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Project Completion Report Year 2013-15

Protection and Promotion of

Biodiversity Specific Traditional

Knowledge (TK) for Health and

Livelihood Security

Prayatna Samiti

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Project Implemented by: Prayatna Samiti

Contact address:

26/27, Mahavir Colony, Bedla Road, Badgaon, Udaipur

313001, Rajasthan, India

Tel.: +91-0294-2450281

E-mail Id: info@prayatnasamiti.org, prayatnaudr@gmail.com

Project Support:

Siemenpuu Foundation

Contact address:

Lintulahdenkatu 10, 5th floor

00500 Helsinki

Finland

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Table of contents

Chapter Content Page

1.

Project Background 4

2,

Project Objectives 5

3.

Project Area 6

4,

Beneficiaries 7

5.

Project Period 8

6.

Project Summary 9

7.

Activities and Impacts 10

7.1

Documentation and Dissemination of Traditional

Knowledge 11

7.2

Documenting Traditional Agricultural and Animal

Husbandry Practices 13

7.3

Collection of Baseline Data 14

7.4

Capacity Building cum Traditional Knowledge Workshops 16

7.5

Development of Herbal gardens 17

7.6

Collection and Plantation of Minor Millets 18

7.7

Awareness Camps 19

7.8

Documentation, Publication and IEC Materials 20

8.

Achievements 21

9.

Lessons Learnt 22

10.

Way Forward 23

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Project Background

Traditional Knowledge refers to the knowledge, innovations and practices of indigenous and local

communities around the world. It tends to be collectively owned and takes the form of stories, songs,

folklore, proverbs, cultural values, beliefs, rituals, community laws, local language, and agricultural

practices, including the development of plant species and animal breeds.

Due to gradual change in lifestyle pattern, particularly influenced by market driven economy and

migration, it had been observed that a chunk of Traditional Knowledge (TK) and practices had been

lost. With the change in lifestyles communities are losing the biocultural diversity which is significant

to endure human beings, plants and animals of a place.

Through recording lost and available flora in Community Knowledge Register (CKR); documenting

traditional healing practices; and enhancing capacity of communities along with introducing floral

germ plasm the project attempted to revive the TK in the tribal dominant areas of Udaipur district of

Rajasthan state located in the Western region of Indian subcontinent.

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Project Objectives

The project had following objectives:

• Protect, promote and adapt traditional knowledge of natural resource management and biodiversity

conservation.

• Recognize the TK and associated natural – biological resources at grass root level.

• Strengthen local network of traditional knowledge keepers (Gunis (traditional healers), farmers,

livestock keepers, etc.) and linking with regional cooperation.

• Supplement the present forms of biocultural diversity with floral germ plasm.

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Project Area

Project was implemented in 10 tribal dominant villages of Girwa (24.58°N 73.68°E) and Salumbar

(24.13°N 74.05°E) tehsils of Udaipur district of Rajasthan state, located in the Western region of

Indian subcontinent. The project covered 6 panchayats of the tehsils.

Villages covered by the project were Dhai Khera, Ghagri, Kalipole, Khajuri, Pavti located in Salumbar

tehsil; Wela, Bhedi, Jali ka Guda, Mamadev, and Gamasagar located in Girwa tehsil.

Villages Dhai Khera, Ghagri, Kalipole and Khajuri comes under Khajuri Panchayat; village Pavti

comes under Bedaval panchayat; villages Wela and Bhedi comes under Vedi panchayat; village

Mamadev comes under Jhamar Kotra panchayat; village Gamasagar comes under Jagat panchayat

and village Jali ka Guda comes under Chansda panchayat.

The project villages are scattered within the range of 100 kilometres from Udaipur via Sakroda-Kurabad villages (towards South East of Udaipur). The minimum and maximum temperatures recorded here are 03ºC and 45ºC, respectively while mean temperature is 22ºC. The average annual rainfall received by the district is 652.6 mm.

The area covered by the project comes under the Schedule V area declared under the Constitution of

India.

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Rajasthan

Udaipur

India

Salumbar

Girwa

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Beneficiaries

Prayatna Samiti selected 150 beneficiaries from 150 households located in 15 project villages. The

beneficiaries belonged to Meena and Gameti tribes practicing farming and traditional healing.

Beneficiaries benefited:

Number of beneficiaries (direct): 150

Number of beneficiaries (indirect): 1578 (family members and people from adjoining villages)

Number of people participating in meetings, awareness camps and capacity building

programmes: 3,122 (also counts the repetition of the people).

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Project Period

The project started in the year 2013 and completed in the year 2015.

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Project Summary

The project titled “Protection and Promotion of Biodiversity specific Traditional Knowledge for

Health and Livelihood Security” implemented by Prayatna Samiti, was an attempt to revive the TK

systems associated with region specific biocultural diversity of the of the tribal dominated areas of

Udaipur. The backdrop of the project imputed the loss of TK due to emergence of economy driven

market, change in lifestyles and migration of the forest dwellers to urban areas. The project had the

purpose to protect, promote and adapt traditional knowledge of natural resource management and

biodiversity conservation; recognise the traditional knowledge and associated natural-biological

resources at grass root level; and strengthen local network of traditional knowledge keepers (Gunis,

farmers, livestock keepers, etc.) and linking with regional cooperation.

Project beneficiaries were selected in consultation with Gram Sabhas. As the tribal area comes under

Schedule V area declared under the Constitution of India, the project also involved Gram Sabhas and

Gram Panchayats as its major stakeholders. (PESA 1996 directs Gram Sabhas and Panchayats to

form legislation in the interest of tribes to manage the natural resources of the forests).

A baseline survey was conducted in 10 project villages to mark the sources of incomes, migration

pattern, sources of drinking water, energy, and livestock dependency, which were considered as

important indicators to track the development made in the project. Documenting Community

Knowledge Register (CKR) was the important part of the project. The CKR enlisted the important

floral species playing important role in maintaining ecosystem, as they were being utilized since

traditions to cure diseases related to human beings and animals. The CKR registers trees, herbs,

livestock, crops, traditional healing methods of human beings and animals, and traditional agricultural

and animal husbandry practices. Local germ plasm of the minor millets, herbal plants and vegetables

was also been collected to preserve the biodiversity important for health and livelihood security.

Capacity building, awareness caps, and exposure visits were also organised to sensitize the people of

loss in floral species and the farming practices associated with it. People were imparted trainings on

farming millets, herbal plants, vegetables and animal husbandry practices. Gunis were engaged in

development of herbal plants gardens at their farm yard so that they could revive the lost traditional

healing practices. Seeds of minor millets and vegetables were also provided to farmers so that they

could revive the lost agricultural practices related to the grain management. The TK recorded in the

CKR was also being translated in the IEC material related to organic agriculture, best animal

husbandry practices and nutritional role of minor millets.

Through regular village level meetings organised by the project implementing organisation the interest

of the community was captured and conservation messages were disseminated to preserve the local

folk lore. Documentation of CKR had been able to recognize the plants and lost practices associated

to cultivate them. People also recognized the trees and their economic value. It was quite evident

from the meetings and field monitoring that the people were cultivating fruiting trees, herbal plants,

vegetables and minor millets. Crop production is also increased as the community is practicing

organic agriculture. Milk production was also enhanced as the feed management was taken up by the

farmers. People also demanded productive goat breed indigenous to the region. Gunis developing

new mixtures of herbs to cure human diseases. The project was been able to revive the TK

associated with the region.

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Activities and Impacts

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Documentation and Dissemination of Traditional

Knowledge

The activity encompassed documentation of existing and past TK related to application of biodiversity

resources in the form of document known as “Community Knowledge Register.” The project

implementing organisation along with the community documented 5 valuable data sources which

recorded 26 species of crops, 30 species of fodder, 51 types of trees, 21 types of agricultural

equipment, and 98 species of herbs comprising of vegetables and medicinal plants from 10 project

villages.

Community Knowledge Register (CKR) enlisted important floral species which plays an important role

in ecosystem as they were being used since traditions to cure diseases related to human beings and

animals. Knowledge gathered through Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) techniques from primary

data sources had explored the treatment methods and preparation of medicines from the plants found

around. The organisation also maintained the database of 51 gunis (traditional healers) consisting of

their occupations and expertise in treatment sector. More than 15 livestock related diseases were

documented along with their cure. Home herbal remedies being popular in the villages had also been

documented with the aim to revive the cultivation of the herbal plants.

Preparing CKR was an important step towards revival of traditional methods of health healing and

agriculture and livestock management. Biodiversity mapping of important trees like Bamboo

(Bambuseae spp.), Khejri (Prosopis cineraria), Saalar, Babool (Vachellia nilotica), Banyan (Ficus

benghalensis), Peepal (Ficus religiosa), Tamarind (Tamarindus indica), Kat Karanj (Pongaia spp.),

Palash (Butea monosperma), Sheesham (Dalbergia sissoo), Sitafal (Annona squamosa), Mango

(Mangifera indica), Mahua (Madhuca longifolia), Timroo (Zanthoxylum armatum), and Godal

sensitized the community towards their conservation as it was found during the survey that these

trees were hardly available in the project villages. The trees documented were important source of

fodder, timber and medicines. Migrating trends and lack of agricultural practices among the

community have affected the biodiversity of the villages.

Species of fodder Kalejadi and Bherki Chaar which were consumed by the livestock since past

decades were completely depleted. Recorded species of fodder also attracted the community to

cultivate additional species of fodder. Recorded availability of fodder like Laanpliya, Herand,

Bhaangta, Samaa, Baru, Dobadi, Katti, Bathua, Marewa, Jhalra, Mogta, Hekali, Haamo, Bokanu,

Heeran, Bhedu, Dauv, Toyal, Motiya, and Laapliya moved the community to protect these grasses.

Recorded herbal medicinal preparation to cure common diseases – Urinary infection, Indigestion,

Night Blindness, Wounds, Conjunctivitis, Tooth ache, Jaundice, Scorpion bite, Vomiting, Dog bite,

Daraad, Pimples/Acne, Tuberculosis, Asthma, Urogenital infection and Prick – showed the evidences

of herbal medication systems practiced by the gunis in the region.

Some minor millets species consisted of Maize (Zea mays), Guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba), Chana

(Cicer arietinum), Moong (Vigna radiata), Til (Sesamum indicum), Urad (Vigna mungo), Wheat

(Triticum spp.), Jowar (Sorghum spp.), Mustard (Brassica spp.), Bajra (Pennisetum glaucum), Jayee,

Rice (Oryza sativa), Samla, Pigeon pea, Kaangdi, Alsi (Linum usitatissimum), Tarameera, Kuri, Batti,

Maal (Celastrus paniculatus), Kodra, Kalath, Jao, Cheena, Batti. The millets being important sources

of nutrition and adapted to adverse weather and soil conditions were found to be extinct. Survey done

by the organisation showed their availability and consumption trends. Millets Cheena and Batti were

recorded to be on the verge of extinction.

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Dissemination of the recoded data in the form of information took place during the group discussions

with the community, individual meetings, gram sabha, and panchayat meetings as regular practice.

The data gathered was converted to Information Education and Communication (IEC) material like

posters and charts. The posters displaying important information on best agricultural practices,

application of millets and herbal plants were distributed among the beneficiaries.

For detailed CKR database please see Annexure 1.

For herbal remedies please see Annexure 2.

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Documenting Traditional Agricultural and Animal

Husbandry Practices

The document emphasise on the application of plants and natural resources to build the resilient and

self-sustainable management practices of storing and harvesting of grains and treatment of animals

and human beings. The traditional practices which were followed by the tribal communities since

decades were found to be lost due to changing market trends, anthropogenic activities in the forests

and rapid migration of the younger generation.

The storage practice of gains was economic and resistant to the all the weather conditions as it

comprised of plants fibre based containers coated with mud to store grains, mixed with ash and fresh

neem leaves. Mud resisted climate fluctuations and neem helped to keep pests away. Similarly,

vegetable seeds were stored in new earthen pots after drying. Another practice of cow dung mixed

with cow urine enhances soil fertility thereby increasing production of the crop.

Many of the important fodder species were found on the verge of extinction. The fodder species which

were the source of immense energy and protein were found rarely present in the forests and not

cultivated in the farm lands. Due to depletion of fodder and their cultivation practices there has been a

considerable loss in milk production of livestock over the last 6 decades.

Fodder species like Dhawri, Khair, Halar, Medhal, Gangri, Farangi, Desi Bambool were no more

present in the region. The present types of fodder is limited to Maize, Wheat, Bajra, Jawar, Soyabean

and Rajaga.

Animal disease curing capability of plants found application in preparation of medicines constituting

Karanj, Camphor, Paperi, Onion, Galvel, Akra, Burengi, Mustartd, and Aduchi. Diseases like Foot and

Mouth Disease (FMD), Throat Swelling, Constipation, and Joint Swelling were well cured by using

herbal extracts.

The natural resources taken up during the documentation was water well. Use of herbal ash was

recoded as the best way to keep the water clean. The wells also associate with mythological practices

which makes them sustainable water reservoir.

For detailed Traditional Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Practices please see Documentation of

Traditional Practices in Udaipur for Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Health & Nutrition and

Natural Resource Management as Annexure 3.

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Collection of Baseline Data

A baseline survey was carried out to set in the parameters of project progress. The baseline was

carried out in the project villages with samples of 75 beneficiaries as data sources. Following

parameters were undertaken to conduct to set the baseline:

Land area and crop type

Land Area was categorized into 3 land types – Unirrigated, Irrigated and Pasture land. It was found

that the average land hold of the farmers in each category was 0.5 Hectares. Farmers cultivate Maize,

Guar, Gram, Moong, Til, Urad, Cow pea in unirrigated land; Wheat, Barley, Mustard, Bajra, and Oat in

irrigated patch and Sagvan, Salar, Maudi, Karmela, Grasses, Beda fodder were confined to the

pasture land. Rarely the land was given on lease to other farmers.

Water lifting equipment for irrigation

Use of Electric motors, Diesel engine, Rehat, Sadas, Lift/Canal, River and Haran equipment was

considered to record devices prevalent in the villages. It was found that the majority of farmers used

diesel engines as lifting devices placed at the shared wells. Electric motors were also used by some

of the farmers. The data gathered indicated that diesel engines were getting popularity all over the

villages and is the major source in which farmers invest for agriculture. All other traditional devices are

rarely used.

Animal husbandry practices

The animals Cow, Buffalo, Ox, Goat, Sheep, Camel, and Poultry were reared since traditions. The

analysis showed that goats dominate over other tamed animals. They are tamed for meat and milk

production. Oxen were also found in majority helping in ploughing land. Cows were kept for milk and

manure production. Poultry is very much traditional with all the houses having 4 birds on an average.

Sources of drinking water

The survey considered Hand pump, Well, Electric motor, and Beri as the major sources of drinking

water based on which dependency of farmers and their families was analysed. It was found that the

hand pumps and wells were the major sources which were treated as shared resources of drinking

water.

As far as sanitation is concerned the project villages has no toilet facility.

Fuels for preparing food

Timber , Dung, Bio gas, Kerosene and L.P.G. were the fuels which were considered in the survey to

be used by the households. Majority of the houses were depended on the trees with average of 1,025

kg wood used per household per year and dungs with 355 kg excreta used per year, whereas bio gas,

kerosene and L.P.G. were rarely used. The survey showed that the farmers were heavily dependent

on the forests and local resources.

Sources of Livelihoods

The major sources of income considered were Farming, Field labour, Migrant, Animal husbandry

(Cow, Buffalo), Animal husbandry (Goat, Sheep, Poultry), MNREGA / labour, Business/ Trade,

Private/ Government Job, Forest produce, Stitching and Kasidakari. The survey showed that every

family had 2 of the people engaged in each of the profession. The finding also showed that the forest

dwellers are majorly dependent on the wood collection as one of the livelihood practices. Migrants

bring the highest income (~ Rs. 45,000/- per household in 4 months) to the houses which is followed

by farming (~ Rs. 25,000/- per household in 4 months). This showed that people were migrating to the

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nearest cities in search of part time seasonal jobs like masonry work, carpenter, labours, office boys

and waiters. Agriculture and animal husbandry were the major sectors which need to be

revolutionized and looked upon.

Loans were taken on the occasions of marriage and well development activities. The sources of loans

were banks and relatives. This showed that the village developmental activities need more investment

form the cooperatives and federations.

Availability of Energy sources

Timber, Cow dung, Kerosene, Diesel/ Petrol and Electricity were taken as the major sources of

energy. The sources were used in cooking food, light lamps and run diesel motors. Timber wood was

the fuel in highest demand finding its application in cooking food; whereas cow dung also found its

use for the same purpose. Average family consumption of Kerosene was 123 litres which was used

for lightning lamps and running some of the lift irrigation devices. Average diesel consumption per

household was recorded as 53 litres used for running diesel motors as lift irrigation devices. Petrol too

served the purpose of running motors and private vehicles. With electricity supplied to most of the

houses average consumption of electricity was recorded as 105 units per household per year. The

electricity was used in lightning bulbs and tube lights at some places.

Knowledge of traditional healing practices

During the survey questions related to the traditional healing practices were also asked from the

beneficiaries. It was found everyone agreed with the effectivity of traditional healing practices but

don’t knew the preparation of medicines. Also they do not knew the treatment of chronic fevers and

cancers. This showed that level of TK that people acquired was falling down when viewed in younger

generation.

For detailed Baseline Survey please see Annexure 4.

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Capacity Building cum Traditional Knowledge

Workshops

Capacity building and Traditional Knowledge Workshops were the essential part of the project. The

workshops were aimed to aware, create understanding and impart skills to the community members

on management of natural resources and adapting best practices. 1 Exposure visit was organised at

Sirohi district (205 kilometres from Salumbar tehsil). 50 participants from the project villages observed

and shared their experiences on vermicomposting, bio gas generation; Sirohi, Chokhla, and Chanotar

goat breed management practices; drip irrigation and green house management of vegetables.

106 village level meetings were done with the beneficiaries in which 2,590 people raised their views

on good agricultural and livestock management practices. Project activities related to field

management were also planned during the meetings. 2 cluster meetings have also been done. 5

Gram Sabha meetings were addressed by the organisation in which community was made aware of

their rights on Natural Resource Management.

The Panchayat (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA) allows Forest Dwelling Tribes

to manage the natural resources. PESA made it mandatory for the Fifth Schedule areas to make

legislative provisions by the Gram Sabhas/Panchayats in order to give wide-ranging powers to the

tribals on matters relating to decision-making and development of their communities.

As a result of capacity building exercises people became aware of vegetable cultivation. Some

farmers started cultivating chillies, tomatoes and cauliflower for family consumption. 14 Compost pits

were also been prepared. Farmers also started demanding for drip irrigation units. Being trained

people developed seedlings of minor millets which were transplanted in the fields. Cultivation of

leguminous crops was also done to retain soil fertility and supplementing nutritional elements to the

human diet. People also became interested to purchase Sirohi breed by selling their indigenous

breeds.

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Development of Herbal gardens

Herbal gardens were the demonstration gardens developed to aware and conserve the herbal plants

species used since traditions. 50 herbal gardens of 0.25 Hectares were developed in the private farm

lands of the selected beneficiaries. The species were selected in consultation with gunis of the region.

There were 2,500 plants saplings provided to the beneficiaries. The species planted were

Pattherchatta (Bryophyllum pinnatum), Patta Ajwain (Trachyspermum spp.), Kalmegh (Andrograhis

panicultata), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Tulsi (Ocimum spp.), Kari patta (Murraya koenigii),

Haldi (Curcuma longa), Adrak (Zingiber officinale), Guarpattha (Aloe vera), Shatavari (Asparagus

racemosus), Neem giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), Nami, Naagdaman (Pedilanthus tithymaloides),

Katumbou, Gudhal (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis), Peepali (Piper longum), Tamra patra (Argelia nervosa),

Adathoda (Justicia adathoda). Tree species consisted of Amla (Phyllanthus emblica), Amrood

(Psidium guajava), Mango, Jamun (Syzygium cumini), Kat Karanja, Shajana (Moringa oleifera), Kala

siris (Albizia odoratissima), and Amaltas (Cassia fistula).

Gunis started using the herbal plants species in curing the diseases of patients. Herbal plants garden

became a resource of natural medicines to cure common and chronic diseases. Patients suffering

from common cold, cough, bronchitis, constipation, chronic fevers, renal stones and common wounds

are treated through the medicines prepared from the herbal plants.

Propagation of ajwain, kalmegh, adathoda, guar pattha, and shatavari and distribution of their

propagules to other farmers showed that the activity replicated to revive the traditional healing

systems. Also the skills of farmers improved to cultivate herbal plants belonging to semi-arid and arid

agro climatic zone. During the village meetings it was observed that more people showed their

interest to develop herbal gardens.

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Collection and Plantation of Minor Millets

To conserve the germ plasm of vegetation found in the region the organisation along with the

community created a germ plasm bank. The germ plasm bank is a collection of indigenous seeds of

vegetables and minor millets which showcase floral biodiversity important to human beings. There

were 18 types of seeds of plants species collected to start the bank. The seeds were also collected in

large amount to be distributed among 75 beneficiaries. Farmers also developed seedlings of Bhindi,

karela, Green chilli, Safed urad and Maal. The demonstration units of these plants promoted

nutritional values of these plants. In this way, the traditional practices of planting minor millets which

were being lost during the time gained importance.

The local germ plasm bank consists of seeds of Bitter gourd, Ladies finger, Pigeon pea, Kangani,

Sees Banis, Cheena, Jwar, Sesame, Kaali Kuri, Tomato, Bottle gourd, Safed Kuri, Moong, Ram Til,

Maal, and Beans.

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Awareness Camps

Awareness camps were the simultaneous activities carried out with capacity building of community

and documentation of floral species. The activity encompassed spreading awareness of floral species

which were under extinction and role of people in their conservation. 15 awareness camps were done

in the respective project villages. The awareness was spread through wall writings, students rally, and

cultural events.

Students’ rallies were taken out in Ghagri, Pavti, and Dhai kheda villages. 25 messages focusing on

protection of trees, plants, and fodder were developed and painted on the walls of houses. The

message played their role in sensitizing the masses. People planted fruiting and medicinally important

trees in their farm yards. The best practices followed were building tree guards. Community added

more species of herbal plants to their farms. Preparation of herbal medicines also boosted as new

species been planted in the houses.

Posters on practicing organic farming and livestock management were provided to the beneficiaries.

The messages promoted the benefits of organic farming over inorganic farming practices and best

animal husbandry practices. As the result of spreading awareness community people carried on

organic farming by growing indigenous species of crops. Also women practiced shed management

where fresh water and green fodder were given prime importance.

A Fair to promote the conservation and uses of Minor Millets was also organised at Dhai Khera

village. In the fair indigenous species of seeds representing the germ plasm of the region were put for

selling purpose. Farmers from the area purchased the seeds of Maal, Kangani, Karela, Tourie,

Cheena, Jwar and Til. The activity was to aware the farmers of the conservation of germ plasm.

Seeds purchased by the farmers showed that they were interested to conserve the seeds by growing

minor millets.

Students took out a rally on the conservation of plants and animals found in the region. During the

rally conservation messages were painted by the students on the walls of their houses. They also

learnt about the importance of plants in the ecosystem and their economic importance. The rally

educated the students to know better of their environment and its conservation. The exercise will help

develop an understanding on the conservation of plants and animals throughout their life.

A Rural Folk Theatre was organised to promote the environmental conservation messages in the local

dialect. The folk theatre was the organisation of folk artists who performed skits on the natural

resource management, child mirage, and access to government schemes.

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Documentation, Publication and IEC Materials

IEC material plays an important role in awareness generation. 3 posters were developed to inform

and educate the community on organic farming, livestock management along communicating the role

of minor millets.

The poster on organic farming illustrate the role of organic farming for long term sustainability of the

crops and soil. Organic soil is conducive for the natural nutrients and microorganisms present in the

soil. Organic soil maintains the balance of the nutrients which sustains the dual and mixed cropping.

Crops grown in the organic soil have no adverse effect on the health of human beings and animals.

On the other hand soil treated with chemicals destroys important microbes and reduces the crop

holding capacity. Chemicals used to enhance the fertility of the soil also reduces the natural

productivity of the soil. Therefore, organic soil is the best suited soil for the vegetation.

Poster on livestock management illustrate shed and feed management and scheduled vaccination of

the livestock. Poster on minor millet described the role of Bajra, Jao, Maal, Kangani, Maize, Cheena

and Ragi in invigorating heath as they consists of essential amino acids necessary to maintain the

regular metabolism.

As the posters were provided to the beneficiaries they followed them and practiced feed management

for cows and goats. According to the beneficiaries their goats gained weight by 4 kg as they were fed

with green fodder and their milk production also increased by 1 litre. Farmers carried on organic

farming practices while growing cash crops, millets and vegetables. The productivity of soil used since

long was not changed as no chemicals being added to it. Beneficiaries also grew millets like Maal and

Safed Urad which showed that they will revive the traditional practices along with the set of scientific

knowledge of improving human and animal health thus, supplementing the biodiversity.

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Achievements

The project was been able to introduce the set of best traditional practices by introducing the lost folk

lore. People showed their interest in acquiring traditional healing practices, plantation of minor millets,

practicing organic farming, preserving propagules of herbs and medicinally important trees.

Seed bank of germ plasm of 18 species formed to showcase TK and its economic importance.

Trainings were successful in imparting skills to the farmers and gunis in cultivating minor millets and

herbal plants along with translating the traditional knowledge in healing practices.

IEC material developed by the organisation was utilized for planning organic agriculture. Indigenous

methods used to cultivate the crops also revived with the production of local food grains. Floor

management to protect the livestock from pests taken into practice. Milk production of livestock

increased as green fodder and clean water practices were being followed.

More patients were cured by the gunis as they had been provided with plants saplings to be cultivated

in their farm land.

Results showed that minor millets like Kuri stated given production. 4 kilogram of grain was harvested

with the input of 200gm of seeds.

Farmers were benefited by the seeds purchased from the seed bank maintained by the organisation.

Farmers harvested 1.5kg Mall millet by sowing 50gm seeds.

Influenced by the seed collection practice women groups developed a new seed bank with the seeds

stored in a new earthen pot.

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Lessons Learnt

To document any TK related aspects it becomes important to maintain the database of existing

biodiversity and practices related to manage it. The biodiversity of the any place is a subset of

biocultural diversity practices of the region. Therefore, it is also necessary to document the good

management practices related to all the forms of biodiversity.

Community people are the one of the important primary data sources to extract the information

related to any place.

It is very much important to document and disseminate the TK as the practices followed since

traditions are vital to sustain the ecosystem.

Dissemination of biodiversity related data in the form of information must be effective to communicate

heterogeneous masses so that people can recognize the application of biodiversity in their day to day

life.

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Way Forward

As farmers are cultivating minor millets and herbal plants in an effort to revive the practices related to

traditional knowledge the business plans to address backward and forward market linkages need to

be prepared. The business plans will help farmers to plan for the investment and incomes generated

by selling minor millets.

Innovation in the sector of processing the minor millets and other products manufactured from the

plants are to be seen as an important sources of income.

Village level Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) are to be formed to manage the floral and

faunal biodiversity. The BMCs will take important decisions related to field practices, and conservation

of natural resources indigenous to the region. Documentation for the CKRs will be also be the

responsibility of the BMCs.

BMCs will directly work in coordination with Gram Sabhas to ensure the rights of forest dwellers

coming under the PESA 1996.

Gunis will develop the herbal vatika (gardens) at their respective farm lands. 2 herbal plants nurseries

required to be developed in each village which will emerge as supplying centres for the plants. A guni

mandal (group) is to be formed which will act as an advocacy forum and impart healing skills to the

emerging gunis of the region.

Local Seed Banks are to be developed by each village. Seeds Banks will be a range of collection of

millets, pulses, vegetables, herbal plants, trees, and cash crops and other propagules. The banks in

this way will help community fetch the valuable propagules to be developed.

CKRs are to be converted in a complete set of biodiversity management practices which can be

utilized by the Village Panchayats, State Forest Department, State Biodiversity Board and National

Biodiversity Board as a reference material to prepare their plans in the support of tribal dominant

area.

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