunelveli District,
Tamil Nadu
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6. Traditional methods of control of field rats
Using Mud pots
Field rats cause heavy loss to crops like paddy. Mud pot trap: A small mud pot with a lid
is used as a trap to catch field rats. Mud pot is erected over tripped of wooden sticks at a
height of 9 inches from ground and set at certain angle (slanting position). The lid of the
pot is put in the field ground, top side facing down and fixed with 3 small sticks. (Figure)
Inside the pot small quantity of dried fish / fried kernels of ground nut kept as bait. When
the rat attempts to get the bait by jumping the pot topple down over the lid and the rat
gets trapped inside and subsequently removed and killed. Daily up to 8 rats trapped by
this method.
Birds perching sticks
In the paddy field few places long sticks are planted and straw rolls are placed to over
them, so as to attract to perch over on them. During night hours some predatory birds
like owls will come and perch over the sticks. The field rats that are found in the vicinity
are caught as prey and eaten.
Name of Innovator and Address
Mr. Nagaiah Naicker,
T. Krishnapuram Post,
Saptur via,
Peraiyur Taluk - 626 535
Madurai District
20
7. Control of Termites in Rainfed Paddy Nursery
When paddy nursery raised under rain fed situation in light textured soil like red loam,
the termite incidence is more. The termites will move in gangs and devast the young
seedlings and eat them away completely, causing total disaster. This will lead to re
sowing of the nursery bed once again at heavy cost. Besides the optimum season is
also missed.
To prevent this loss of nursery, it is followed traditionally to spread bitter leaves of neem
and hairs of goat and human beings in thick layer. The termites that eat them will perish
soon.
Name of Innovator & Address:
Thiru. M.A. Chinnathambi,
Alangampatti – village
Kamboor,
Melur -625 101
Madurai – District.
21
8. Traditional method of Control of Rhinoceros beetle in Coconut Palm
Farmers in Puliyangudi village traditionally follow a practice to control Rhinoceros beetle
which affects coconut trees. If the pest affects the crown region of coconut trees and in
severe cases it causes much economical damage to trees.
Mr Gomathinayagam a farmer wanted to adopt this practice in his 5 acres of coconut
garden. Two numbers of earthen pots are buried into the soil so that the top of pot
alights at ground level and it is openly exposed. Water is filled up to ¾ th of the pot. To
each pot 250 gm of powdered castor cake (castor cake obtained after extraction of
castor oil) is added and mixed will.
After 3 days it ferments and typical odor emanates from this attracts the adult rhinoceros
beetles which cause sever loss to the Coconut palms leading to poor yield of nuts. The
beetles that fall into the pots will perish soon,
This practice is followed for several years my many farmers in this region.
Name of Farmer & Address
Thiru. Gomathi nayagam,
Vivasiyigal seva sangam (Farmers service Association),
Puliangudi – Post
Thirunelveli – District.
22
9. Indigenous method of control of Root rot & Foot rot diseases in Paddy Crop
Root and foot rot diseases cause heavy damage to paddy corp. To alleviate this loss, an
indigenous method was developed and followed fro several years with success.
After planting paddy seedlings and within 20 to 25 days, drain out the standing water
from the field. Then apply poultry droppings (40 kg/ac) mixed with neem cake powder
(20kg/ac) uniformly. No irrigation for 3 days.
Three days later irrigation water is allowed to stand for a depth of 5cm. By this method
the diseases could be efficiently controlled.
Name of Innovator & Address:
Mr Deva siromani,
Kollangadu Vettivinai,
Kodiyoor Mulagu moodu.
Kanyakumari District - 629 167
23
10. Preventing Paddy crop loss caused by Paddy Earhead bugs
The flowers of herbal plant called in tamil “peyurunjan” flower (or) “Sannambu” flower
(Cycas cercinalis) available in the western ghats as wild plant. This plant during the time
of flowering will release obnoxious odour. Farmers of Puliangudi, Vasudevanallur and
Sivagiri areas of Tirunelveli District are using this odour to wade away the earhead bugs.
Farmers usually collect the flowers of the plant during December – January when the
paddy crop is attaining panicle initiation stage. These flowers are cut in to small pieces,
covered and tied with wet cotton cloth. These cloth bundles are again covered with
straw and fixed on the top of the sticks (at 3 to 4 feet height) which are placed in 2 or 3
spots of 1acre standing paddy land. Dew fall in the early morning during winter months
will help to emit obnoxious odour that will repel the ear head bugs away from the paddy
field. Otherwise the earhead bug attack will lead to chaffy grains as it is endemic to this
region and cause severe economic loss to paddy farmers.
Name of Farmer & Address:
Thiru. Gomathinayagam,
Vivasiyigal seva sangam (Farmers Service Association),
Puliangudi – P.O.
Thirunelveli – District.
24
11. Herbal Pesticide for control of Leaf Spot Disease of Paddy Crop
Kandhari chilli (A type of red pepper) is a wild Capsicum variety (said to be more
pungent and has more capsicin content) locally noticed in Kanyakumari District. The
fruits are very small and tiny and it will be pointing upwards direction. About 4 kg of
Chilli fruits are taken, ground and mixed with water to spray for 1 acre of paddy crop
affected with leaf spot disease. This spray gives sufficient protection to paddy crop from
all kinds of leaf diseases caused by fungal organisms. The normal grain yields also
restored.
Name of Innovator & Address:
Thiru. N. Deva Siromani,
Kollangadu vettivilai,
Kodiyoor Mulagu moodu post & via,
Kanyakumari – District.
25
12. Control of Algae growth in open wells
In the open wells, green algae found to grow profusely and float over the water level.
These organisms may hinder the operation of pump sets lifting water, by entering into
foot valve and blocking the passage of water. This necessitates fetching a pump
mechanic for repairing or rectifying the defect in the foot valve.
The simple method followed indigenously is to cut straw of paddy into small pieces,
bundled in gunny bags and immersed into the algae affected well. By this innovative
method the green algae is controlled.
Name of Innovator & Address:
Sri.M.P. Vellaimaya thevar,
Kinnimangalam,
(Via) Sekkanoorani,
Madurai. District.
26
13. Improving ground water recharge through low cost Check Dams
Mr. Francis a social worker visited Natram palayam village in Dharmapuri District and
found that farmers are facing recurring droughts and they are unable to take income
from agriculture and animal husbandry. During rainy season they received optimum
rainfall but during summer the streams and wells dry up and due to this village people
surrounded by forest and mountain faced hardships. Mr.Francis after discussion with
villagers decided to construct 13 small check dams across streams to benefit 15 small
hamlets nearby.
After construction of check dams across streams, rain water stored for 10 months in a
year in these structures. This in turn has improved the springs in open wells newly
constructed and installed more than 100 pump sets for irrigating agricultural land.
They successfully cultivate three crops in a year viz. paddy, ground nut and mulberry.
Silk worm rearing is practiced; standard of life of the villagers has improved a lot. They
are able to upkeep dairy animals and goats as they faced no water problem for drinking
purpose. Mr.Francis motivated people to contribute their labour and time for constructing
check dams, stone bunds across sloppy lands upto 10 – 20 percent of the total cost of
construction. By seeing this model, people in nearby villages approached Mr. Francis to
replicate this model. He covered many villages under people initiated check dam
construction in Thali block in Dharmapuri District. In all these villages the check dams
have increased ground water table, dry lands have been converted into garden land and
cropping intensity increased leading to improve standard of living of local people in this
hilly region. With help of people, local communities he initiated check dam construction
in Thali block and so far 300 check dams have been already constructed.
Name of Innovator & Address:
Mr. Francis
I.V.D.P.
4 –B, TB link Road,
Krishnagiri – Post
Dharmapuri District.
27
14. ‘Pitta’ bird as an indicator to forecast rainfall in Sri Lanka
Pitta (Mina) a type of migrating birds arrive in Srilanka during September taking
advantage of the north – east wind prevailed during the month.
The rainfed cultivation in the drought prone area is being started with the arrival of these
birds. By seeing the arrival of the birds, farmers start cultivating the land by ploughing
and keeping it to seed bed condition ready for sowing. The seeds are also procured and
kept ready by then. Because of this well preparedness they will not miss a single rainfall
but take advantage of it and ensure successful crop in the dry land.
Source of Information:
Mr. Peter,
Vice Coordinator – Planning (Forest for people)
Thanamal vila – P.O.
Sri Lanka
28
15. Tractor / Tiller drawn Ridger to form ridges and furrows for sugarcane, cotton, banana crops
Agricultural operations in dry land are to be performed in time especially in the
preparation of field at the time of on set of monsoon. However availability of labour
decides the timely completion of agricultural operations. Nowadays, farmers faced
labour shortage and therefore sometimes agriculture becomes risky. Mr.Lakshmanan
has developed labour saving ridger which can be attached with tractor or power tiller.
This labour saving implement called Ridger was developed and used by a farmer Mr.G.
Lakshmanan, in his village Sallipatti near Srivilliputhur.
He has removed the share point from the power tiller and in its place fixed by welding
blades of the size 12- 14” length and 10 -12” width. By operating this ridger 3 furrows
can be opened with the required interval. No human labour is needed; it is most
economical form ridges and furrows for crops like sugarcane, cotton, banana etc.
Name of Innovator & Address:
Mr. G. Lakshmanan,
Sallipatti village,
Srivilliputhur Taluk,
Virudhunagar – District.
29
16. Preventive method for control of Small Pox virus in Sheep
Small pox is caused by a virus is fatal to sheep. Sometimes severity of the virus disease
affect the entire sheep herd as it is infectious. As a preventive method, serum is
collected from the boils of the affected animal and injected into a healthy sheep to
prevent the spread of the virus causing small pox.
This is practiced by sheep rearing herders of Ramanathapuram District in Tamil Nadu.
Name of Informer and his address:
Thiru. P. Abimannan,
Jothi Manickam village,
(Via) Chekkanoorani,
Madurai –District
30
17. Rearing Pigeon birds in mud pots in Tribal villages in Bihar
People of Shilli village in Bihar state rear pigeon birds in small mud pots. Shilli village is
situated in hilly tract. The villagers grow pigeon birds in 6 – 8 mud pots hanged
underneath the roof of their house. These birds provide sufficient meat requirement to
their family.
Mud pots of 15 – 20 litres capacity are hanged underneath the roof of the houses. First,
few birds procured and placed in the mud pot. The birds are fed with grains initially.
Later on the birds go outside and collect their food and return to their nests during
evening. Therefore it requires least maintenance and birds are sold sometimes to meet
family expenses or used for table purpose on important occasion including visit of
relatives or guests to their families.
Source of Information:
Numvali Velanmai
SEVA,
45, TPM Nagar,
Virattipathu,
Madurai – 10
31
18. Traditional method of control of ‘Pugaian’ pest
(brown plant hopper) in Paddy
Innovative farmers around Karumathur village in Madurai district uses locally available
materials like rice bran – 15 kg mixed with kerosene – 2 liters and applied in the morning
hours near 1 acre of paddy crop affected by brown plant hoppers known as Pugaian
pest (Fulgorid - Nilaparvata lugens).
This practice provides effective control of the pest without using chemical pesticides and
has no residual toxicity in the produce after harvest of paddy.
Source of Information & Address:
Mr. A. Selvaraj,
Arul Anandhar college,
Karumuthur village
Madurai District
32
19. A simple method of preparation of Herbal Pesticide against
Crop Pests
Locally and easily available materials like garlic bulbs and green chilli solution with an
adhesive agent to stick on to the leaves of affected crops – serve as an effective bio
-insecticide to ward off / to repel / to control severed pests like pod borers, aphids and
thrips. The method of preparation is given below:
Solution: 1 - Garlic bulb 500 gm peeled cut in to pieces and soaked in kerosene over
night and filtered.
Solution: 2 - Green chillies (Capsicum fruitescens) 50 gm ground into a paste and mixed
with water – 1 litre and filtered.
Solution: 3 - Soap powder 100 gm dissolved in 1 litre of water to serve as sticking
agent.
All the 3 solutions are well mixed with 100 litres of water and used as spray fluid in the
morning hours over the foliage of affected crops like Cotton, redgram, sunflower,
pomegranate, grapes etc.,
Name of Innovator & Address:
Dr. W.B. Rahootkar
Principal (Retd),
Punjab Rao Agricultural University,
Maharashtra
Source: Numvali Velanmai
33
20. Organic Amendments to Reclaim Sodic Soil
Farmers in Tamil Nadu follow traditional practices for reclamation of saline / alkaline
soil. The following practices separately or in combination have been followed by