Indigenous Pest Management Practices of Indian Hill Farmers: Introspecting Their Rationale and Communication Pattern for Secure Ecosystems

Surya Rathore, Manish Chandola, Rupan Raghuvanshi, Manmeet Kaur and Kundan Veer Singh
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Surya Rathore: Division of Extension Systems Management, ICAR—National Academy of Agricultural Research Management, Hyderabad 500030, India
Manish Chandola: Canara Institute of Bank Management, Manipal 576104, India
Rupan Raghuvanshi: Division of Information & Communication Management, ICAR—National Academy of Agricultural Research Management, Hyderabad 500030, India
Manmeet Kaur: Department of Agricultural Extension & Communication, Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner 334006, India
Kundan Veer Singh: Division of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Faculty of Agriculture, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Jammu, Jammu 180009, India

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 21, 1-17

Abstract: Indigenous technical knowledge derived from traditional wisdom is an asset of farmers in developing countries. To ensure the continuity of these practices for future generations, we need to understand the scientific rationality and their communication patterns, and then document them. This study aimed to document the indigenous pest management practices, test their scientific rationality, and determine their communication pattern among the farmers. A total of 120 farmers from district Bageshwar in Uttarakhand, India, were selected through the simple random sampling method. Interviews and focussed group discussions were used to collect data. Out of a total of 32 documented indigenous practices, 27 were found to be rational by the scientists. Neighbours ranked first as the source of information, followed by friends and relatives. Knowledge related to managing pests through indigenous methods was shared by the farmers, mainly in temples. They learned the practical application of these indigenous practices during childhood while working with parents in the fields, followed by observing their friends and relatives. The indigenous technical knowledge should be conserved and combined with the scientific cognizance for sustainable agriculture. Next- generation farmers need to be motivated to adopt these practices.

Keywords: indigenous; pest management; Indian; hill farmers; communication; secure ecosystems (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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