Relearning Environment and Ecology Management from Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge

Relearning Relearning Environmental & Environmental & Ecology Management Ecology Management from Indigenous & from Indigenous & Traditional Knowledge Traditional Knowledge SystemsSystems Dr Vijayaraghavan M ChariarDr Vijayaraghavan M Chariar

Centre for Rural Development and TechnologyCentre for Rural Development and TechnologyIIT, Hauz Khas, New Delhi-110016IIT, Hauz Khas, New Delhi-110016

Email : Email : [email protected]

http://web.iitd.ac.in/~chariarv

https://in.linkedin.com/in/chariarv

mailto:[email protected]

http://web.iitd.ac.in/~chariarv


Definitions of some key Definitions of some key terms terms

• Sustainability• Holism• Reductionism• Monoculture• Biodiversity• Traditional Knowledge

SUSTAINABILITYSUSTAINABILITYSustainability is a systemic concept, relating to the continuity of economic, social, institutional and environmental aspects of human society, as well as the non-human environment.

Sustainability affects every level of organization, from the local neighborhood to the entire planet.

SUSTAINABILITY (contd)SUSTAINABILITY (contd)It is intended to be a means of configuring civilization and human activity so that society, its members and its economies are able to meet their needs and express their greatest potential in the present, while preserving biodiversity and natural ecosystems, and planning and acting for the ability to maintain these ideals in a very long term.

Sustainability definition as a ratioSustainability definition as a ratio

• The numerator is called "emergy" and is spelled with an "m". It is an abbreviation of the term, "embodied energy", i.e. "embodied energy". The numerator is not "energy yield ratio" which is different. The Emergy Yield Ratio is the ratio of the ratio between the total amount of Renewable Emergies (R), Slowly Accumulating Renewable Emergies (SR) and Non Renewable Emergies (N), compared to the Non Renewable Emergy (N), according to the formula

• The Environmental Loading Factor is the ratio between the total Slowly Accumulating Renwable Emergy (SR) and the Non Renewable Emergy (N), compared to the Renewable Emergy, according to the following formula

R, SR and N are in units of 1022 EmJoules Ref : From Table 3. 'Global Energy Indices' in Brown and Ulgiati 1999,

p.23

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emergy



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Embodied_energy

HolismHolism• Holism (from holos, a Greek word meaning

all, entire, total) is the idea that all the properties of a given system (biological, chemical, social, economic, mental, linguistic, etc.) cannot be determined or explained by the sum of its component parts alone. Instead, the system as a whole determines in an important way how the parts behave.

• The general principle of holism was concisely summarized by Aristotle in the Metaphysics: "The whole is more than the sum of its parts".

ReductionismReductionismReductionism is seen as the opposite of holism. Reductionism in science says that a complex system can be explained by reduction to its fundamental parts.

Essentially, chemistry is reducible to physics, biology is reducible to chemistry and physics, and psychology and sociology are reducible to biology, etc.

Reductionist approachReductionist approach• Reductionist approach : Isolate the

problem, optimize parameters, achieve a sort of simplicity at the cost of overall complexity.

• In the modern context, greater the sophistication, more redundant is the human being and his/her skill or judgement.

Reductionist ApproachReductionist ApproachReductionist Science has redefined the rational to mean only its own method, excluding all else.

One is free (and often encouraged) to reject the statements of religion or art but he/she who refuses to accept the basic scientific worldview runs the risk of being labelled ignorant, insane, or irrational.

Reductionist Approach Reductionist Approach (contd)(contd)

Reductionist Industrial processes are almost always at variance with life processes and with natural events.

The fragmented nature of applied knowledge produces a reaction/response in the concept of the technological fix.

This is no solution. It is postponement, for one becomes involved in an absurd merry-go-round of circular production of problems.

BiodiversityBiodiversityBiodiversity has no single standard definition. The most straightforward definition is "variation of life at all levels of biological organisation“ [Kevin].

Another definition holds that biodiversity is a measure of the relative diversity among organisms present in different ecosystems. "Diversity" in this definition includes diversity within a species and among species, and comparative diversity among ecosystems.Kevin J. Gaston & John I. Spicer. 2004. "Biodiversity: an introduction", Blackwell Publishing. 2nd Ed., ,

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2004

Levels of DiversityLevels of Diversity• Traditionally, three levels at which biodiversity has

been identified:

genetic diversity - diversity of genes within a species. There is a genetic variability among the populations and the individuals of the same species species diversity - diversity among species ecosystem diversity - diversity at a higher level of organization, the ecosystem (richness in the different processes to which the genes ultimately contribute)

• This definition, which conforms to the traditional five organization layers in biology, provides additional justification for multilevel approaches.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:IMG013biglittledogFX_wb.jpg

MonoculturesMonoculturesMonoculture describes systems that have very low diversity. The term is applied in several fields.

In agriculture, "monoculture" describes the practice of relying on a very small number of genetic variants, or cultivars of a food crop for commercial agriculture.

Modern agriculture relies on standardization on a single cultivar so that the technology for tilling, planting, pest control, and harvesting, can be used over large geographical areas to obtain an economy of scale.

Major Major Environmental Environmental

Problems Problems (Opportunities ?(Opportunities ?

?)?)

•Global climate change•Stratospheric ozone depletion•Urban air pollution•Acid deposition•Outdoor pollutants•Indoor pollutants•Noise

•Overgrazing•Farmland loss and degradation•Wetlands loss and degradation•Over fishing•Coastal pollution•Soil erosion•Soil salinization•Water shortages•Groundwater depletion•Loss of biodiversity

•Sediment•Nutrient overload•Toxic chemicals•Infectious agents•Oxygen depletion•Pesticides•Oil spills•Excess heat•Water Scarcity

•Childhood diseases•Cancer•Asthma•Immune system deficiencies•Reproductive system problems•Endocrine system disruptions

*Habitat destruction

*Habitat degradation

*Extinction

•Solid waste•Liquid waste•Hazardous waste

Biodiversity Depletion

Air PollutionFood Supply

Problem

Water Scarcity & pollution

Human Health

Waste Production

IncreasinIncreasing Natural g Natural Resource Resource DepletioDepletio

nn

Increasing Increasing DeforestationDeforestation

UnsustainabUnsustainablele

DevelopmenDevelopmentt

Last 140 years

Projected change in mean surface temperature (by 2050)

due to Global Warming

Climate Change Impacts – potentials & possibilities

AgricultureCrop YieldsIrrigation Demand

Coastal AreasErosion of BeachesInundation of Coastal WetlandsAdditional Costs to ProtectCoastal Communities

Species and Natural AreasSpecies and Natural AreasLoss of Habitat and SpeciesLoss of Habitat and Species

HealthAir Quality - Respiratory IllnessWeather-related MortalityInfectious and Tropical Diseases

Climate Changes Manifest in

3. Sea Level Rise

1. Temperature Increase

2. Precipitation Patterns and Extremes

ForestsForestsForest CompositionGeographic Range of Forests, Health and Productivity

Water ResourcesWater SupplyWater QualityCompetition for Water

Source: Anne Grambsch, 1998

In 2100 half of the world population will be under water stress

Western and northern Europe: Increase in heavy precipitations and floods; less frequent cold winters

Southern Europe: Less precipitations; increased desertification; forest fires; warm summers more frequent;

Subtropical zones: Less precipitations; increased desertification

Climate change impacts Climate change impacts Third IPCC Assessment ReportThird IPCC Assessment Report

Tropical zones: Increased health risks

High latitudes: permafrost decrease

Coastal zones: coastal erosion; storm surges; salt water intrusions

• Cost of global warming in 2050: 300 billion Euros/Dollars per year (Munich Re)

Climate change impact Climate change impact Third IPCC assessment reportThird IPCC assessment report

SILENT SPRINGSILENT SPRING

““Considering the accumulated knowledge Considering the accumulated knowledge linking chemical and radioactive linking chemical and radioactive contamination of the environment with contamination of the environment with increasing breast cancer rates means we increasing breast cancer rates means we must focus our energies and efforts on must focus our energies and efforts on prevention” – Rachel Carsonprevention” – Rachel CarsonEarly were the eloquent words and pleas for Early were the eloquent words and pleas for prevention from Rachel Carson. Her book, prevention from Rachel Carson. Her book, SilentSilent SpringSpring, originally published in 1962, while she herself , originally published in 1962, while she herself was suffering from breast cancer, is still a bestseller. was suffering from breast cancer, is still a bestseller.

SILENT SPRING (contd)SILENT SPRING (contd)

Ms. Carson documented wholesale killing of Ms. Carson documented wholesale killing of species; animals, birds, fish, insects; the species; animals, birds, fish, insects; the destruction of food and shelter for wild destruction of food and shelter for wild creatures; failure of reproduction; damage to creatures; failure of reproduction; damage to the nervous system; tumors in wild animals; the nervous system; tumors in wild animals; increasing rates of leukemia in children; and increasing rates of leukemia in children; and chronicled the pesticides and chemicals known chronicled the pesticides and chemicals known at that time to cause cancer. at that time to cause cancer. This was over This was over 4040 yearsyears ago! ago!

Environmental Contamination & CancerEnvironmental Contamination & CancerOne successor to Ms. Carson has emerged in the person of One successor to Ms. Carson has emerged in the person of Sandra Steingraber, an ecologist, poet, and scientist. In her Sandra Steingraber, an ecologist, poet, and scientist. In her book, book, LivingLiving DownstreamDownstream, she writes eloquently of the , she writes eloquently of the connections between environmental contamination and connections between environmental contamination and cancer. Dr. Steingraber was diagnosed with bladder cancer at cancer. Dr. Steingraber was diagnosed with bladder cancer at age 20, a highly unusual diagnosis in a woman, a young age 20, a highly unusual diagnosis in a woman, a young woman, a nonsmoker and nondrinker. She pursued the woman, a nonsmoker and nondrinker. She pursued the question, why? She realized a connection with our wild question, why? She realized a connection with our wild relations and she asks:relations and she asks:Tell me, does the St. Lawrence beluga drink too Tell me, does the St. Lawrence beluga drink too much alcohol and does the St. Lawrence beluga much alcohol and does the St. Lawrence beluga smoke too much and does the St. Lawrence smoke too much and does the St. Lawrence beluga have a bad diet . . . is that why the beluga beluga have a bad diet . . . is that why the beluga whales are ill? . . . Do you think you are somehow whales are ill? . . . Do you think you are somehow immune and that it is only the beluga whale that immune and that it is only the beluga whale that is being affected?is being affected?

CRISIS OF MODERN TECHNO-CRISIS OF MODERN TECHNO-ECONOMICS / CIVILIZATIONECONOMICS / CIVILIZATION

In the last two decades of the 20In the last two decades of the 20thth century, there has been a century, there has been a

worldwide crisisworldwide crisis in the areas of in the areas of Health and livelihoodHealth and livelihood

Quality of environmentQuality of environmentSocial RelationshipsSocial Relationships

Economy, Technology and PoliticsEconomy, Technology and Politics

CRISIS OF MODERN TECHNO-CRISIS OF MODERN TECHNO-ECONOMICS / CIVILIZATION ECONOMICS / CIVILIZATION

(contd)(contd)Manifestations of the crisis are Manifestations of the crisis are

Acid rainAcid rain HEALTH-CARE CRISISHEALTH-CARE CRISISGlobal WarmingGlobal Warming UNEMPLOYMENTUNEMPLOYMENTEnergy CrisisEnergy Crisis HAZARDOUS CHEMICAL WASTEHAZARDOUS CHEMICAL WASTEInflation Inflation NATURAL RESOURCE DEPLETION Reduction in NATURAL RESOURCE DEPLETION Reduction in diversitydiversity MALDISTRIBUTION OF WEALTH Psychological MALDISTRIBUTION OF WEALTH Psychological Pathologies Pathologies CRIMECRIME

Are these isolated phenomena or are they Are these isolated phenomena or are they inter-related and interdependent in some inter-related and interdependent in some manner? manner?

CRISIS OF MODERN TECHNO-CRISIS OF MODERN TECHNO-ECONOMICS / CIVILIZATION ECONOMICS / CIVILIZATION

(contd)(contd) It is pertinent to realize thatIt is pertinent to realize that the the

dynamics underlying cancer, crime, dynamics underlying cancer, crime, pollution, nuclear power, energy pollution, nuclear power, energy shortage etc is the same. shortage etc is the same.

The problems listed aboveThe problems listed above areare systemic systemic problems, closely related and problems, closely related and interdependent interdependent andand cannot be cannot be addressed by a reductionist worldview / addressed by a reductionist worldview / narrow perception of reality. narrow perception of reality.

Traditional KnowledgeTraditional KnowledgeTraditional knowledge systems refer to the Traditional knowledge systems refer to the unique knowledge, values and technical unique knowledge, values and technical capabilities existing within and developed capabilities existing within and developed around the specific conditions of communities around the specific conditions of communities indigenous to a particular geographic areaindigenous to a particular geographic area..

Traditional Knowledge Systems in has also been called Traditional Knowledge Systems in has also been called Indigenous Knowledge Systems, People’s Knowledge Systems or Indigenous Knowledge Systems, People’s Knowledge Systems or lok vidya lok vidya and vernacular knowledge. In this work, the term TKS and vernacular knowledge. In this work, the term TKS is being used to collectively describe both the shastric is being used to collectively describe both the shastric (classical) traditions as also the (classical) traditions as also the loklok (folk) traditions. For (folk) traditions. For example, example, AyurvedaAyurveda belongs to belongs to Shastric traditionShastric tradition while the while the SiddhaSiddha system of medicine belongs to the system of medicine belongs to the folk traditionfolk tradition..

Knowledge QuestKnowledge Quest While post-Industrial revolution, Knowledge Quest While post-Industrial revolution, Knowledge Quest

has acquired its present institutional character (has acquired its present institutional character (IKS IKS – Institutionalised Knowledge Systems, – Institutionalised Knowledge Systems, symptomatic of the modern Techno-Economic symptomatic of the modern Techno-Economic ParadigmParadigm) , the quest for knowledge, and ) , the quest for knowledge, and developments in science and technology are as old developments in science and technology are as old as the human race. as the human race.

Ancient Universities such as Nalanda, Takshashila Ancient Universities such as Nalanda, Takshashila etc. Worldover, communities possessed precise etc. Worldover, communities possessed precise knowledge of astronomy, agriculture, architecture, knowledge of astronomy, agriculture, architecture, health sciences, irrigation, metallurgy, textiles, etchealth sciences, irrigation, metallurgy, textiles, etc..

Are there qualitative differences between the Are there qualitative differences between the knowledge quest of TKS and IKS? In particular over knowledge quest of TKS and IKS? In particular over the last two hundred years?the last two hundred years?

Contrast between TKS and Contrast between TKS and Reductionist Techno-EconomicsReductionist Techno-Economics

Modern science has a reductionist approach. It Modern science has a reductionist approach. It isolates the problem, optimizes parameters, isolates the problem, optimizes parameters, achieves a sort of simplicity at the cost of achieves a sort of simplicity at the cost of overall complexity. overall complexity.

In the modern context, greater the In the modern context, greater the sophistication, more redundant is the human sophistication, more redundant is the human being and his/her skill or judgement. being and his/her skill or judgement.

Social and Environmental costs are not factored Social and Environmental costs are not factored while computing efficiency / productivity.while computing efficiency / productivity.

Contrast between TKS and Contrast between TKS and Reductionist Techno-EconomicsReductionist Techno-Economics

However, since developments in S & However, since developments in S & T are inevitable, where should the T are inevitable, where should the line be drawn? One possible line be drawn? One possible approach is that the harmony approach is that the harmony should be disturbed minimally (if at should be disturbed minimally (if at all) and if disturbed, re-established all) and if disturbed, re-established in another plane. in another plane.

Are IK / TKS relevant today ? Are IK / TKS relevant today ?

There exist several pre-conceived There exist several pre-conceived notions about Traditional Sciences notions about Traditional Sciences and Technologies or TKS. and Technologies or TKS.

TKS need to be studied & TKS need to be studied & understood in our own terms and understood in our own terms and in relation to our society, our in relation to our society, our history and our needs.history and our needs.

SALIENT ASPECTS OF SALIENT ASPECTS OF TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE

SYSTEMS OF INDIASYSTEMS OF INDIATraditional Knowledge Systems or Traditional Knowledge Systems or

LokavidyasLokavidyas often include not only the often include not only the innumerable technological skills innumerable technological skills

(agriculture, irrigation techniques, (agriculture, irrigation techniques, smelting, pottery, woodwork, sculpture, smelting, pottery, woodwork, sculpture,

leatherwork, weaving, dyeing, etc.) leatherwork, weaving, dyeing, etc.) people use in their daily life, but also people use in their daily life, but also

ideas about ecological relations, and the ideas about ecological relations, and the social impacts of their activities.social impacts of their activities. All these are contained within a All these are contained within a

framework which holds them together framework which holds them together without internal contradictions. without internal contradictions.

SALIENT ASPECTS OF SALIENT ASPECTS OF TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMS OF INDIA (contd)SYSTEMS OF INDIA (contd)

Traditional Technologies are invented and Traditional Technologies are invented and tested in the field, where all tested in the field, where all

environmental and social interactions, in environmental and social interactions, in particular its effect on other life-forms particular its effect on other life-forms

known and unknown are allowed to play known and unknown are allowed to play their part. their part.

This makes such knowledge holistic and This makes such knowledge holistic and avoids the errors and pitfalls when avoids the errors and pitfalls when

technologies are applied on the basis of technologies are applied on the basis of incomplete or inadequate theories.incomplete or inadequate theories.

These have also been referred to as These have also been referred to as Indigenous Knowledge, Vernacular Indigenous Knowledge, Vernacular

Knowledge etc. Knowledge etc.

SOME ASPECTS OF SOME ASPECTS OF TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE

SYSTEMS (contd)SYSTEMS (contd)People’s knowledge (People’s knowledge (Lokavidya-sLokavidya-s) which until ) which until

recently were considered irrelevant are now widely recently were considered irrelevant are now widely acknowledged to be acknowledged to be time-tested systemstime-tested systems

providing holistic solutions. Some features are : providing holistic solutions. Some features are : Sustainable and Ecologically soundSustainable and Ecologically sound

Energy efficientEnergy efficientUse of local natural & knowledge resourcesUse of local natural & knowledge resources

Small to medium in scaleSmall to medium in scaleProvide employment to large sectionsProvide employment to large sections


SYSTEMS (contd)SYSTEMS (contd) All problems, situated in a context, linked in All problems, situated in a context, linked in

diverse ways to the rest of the world. diverse ways to the rest of the world. Solutions are developed in an actual situation Solutions are developed in an actual situation

granted its diverse links to rest of reality. granted its diverse links to rest of reality. There is There is no fragmentation of approachno fragmentation of approach. . We will contrast this with reductionist techno-We will contrast this with reductionist techno-

economics in case studies on Textiles, economics in case studies on Textiles, Agriculutre and Water Management …Agriculutre and Water Management …


SYSTEMS (Contd)SYSTEMS (Contd)Peoples’ knowledge systems look at Peoples’ knowledge systems look at the problem in its integrity, seek to the problem in its integrity, seek to

build abilities and skills by build abilities and skills by systematising them (specialisation).systematising them (specialisation).

Agricultural communities (Agricultural communities (Kisan VidyaKisan Vidya))Forest Knowledge (Forest Knowledge (Adivasi VidyaAdivasi Vidya))

Communities providing health services (Communities providing health services (Swasthya Swasthya VidyaVidya))

Women (Women (Stri VidyaStri Vidya))Communities practising Manufacture (Communities practising Manufacture (Karigar VidyaKarigar Vidya))

CONTRAST OF TKS WITH CONTRAST OF TKS WITH MODERN TEPMODERN TEP

Solutions sought at holistic level, so costs Solutions sought at holistic level, so costs cannot be ‘cannot be ‘passed on’passed on’. . Solutions of TKS Solutions of TKS preserve multifacetedness of naturepreserve multifacetedness of nature and and our interactions with it. Guiding thought is to our interactions with it. Guiding thought is to disturb harmony minimally (if at all) and if disturb harmony minimally (if at all) and if disturbed, reestablish in another plane. disturbed, reestablish in another plane. Eg Eg Nadi Pariksha, etc.Nadi Pariksha, etc.

Favourable benefit to cost analysis in IKS / Favourable benefit to cost analysis in IKS / Modern TEP can conceal social and Modern TEP can conceal social and environmental costs. environmental costs. Can we think of any Can we think of any examples ?examples ?

Discussed in an earlier Discussed in an earlier class…class…

Development Indicators such as GDP, Percapita Development Indicators such as GDP, Percapita Income, Poverty figures DO NOT convey Income, Poverty figures DO NOT convey complete / accurate socio-economic-cultural complete / accurate socio-economic-cultural picture of a heterogeneous collective.picture of a heterogeneous collective.

Modernisation is a process where past has a Modernisation is a process where past has a significant role to play. It is not a unidirectional significant role to play. It is not a unidirectional process from past to present to future(process from past to present to future(), Past ), Past (tradition) plays a role much greater than that of (tradition) plays a role much greater than that of a mere reference / standard (a mere reference / standard ().).

Knowledge QuestKnowledge Quest While post-Industrial revolution, Knowledge Quest While post-Industrial revolution, Knowledge Quest

has acquired its present institutional character, the has acquired its present institutional character, the quest for knowledge, and developments in science quest for knowledge, and developments in science and technology are as old as the human race. and technology are as old as the human race. (Ancient Universities of Nalanda, Takshashila etc.)(Ancient Universities of Nalanda, Takshashila etc.)

Are there qualitative differences between the Are there qualitative differences between the knowledge quest of the past and that of the knowledge quest of the past and that of the present? In particular over the last two hundred present? In particular over the last two hundred years?years?

Worldover, communities possessed precise Worldover, communities possessed precise knowledge of astronomy, agriculture, architecture, knowledge of astronomy, agriculture, architecture, health sciences, irrigation, metallurgy, textiles, etc.health sciences, irrigation, metallurgy, textiles, etc.


SYSTEMS OF INDIASYSTEMS OF INDIA

Traditional Knowledge Systems or Traditional Knowledge Systems or Lokavidyas often include not only the Lokavidyas often include not only the

innumerable technological skills innumerable technological skills (weaving, dyeing, smelting, woodwork, (weaving, dyeing, smelting, woodwork, pottery, leatherwork, agriculture etc.) pottery, leatherwork, agriculture etc.) people use in their daily life, but also people use in their daily life, but also

ideas about ecological relations, and the ideas about ecological relations, and the social impacts of their activities. All these social impacts of their activities. All these are contained within a framework which are contained within a framework which

holds them together without internal holds them together without internal contradictions. contradictions.


SYSTEMS OF INDIASYSTEMS OF INDIA

Traditional Technologies are invented and Traditional Technologies are invented and tested in the field, where all tested in the field, where all

environmental and social interactions, environmental and social interactions, in particular its effect on other life-in particular its effect on other life-

forms known and unknown are allowed forms known and unknown are allowed to play their part. This makes such to play their part. This makes such

knowledge holistic and avoids the errors knowledge holistic and avoids the errors and pitfalls when technologies are and pitfalls when technologies are

applied on the basis of incomplete or applied on the basis of incomplete or inadequate theories.inadequate theories.


SYSTEMS (contd)SYSTEMS (contd)People’s knowledge (People’s knowledge (Lokavidya-sLokavidya-s) which until recently were ) which until recently were

considered irrelevant are now widely acknowledged to be considered irrelevant are now widely acknowledged to be time-time-tested systemstested systems providing holistic solutions. Some features providing holistic solutions. Some features

are : are : Sustainable and Ecologically soundSustainable and Ecologically sound

Energy efficient, use of local natural and knowledge Energy efficient, use of local natural and knowledge resourcesresources

Small to medium in scaleSmall to medium in scaleProvide employment to large sectionsProvide employment to large sections

All problems, situated in a context, linked in diverse ways to the All problems, situated in a context, linked in diverse ways to the rest of the world. rest of the world.

Solutions are developed in an actual situation granted its diverse Solutions are developed in an actual situation granted its diverse links to rest of reality. There is links to rest of reality. There is no fragmentation of approachno fragmentation of approach..

SALIENT ASPECTS OF TRADITIONAL SALIENT ASPECTS OF TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMS (Contd)KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMS (Contd)

Peoples’ knowledge systems look at the problem in Peoples’ knowledge systems look at the problem in its integrity, seek to build abilities and skills by its integrity, seek to build abilities and skills by systematising them. systematising them.

Agricultural communities (Agricultural communities (Kisan VidyaKisan Vidya))Forest Knowledge (Forest Knowledge (Adivasi VidyaAdivasi Vidya))

Communities providing health services (Communities providing health services (Swasthya Swasthya VidyaVidya))

Women (Women (Stri VidyaStri Vidya))Communities practising Manufacture (Communities practising Manufacture (Karigar Karigar

VidyaVidya))

SALIENT ASPECTS OF TRADITIONAL SALIENT ASPECTS OF TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMS (Contd)KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMS (Contd)

Traditional solutions call for a Traditional solutions call for a dynamic interaction dynamic interaction between ‘theory’ and ‘user’between ‘theory’ and ‘user’. These involve . These involve development of very high skill on part of the user and development of very high skill on part of the user and great sophistication at the level of theory or device. great sophistication at the level of theory or device. Solutions sought at holistic level, so costs cannot be Solutions sought at holistic level, so costs cannot be ‘passed on’. Eg Nadi Pariksha, etc. ‘passed on’. Eg Nadi Pariksha, etc.

SolutionsSolutions preserve multifacetedness of nature preserve multifacetedness of nature and our interactions with it. Guiding thought is to and our interactions with it. Guiding thought is to disturb harmony minimally (if at all) and if disturbed, disturb harmony minimally (if at all) and if disturbed, reestablish in another plane.reestablish in another plane.

ARE TRADITIONAL TECHNOLOGIESARE TRADITIONAL TECHNOLOGIESsimple, crude, primitive, simple, crude, primitive,

unrefined unrefined ??““Our experience, justifies us in believing that nature is Our experience, justifies us in believing that nature is

the realization of the simplest conceivable the realization of the simplest conceivable mathematical ideas” – Albert Einsteinmathematical ideas” – Albert Einstein

Often adjectives such as modern latest and Often adjectives such as modern latest and computerized are used to associate progress in computerized are used to associate progress in Sciences and Technologies. Conversely adjectives Sciences and Technologies. Conversely adjectives such as simple, crude, primitive, unrefined are used such as simple, crude, primitive, unrefined are used to refer to indigenous technologies. to refer to indigenous technologies.

ARE TRADITIONAL TECHNOLOGIESARE TRADITIONAL TECHNOLOGIESsimple, crude, primitive, simple, crude, primitive,

unrefined unrefined ??(contd)(contd)

The business of progress seems to be all about The business of progress seems to be all about replacing ‘simplicity’ with ‘sophistication’ or replacing ‘simplicity’ with ‘sophistication’ or ‘primitive’ with the ‘latest’. Words such as ‘primitive’ with the ‘latest’. Words such as modernization, computerization are considered to modernization, computerization are considered to be synonymous with ‘progress’ and above and be synonymous with ‘progress’ and above and beyond cultural and civilizational contexts.beyond cultural and civilizational contexts.

Simplicity, in fact depends on numerous factors Simplicity, in fact depends on numerous factors such as period of time, one’s point of view and such as period of time, one’s point of view and the level of approach. It is most often not an the level of approach. It is most often not an objective quality and depends on extra-scientific objective quality and depends on extra-scientific factors. factors.

CRISIS OF MODERN SCIENCE / CIVILIZATION CRISIS OF MODERN SCIENCE / CIVILIZATION (contd)(contd)

Acid rain, CRISIS IN HEALTH-CARE, Global Acid rain, CRISIS IN HEALTH-CARE, Global Warming, UNEMPLOYMENT, Energy Crisis, Warming, UNEMPLOYMENT, Energy Crisis, PSYCHOLOGICAL , SOCIAL PATHOLOGIES, PSYCHOLOGICAL , SOCIAL PATHOLOGIES, hazardous chemical waste, INFLATION, depletion hazardous chemical waste, INFLATION, depletion of natural resources, MALDISTRIBUTION OF of natural resources, MALDISTRIBUTION OF WEALTH, reduction in diversity. WEALTH, reduction in diversity.

It is pertinent to realize thatIt is pertinent to realize that the dynamics underlying the dynamics underlying cancer, crime, pollution, nuclear power, energy cancer, crime, pollution, nuclear power, energy shortage etc is the same. shortage etc is the same. The problems listed aboveThe problems listed above areare systemic problems, closely related and systemic problems, closely related and interdependent interdependent andand cannot be addressed by a cannot be addressed by a reductionist worldview / narrow perception of reality. reductionist worldview / narrow perception of reality.

TKS and Modern ScienceTKS and Modern Science

Modern science has a reductionist approach. It isolates the problem, Modern science has a reductionist approach. It isolates the problem, optimizes parameters, achieves a sort of simplicity at the cost of optimizes parameters, achieves a sort of simplicity at the cost of overall complexity. In the modern context, greater the sophistication, overall complexity. In the modern context, greater the sophistication, more redundant is the human being and his/her skill or judgement. more redundant is the human being and his/her skill or judgement. Social and Environmental costs are not factored while computing Social and Environmental costs are not factored while computing efficiency.efficiency.

Developments in S & T are inevitable. Where should the line be Developments in S & T are inevitable. Where should the line be drawn? One possible approach is that the harmony should be drawn? One possible approach is that the harmony should be disturbed minimally (if at all) and if disturbed, re-established in disturbed minimally (if at all) and if disturbed, re-established in another plane. another plane.

There exist several pre-conceived notions about Traditional Sciences There exist several pre-conceived notions about Traditional Sciences and Technologies or TKS. TKS need to be studied & understood in and Technologies or TKS. TKS need to be studied & understood in our own terms and in relation to our society, our history and our our own terms and in relation to our society, our history and our needs.needs.

Coverage AheadCoverage Ahead Glimpses ofGlimpses of

Indian Agriculture in 18Indian Agriculture in 18thth Century CenturyTextile Sector Textile Sector Indian Iron & Steel in 18Indian Iron & Steel in 18thth Century Century (another (another

presentation)presentation)

Analysis of Analysis of Indian Agriculture (post Green revolution)Indian Agriculture (post Green revolution)Artisanal Sector in IndiaArtisanal Sector in India

Linkages between phenomenaLinkages between phenomenaTextile Sector in IndiaTextile Sector in India

Cotton is grown on 5% of the cropped area in India, Cotton is grown on 5% of the cropped area in India, but accounts for over 55% of the pesticides used in but accounts for over 55% of the pesticides used in agriculture. The magnitude of this environmental agriculture. The magnitude of this environmental problem can be assessed from the fact that India has problem can be assessed from the fact that India has the largest cotton acreage in the world (27%), and the largest cotton acreage in the world (27%), and ranks third in the world in production (accounting for ranks third in the world in production (accounting for 14% of it). 14% of it). Are pesticides applied to the cotton crop alone?Are pesticides applied to the cotton crop alone?

Could there possibly be linkages between the use of Could there possibly be linkages between the use of toxic pesticides in agriculture and the increasing toxic pesticides in agriculture and the increasing incidence of cancer worldwide?incidence of cancer worldwide?

Suicides among Vidarbha farmers risingSuicides among Vidarbha farmers rising Yogesh Pawar, NDTV Yogesh Pawar, NDTV

Sunday, November 20, 2005 Sunday, November 20, 2005 (Dadham village, Amravati):(Dadham village, Amravati):

Caught in a vicious spiral of debt and poverty, Caught in a vicious spiral of debt and poverty, farmers in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra farmers in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra are left with no option but to commit suicide.are left with no option but to commit suicide.

In Maharahstra's cotton belt of Amravathi, Bhikaji Nathuji Gotmare's son In Maharahstra's cotton belt of Amravathi, Bhikaji Nathuji Gotmare's son Deepak, a farmer, killed himself two months ago. Deepak like hundreds of Deepak, a farmer, killed himself two months ago. Deepak like hundreds of farmers in this part of India committed suicide because of crop failure and rising farmers in this part of India committed suicide because of crop failure and rising debt. The crop failed because of drought last year and floods this year and an debt. The crop failed because of drought last year and floods this year and an attack of a cotton virus.attack of a cotton virus.

In 2001, there was one suicide every 10 days. By 2004, there was one suicide In 2001, there was one suicide every 10 days. By 2004, there was one suicide everyday. This year the rate of suicides have risen to two everyday.everyday. This year the rate of suicides have risen to two everyday.

Linkages between phenomenaLinkages between phenomena

Could there possibly be linkages between Could there possibly be linkages between increasing mechanization, computerisation and increasing mechanization, computerisation and rising unemployment ?rising unemployment ?

Is this one of the many reasons why France has Is this one of the many reasons why France has been burning for the last two weeks? been burning for the last two weeks?

Could this be true for both the developed world Could this be true for both the developed world and the developing world? and the developing world?


Could there be linkages between disposal of Could there be linkages between disposal of sewage and other waste in water and the sewage and other waste in water and the explosion in cases of water-borne diseases?explosion in cases of water-borne diseases?

The cheapest method of waste disposal in the The cheapest method of waste disposal in the cities is the nearest water channel / waterbody / cities is the nearest water channel / waterbody / river. The consequences for health are river. The consequences for health are mindboggling.mindboggling.

Reductionist approachReductionist approach

Reductionist approach : Isolate the Reductionist approach : Isolate the problem, optimize parameters, achieve a problem, optimize parameters, achieve a sort of simplicity at the cost of overall sort of simplicity at the cost of overall complexity. complexity.

In the modern context, greater the In the modern context, greater the sophistication, more redundant is the sophistication, more redundant is the human being and his/her skill or human being and his/her skill or judgement.judgement.

Reductionist ApproachReductionist Approach

Reductionist Science has redefined the rational to Reductionist Science has redefined the rational to mean only its own method, excluding all else. mean only its own method, excluding all else.

One is free (and often encouraged) to reject the One is free (and often encouraged) to reject the statements of religion or art but he/she who statements of religion or art but he/she who refuses to accept the basic scientific worldview refuses to accept the basic scientific worldview runs the risk of being labelled runs the risk of being labelled ignorant, insane, ignorant, insane, or irrationalor irrational..

Reductionist Approach (contd)Reductionist Approach (contd)

Reductionist Industrial processes are almost Reductionist Industrial processes are almost always at variance with life processes and with always at variance with life processes and with natural events. The fragmented nature of natural events. The fragmented nature of applied knowledge produces a applied knowledge produces a reaction/response in the concept of the reaction/response in the concept of the technological fix. This is no solution. It is technological fix. This is no solution. It is postponement, for one becomes involved in an postponement, for one becomes involved in an absurd merry-go-round of circular production.absurd merry-go-round of circular production.

Case Study of Case Study of Textile Sector in IndiaTextile Sector in India

Suicides among Vidarbha farmers risingSuicides among Vidarbha farmers rising Sunday, November 20, 2005 Sunday, November 20, 2005 (Dadham village, Amravati):(Dadham village, Amravati):

Yogesh Pawar, NDTV Yogesh Pawar, NDTV

Caught in a vicious spiral of debt and poverty, Caught in a vicious spiral of debt and poverty, farmers in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra farmers in the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra are left with no option but to commit suicide.are left with no option but to commit suicide.

In Maharahstra's cotton belt of Amravathi, Bhikaji Nathuji In Maharahstra's cotton belt of Amravathi, Bhikaji Nathuji Gotmare's son Deepak, a farmer, killed himself two months Gotmare's son Deepak, a farmer, killed himself two months ago. ago.

Deepak like hundreds of farmers in this part of India Deepak like hundreds of farmers in this part of India committed suicide because of crop failure and rising debt. committed suicide because of crop failure and rising debt. The crop failed because of drought last year and floods The crop failed because of drought last year and floods this year and an attack of a cotton virus.this year and an attack of a cotton virus.

Suicides among Vidarbha farmers risingSuicides among Vidarbha farmers rising Sunday, November 20, 2005 Sunday, November 20, 2005 (Dadham village, Amravati):(Dadham village, Amravati):

Yogesh Pawar, NDTV Yogesh Pawar, NDTV

In 2001, there was one suicide every In 2001, there was one suicide every 10 days. By 2004, there was one 10 days. By 2004, there was one suicide everyday. This year the rate suicide everyday. This year the rate of suicides have risen to two of suicides have risen to two everydayeveryday..

Is there a way out ?Is there a way out ?

Stats : Textile Sector in IndiaStats : Textile Sector in IndiaStage of Stage of ProductionProduction

Typical Unit of Typical Unit of ProductionProduction

Output Output Value/KgValue/Kg

Production per Production per nnum(Per unit)nnum(Per unit)

Cotton Cotton cultivationcultivation

20 farms of 4-20 farms of 4-5 acres each5 acres each

Rs. 50Rs. 50 30 tons30 tons

Yarn spinningYarn spinning Mill of 25,000 Mill of 25,000 spindlesspindles

Rs. 100Rs. 100 3,000 tons3,000 tons

Yarn Yarn processingprocessing

Dye-house of Dye-house of 200 Kg / day 200 Kg / day capacity (at capacity (at 50% capacity 50% capacity utilizationutilization

Rs 200Rs 200 30 tons30 tons

WeavingWeaving Co-op society Co-op society of 100 active of 100 active handloomshandlooms

Rs. 400Rs. 400 30 tons30 tons

Textile Sector in India (contd)Textile Sector in India (contd)

Cotton production and weaving are both highly Cotton production and weaving are both highly decentraliseddecentralised (of the order of 1 ton p.a. – the (of the order of 1 ton p.a. – the production from a 4-acre farm, or the output from production from a 4-acre farm, or the output from a powerloom or 3 handlooms) and widely a powerloom or 3 handlooms) and widely dispersed. dispersed. On the other hand, the minimum economical size On the other hand, the minimum economical size of a spinning mill is four orders of magnitude of a spinning mill is four orders of magnitude higher (10,000 ton p.a.) and chiefly concentrated higher (10,000 ton p.a.) and chiefly concentrated in Tamil Nadu. in Tamil Nadu.

Textile Sector in India (contd)Textile Sector in India (contd)

Hence, an absurd situation prevails where Hence, an absurd situation prevails where cotton from Punjab is spun in Coimbatore and cotton from Punjab is spun in Coimbatore and the yarn sent for weaving in, say, Bengal. the yarn sent for weaving in, say, Bengal.

Such a structure of the industry would get Such a structure of the industry would get reorganised more rationally through reorganised more rationally through decentralised spinning / micro spinning.decentralised spinning / micro spinning.

Textile Sector: Linkages that Textile Sector: Linkages that need to be understoodneed to be understoodHANDLOOMS REQUIRE HANDLOOMS REQUIRE yarn of diverse qualities yarn of diverse qualities

in small batch sizes in small batch sizes at low costsat low costs

-- a requirement that is difficult to fulfill by present mills.-- a requirement that is difficult to fulfill by present mills. Due to geographic remoteness and scale of yarn Due to geographic remoteness and scale of yarn consumption, capacity of weavers to insist on quality consumption, capacity of weavers to insist on quality and drive-down the price is weak. and drive-down the price is weak.

In extreme cases, yarn is simply unavailable or In extreme cases, yarn is simply unavailable or unaffordably expensive, leading to starvation deaths unaffordably expensive, leading to starvation deaths among weavers.among weavers.

Textile Sector: Linkages that need Textile Sector: Linkages that need to be understood (contd)to be understood (contd)

On the other hand, cotton farmers are constrained to cultivate On the other hand, cotton farmers are constrained to cultivate those varieties of cotton that find a ready market in spinning those varieties of cotton that find a ready market in spinning mills, mills, regardless of local agricultural conditionsregardless of local agricultural conditions. .

Over the years, the spinning industry has tended to 'underspin' Over the years, the spinning industry has tended to 'underspin' cotton (superior varieties are spun to coarser counts) since it cotton (superior varieties are spun to coarser counts) since it is found more economical to do so. is found more economical to do so.

As a result, the farmer is forced to cultivate progressively As a result, the farmer is forced to cultivate progressively 'higher quality' cotton that is more fragile & vulnerable to 'higher quality' cotton that is more fragile & vulnerable to devastation by pests & other factors. This process drives devastation by pests & other factors. This process drives farmers crippled by crop failure to misery & suicide.farmers crippled by crop failure to misery & suicide.

Holistic Technology InterventionHolistic Technology Intervention(circular economy, closed loop, (circular economy, closed loop,

frugal innovation)frugal innovation)

Impact of MicrospinningImpact of Microspinning

The availability of micro spinning as The availability of micro spinning as an alternative to spinning mills will an alternative to spinning mills will enable farmers and weavers to enable farmers and weavers to recreate the historically close link recreate the historically close link between the two, and avoid the between the two, and avoid the travails brought about by the travails brought about by the present organisation of the industry.present organisation of the industry.

Impact of Microspinning (contd)Impact of Microspinning (contd)

Carrying out spinning on a small Carrying out spinning on a small scale will enable small producers scale will enable small producers to achieve end-to-end integration to achieve end-to-end integration of the productive process, of the productive process, relatively immune to wider market relatively immune to wider market fluctuations.fluctuations.

Case Study on Case Study on Indian AgricultureIndian Agriculture


Case Study : Farmer Suicides in Case Study : Farmer Suicides in MaharashtraMaharashtra

Cotton is grown on Cotton is grown on 5% of the cropped area5% of the cropped area in in India, but accounts for over India, but accounts for over 55% of the 55% of the pesticides used in agriculture.pesticides used in agriculture.

The magnitude of this environmental problem The magnitude of this environmental problem can be assessed from the fact that India has the can be assessed from the fact that India has the largest cotton acreage in the world (27%), and largest cotton acreage in the world (27%), and ranks third in the world in production (accounting ranks third in the world in production (accounting for 14% of it).for 14% of it).

ExerciseExercise

Q.Q. Is cotton the only crop for which Is cotton the only crop for which pesticides are applied? pesticides are applied?

Q. What could be the possible implications ? Q. What could be the possible implications ?


Could there possibly be linkages between Could there possibly be linkages between the use of toxic pesticides in agriculture and the use of toxic pesticides in agriculture and the increasing incidence of cancer the increasing incidence of cancer worldwide?worldwide?

Reductionist AgricultureReductionist Agriculture In his essay, 'Chemistry in its application to In his essay, 'Chemistry in its application to

Agriculture and Physiology', (1840) Liebig Agriculture and Physiology', (1840) Liebig proposed that everything that a living plant proposed that everything that a living plant required could be found in the mineral salts required could be found in the mineral salts present in the ash of such a plant after all present in the ash of such a plant after all organic matter had been destroyed. These came organic matter had been destroyed. These came in the form of NPK. If they were fed to the plant, in the form of NPK. If they were fed to the plant, the plant would prosper and yield. Physics and the plant would prosper and yield. Physics and chemistry thus refined on biology, and the plant chemistry thus refined on biology, and the plant became a processing machine.became a processing machine.

Implications of Reductionism in Implications of Reductionism in AgricultureAgriculture

This reductionist methodology produced its own This reductionist methodology produced its own range of problems. The plant became range of problems. The plant became susceptible to attacks from pests and fungal susceptible to attacks from pests and fungal diseases. Neither could it cope with weeds. The diseases. Neither could it cope with weeds. The soil became deficient as nutrients were lost, and soil became deficient as nutrients were lost, and dead as chemical fertilizers eliminated dead as chemical fertilizers eliminated earthworms. earthworms. Liebig's science, guided only by the Liebig's science, guided only by the urge to control, had a single goal: higher output. urge to control, had a single goal: higher output. The quality of the seed, its nutritive value, were The quality of the seed, its nutritive value, were sacrificed.sacrificed.


Between 1946 and 1968, the use of nitrogen Between 1946 and 1968, the use of nitrogen fertilizers in the U.S.A. increased by 534 per fertilizers in the U.S.A. increased by 534 per cent. In 1968 it took 57,000 tons of nitrogen to cent. In 1968 it took 57,000 tons of nitrogen to produce a crop that required a mere 11,000 tons produce a crop that required a mere 11,000 tons in 1949. In Illinois, for example, in 1949, 20,000 in 1949. In Illinois, for example, in 1949, 20,000 tons of nitrogen produced 50 bushels of corn per tons of nitrogen produced 50 bushels of corn per acre: in 1968, it took 600,000 tons of the same acre: in 1968, it took 600,000 tons of the same fertilizer to produce 93 bushels per acre. Further, fertilizer to produce 93 bushels per acre. Further, the application of chemicals also led to a loss in the application of chemicals also led to a loss in soil nitrogen. soil nitrogen.


Therefore, right at this level a conceptual mismatch has Therefore, right at this level a conceptual mismatch has come up. Because of such a conceptual block, even come up. Because of such a conceptual block, even when it is realized that the soil fertility is on the decline when it is realized that the soil fertility is on the decline through repeated application of artificials, no serious through repeated application of artificials, no serious attempt has been made to overcome such a difficulty. attempt has been made to overcome such a difficulty. The usual answer in such a situation was that so long as The usual answer in such a situation was that so long as fossil fuel remained cheap, one could go on increasing fossil fuel remained cheap, one could go on increasing fertilizer production and come out of the difficulty.fertilizer production and come out of the difficulty.

This view leads us to realize that efficiency of modern This view leads us to realize that efficiency of modern agriculture is largely an empty term, as it does not refer agriculture is largely an empty term, as it does not refer to agriculture but to the sector controlling its input. to agriculture but to the sector controlling its input. (Seshadri and Balaji)(Seshadri and Balaji)

Elimination of DiversityElimination of Diversity The single goal of productivity was sought to be attained The single goal of productivity was sought to be attained

by eliminating the 'noise' due to diversity - multicropping, by eliminating the 'noise' due to diversity - multicropping, rotation, soil life, organic material from trees, the nutritive rotation, soil life, organic material from trees, the nutritive quality of the final output, the seed. This 'productive' quality of the final output, the seed. This 'productive' agriculture has now been given the name of scientific agriculture has now been given the name of scientific agriculture. agriculture.

It needs a vast array of poisons to do its work: It needs a vast array of poisons to do its work: pesticides, weedicides and fungicides.pesticides, weedicides and fungicides. It has become a It has become a massive war machine in order to produce food for massive war machine in order to produce food for human life. This war has become increasingly dangerous human life. This war has become increasingly dangerous not only for pests but for human life. And there is no not only for pests but for human life. And there is no evidence that we can either control or eliminate the pests evidence that we can either control or eliminate the pests we have created. we have created.

Traditional Indian AgricultureTraditional Indian Agriculture Can agronomy at any time come to match nature Can agronomy at any time come to match nature

in maintaining seed variability? in maintaining seed variability? Subsistent farmers in the Third World have been Subsistent farmers in the Third World have been

cultivating major food crops for over ten thousand cultivating major food crops for over ten thousand years. By observing natural process of mutation years. By observing natural process of mutation and by careful seed selection over the centuries, and by careful seed selection over the centuries, these farmers have developed an astonishing these farmers have developed an astonishing range of crop variability. range of crop variability. This diversity has been This diversity has been necessary for survival. No one wheat or rice necessary for survival. No one wheat or rice variety can provide adequate protection against variety can provide adequate protection against monsoon failures, pests, rusts or blightsmonsoon failures, pests, rusts or blights. .

Diversity = Ecological ResilienceDiversity = Ecological Resilience Practical farmers welcome a dozen or more varieties of Practical farmers welcome a dozen or more varieties of

wheat to their fields, because come drought, flood or wheat to their fields, because come drought, flood or rust, something will make it to harvest time. Despite rust, something will make it to harvest time. Despite recent impressive advances in genetic engineering, most recent impressive advances in genetic engineering, most agronomists would continue to argue that science cannot agronomists would continue to argue that science cannot begin to match the variability of nature, and that no begin to match the variability of nature, and that no adequate technological replacement exists for the adequate technological replacement exists for the Vavilov Centres. Vavilov Centres.

Even the International Atomic Energy Agency, in its 1971 Even the International Atomic Energy Agency, in its 1971 report, advised that induced germ plasm mutations report, advised that induced germ plasm mutations through radiation is no alternative to the conservation through radiation is no alternative to the conservation and screening of natural germ plasm sources.and screening of natural germ plasm sources.

Diversity = Ecological Resilience Diversity = Ecological Resilience and Minimisation of Riskand Minimisation of Risk

Diversity.Diversity. Diversified farms are usually more Diversified farms are usually more economically and ecologically resilient. economically and ecologically resilient.

While monoculture farming has advantages in terms of While monoculture farming has advantages in terms of efficiency and ease of management, the loss of the crop efficiency and ease of management, the loss of the crop in any one year could put a farm out of business and/or in any one year could put a farm out of business and/or seriously disrupt the stability of a community dependent seriously disrupt the stability of a community dependent on that crop. on that crop.

By growing a variety of crops, farmers spread economic By growing a variety of crops, farmers spread economic risk and are less susceptible to the radical price risk and are less susceptible to the radical price fluctuations associated with changes in supply and fluctuations associated with changes in supply and demand. demand.

Plants and animals can now serve as indicators of the state of the Plants and animals can now serve as indicators of the state of the environment. They are affected by all the pollutants and other factors environment. They are affected by all the pollutants and other factors operating on them and often integrate the effects over large periods, operating on them and often integrate the effects over large periods, unlike instrumental monitors which do only sport sampling.unlike instrumental monitors which do only sport sampling.

A large variety of biota in a given region indicates a healthy A large variety of biota in a given region indicates a healthy

environment. The presence, vigour and abundance of different species, environment. The presence, vigour and abundance of different species, varying in their environmental sensitivities, serve as inexpensive varying in their environmental sensitivities, serve as inexpensive meters of changes in chemical or physical conditions.meters of changes in chemical or physical conditions.

Lichens and several other plants have been used as indicators of Lichens and several other plants have been used as indicators of atmospheric pollution. Earthworms can indicate soil contamination by atmospheric pollution. Earthworms can indicate soil contamination by organochlorines. The global decline in frog and other amphibian organochlorines. The global decline in frog and other amphibian population is a pointer to the critical levels that pollution is reaching.population is a pointer to the critical levels that pollution is reaching.

Genetic resources are renewable in the sense that they, live, die and Genetic resources are renewable in the sense that they, live, die and regenerate, but if all plants of a species are extinguished, the species regenerate, but if all plants of a species are extinguished, the species is lost forever is lost forever

As far as agricultural diversity is concerned, there are several types. As far as agricultural diversity is concerned, there are several types. The large variety of agro ecological zones require in turn a large The large variety of agro ecological zones require in turn a large diversity of crops. In each species of crop, there are a large number diversity of crops. In each species of crop, there are a large number of varieties that have been developed. Within each crop variety, of varieties that have been developed. Within each crop variety, there is multiple diversity in resistance to water and temperature there is multiple diversity in resistance to water and temperature stress, pests and so on.stress, pests and so on.

Within each farmer’s plot, there are dozens of species of “weeds” Within each farmer’s plot, there are dozens of species of “weeds” and other plants, in hedges or in the fields themselves. There are and other plants, in hedges or in the fields themselves. There are innumerable species of microorganisms, insects and other smaller innumerable species of microorganisms, insects and other smaller creatures, and dozens of larger mammals and birds, fishes. There creatures, and dozens of larger mammals and birds, fishes. There are also species external to the field, on “wastelands”, roadsides and are also species external to the field, on “wastelands”, roadsides and in forests, but all connected to that microregion, and affecting its in forests, but all connected to that microregion, and affecting its agriculture. agriculture. Traditional agriculture ensured that habitats were Traditional agriculture ensured that habitats were available for all these creatures.available for all these creatures.

Innumerable varieties of a particular crop type are required by Innumerable varieties of a particular crop type are required by ecological differences on the microregion level. Such varieties of ecological differences on the microregion level. Such varieties of nearly all types of crops have been developed over the centuries by nearly all types of crops have been developed over the centuries by ordinary farmers. ordinary farmers.

Small plots and hand labour enabled farmers to mix Small plots and hand labour enabled farmers to mix several varieties of the same crop or other crops, thus several varieties of the same crop or other crops, thus ensuring security against climate variations, pests and ensuring security against climate variations, pests and other stresses. This also enabled them to get the other stresses. This also enabled them to get the maximum out of the given environmental conditions.maximum out of the given environmental conditions.

Farmers chose crop types or varieties depending on soil Farmers chose crop types or varieties depending on soil depth, water holding capacity, structure, slope and depth, water holding capacity, structure, slope and drainage and by observing their interactions on each other.drainage and by observing their interactions on each other.

Even today, farmers plant crops accdording to their family Even today, farmers plant crops accdording to their family and sommunity needs, not to maximize income (alone). and sommunity needs, not to maximize income (alone).

If there is a difficulty in collecting fuelwood, because the If there is a difficulty in collecting fuelwood, because the women are overworked, the farmer chooses a crop that women are overworked, the farmer chooses a crop that has stalks that could be burned as fuel, like pigeon pea. has stalks that could be burned as fuel, like pigeon pea.

PLANT NUTRIENTSPLANT NUTRIENTS For thousands of years, traditional farmers all over the For thousands of years, traditional farmers all over the

world farmed sustainably, mainly by ensuring that their world farmed sustainably, mainly by ensuring that their practices helped to reduce the loss of nutrients and practices helped to reduce the loss of nutrients and returned to the soil as much as was extracted from it. returned to the soil as much as was extracted from it. Many of these practices are still commonly used.Many of these practices are still commonly used.

Today, the cultivated crops in India remove annually (on Today, the cultivated crops in India remove annually (on an average) 3 million tones of nitrogen, 1.5 million tones an average) 3 million tones of nitrogen, 1.5 million tones of phosphorous, and 3.5 million tones of potash. Plant of phosphorous, and 3.5 million tones of potash. Plant food returned to the soil through organic sources is 1.8 food returned to the soil through organic sources is 1.8 million tones of Nitrogen, 0.60 million tones of million tones of Nitrogen, 0.60 million tones of phosphorous oxide and 1.8 million tones of potash.phosphorous oxide and 1.8 million tones of potash.

The Chinese example shows what is possible :The Chinese example shows what is possible : In 1976, they were applying 23 million tones (in In 1976, they were applying 23 million tones (in

nutritional content) and 2000 million tones in gross nutritional content) and 2000 million tones in gross weight of organic fertilizers from draught animal manure weight of organic fertilizers from draught animal manure (37%), pig manure (24%), night soil (19%), green manure (37%), pig manure (24%), night soil (19%), green manure (8%), compost (5%) and river and pond silt (7%). (8%), compost (5%) and river and pond silt (7%).

THE EXISTENCE OF PESTSTHE EXISTENCE OF PESTS

Often farmers do nothing at all when insects appear on a Often farmers do nothing at all when insects appear on a crop. When vegetable crops are attacked by pests, they crop. When vegetable crops are attacked by pests, they allow the attack to continue. In the case of tomatoes, the allow the attack to continue. In the case of tomatoes, the whole crop is lost, but after some time, the plants shoot whole crop is lost, but after some time, the plants shoot up again and a good crop is obtained.up again and a good crop is obtained.

It is questionable whether pests exist at all ? Plants It is questionable whether pests exist at all ? Plants survive under natural conditions without pesticides. It survive under natural conditions without pesticides. It appears therefore that insects and other organisms appears therefore that insects and other organisms become pests when natural ecosystems are unbalanced become pests when natural ecosystems are unbalanced by interference.by interference.

Insects are not normally a problem if for instance, Insects are not normally a problem if for instance, traditional crop varieties and farming methods are used traditional crop varieties and farming methods are used in a diverse plant and animal environment. It may be that in a diverse plant and animal environment. It may be that our ways of cultivating crops turn benign insect species our ways of cultivating crops turn benign insect species into harmful ones.into harmful ones.

Pests in AgriculturePests in Agriculture

Pests then are symptoms of a much deeper Pests then are symptoms of a much deeper malaise : agricultural practices which work malaise : agricultural practices which work against rather than with nature. against rather than with nature.

Moreover, since the cultivation of crops is Moreover, since the cultivation of crops is itself an intervention, practices which tend itself an intervention, practices which tend to imitate natural conditions, (such as to imitate natural conditions, (such as organic manuring, rotations, intercropping, organic manuring, rotations, intercropping, with agroforestry approaching nearer to with agroforestry approaching nearer to natural conditions) which provide a habitat natural conditions) which provide a habitat for a diversity of creatures, will eliminate for a diversity of creatures, will eliminate the effects of pests without eliminating the the effects of pests without eliminating the species.species.

Case Study onCase Study onWater Management and IrrigationWater Management and Irrigation

Irrigation MethodsIrrigation Methods In pre-colonial India, there was an In pre-colonial India, there was an

ancient Indian system of ‘talabs’ (water ancient Indian system of ‘talabs’ (water tanks) in every region designed to tanks) in every region designed to collect the maximum amount of collect the maximum amount of rainwater and to store for irrigation and rainwater and to store for irrigation and drinking until next rainfall. These were drinking until next rainfall. These were locally constructed and maintained locally constructed and maintained

Under colonization, village governance Under colonization, village governance was subverted or abandoned. Collector was subverted or abandoned. Collector Raj. Many talabs went into disuse or Raj. Many talabs went into disuse or misuse.misuse.

Irrigation Methods (contd)Irrigation Methods (contd) Today, satellite pictures have shown that there were Today, satellite pictures have shown that there were

at one time as many as 1.2 million such talabs in at one time as many as 1.2 million such talabs in India. Some of these were massive man-made India. Some of these were massive man-made lakes. lakes.

This indigenous system was far superior to the This indigenous system was far superior to the modern massive dams being developed, that are modern massive dams being developed, that are centrally managed and ecological disasters in many centrally managed and ecological disasters in many cases.cases.

In parts of Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan, these old In parts of Tamil Nadu and Rajasthan, these old talabs have been found and revived, and in many talabs have been found and revived, and in many such villages there is no longer any scarcity of such villages there is no longer any scarcity of water.water.

Water Management and IrrigationWater Management and Irrigation It has been estimated that, over time, there have existed nearly It has been estimated that, over time, there have existed nearly 1.3 1.3

million human-made lakesmillion human-made lakes and ponds across India. While the and ponds across India. While the existence of such lakes, in a pan South Asian context is mentioned existence of such lakes, in a pan South Asian context is mentioned in literary, oral, historical and archaeological traditions, at present in literary, oral, historical and archaeological traditions, at present there exists no full listing, in chronological and spatial order, of such there exists no full listing, in chronological and spatial order, of such water-bodies. water-bodies.

The The largest known artificial lake of Indialargest known artificial lake of India was created in the middle was created in the middle of the 11th century by of the 11th century by king Bhoj Parmarking Bhoj Parmar, ruler of Dhar, at Bhojpur, , ruler of Dhar, at Bhojpur, near Bhopal, by constructing a vast embankment across two hills. near Bhopal, by constructing a vast embankment across two hills. The lake apparently received water from as many as 365 streams The lake apparently received water from as many as 365 streams and springs. Though the lake has vanished, following the breaching and springs. Though the lake has vanished, following the breaching of its embankment in 1434 AD, its traces indicate that of its embankment in 1434 AD, its traces indicate that the lake the lake originally covered no less than 250 square miles, or over 65,000 originally covered no less than 250 square miles, or over 65,000 hectareshectares..

Among such lakes, those known from what now comprises the Among such lakes, those known from what now comprises the State of Rajasthan include the State of Rajasthan include the 12th century Ana Sagar lake 12th century Ana Sagar lake at Ajmerat Ajmer; the ; the Ghadsisar reservoir-lake built at Jaisalmer in Ghadsisar reservoir-lake built at Jaisalmer in 1367 AD1367 AD by Bhati ruler, Rawal Ghadsi; and various lakes at by Bhati ruler, Rawal Ghadsi; and various lakes at Udaipur city. (Among the last-named, Udaipur's famous Udaipur city. (Among the last-named, Udaipur's famous Picchola lake is popularly believed to have been constructed Picchola lake is popularly believed to have been constructed not by the State, or ruler, but by a wealthy Banjara trader). not by the State, or ruler, but by a wealthy Banjara trader).

Another of Rajasthan's better-known artificial lakes is the Another of Rajasthan's better-known artificial lakes is the Raj Raj SamandSamand, built at the command of Maharana Raj Singh of , built at the command of Maharana Raj Singh of Mewar, and completed in 1676 AD. This is a large water-body Mewar, and completed in 1676 AD. This is a large water-body of conserved fresh-water, created, in part, through damming of conserved fresh-water, created, in part, through damming the waters of a small rivulet, and augmented by excavation of the waters of a small rivulet, and augmented by excavation of a large tract in which rain-water could be collected. a large tract in which rain-water could be collected.

Some historians believe that this work was carried out Some historians believe that this work was carried out during a prolonged drought that affected the region during a prolonged drought that affected the region between c.1661 to 1666 period, so that employment and between c.1661 to 1666 period, so that employment and food could be provided to about 60,000 of the famine-food could be provided to about 60,000 of the famine-affected populace of Mewaraffected populace of Mewar).).

In the desert areas of the Thar region of what now constitutes the State In the desert areas of the Thar region of what now constitutes the State of Rajasthan, and in its neighbouring State of Gujarat, where water is a of Rajasthan, and in its neighbouring State of Gujarat, where water is a scarce and much valued commodity, tanks, kunds, step-wells or baolis/ scarce and much valued commodity, tanks, kunds, step-wells or baolis/ baoris, vavs, wells, ponds etc., were built. Besides these, specific baoris, vavs, wells, ponds etc., were built. Besides these, specific indigenous water-harvesting and collection methods were developed / indigenous water-harvesting and collection methods were developed / evolved in direct response to local geo-physical conditions. evolved in direct response to local geo-physical conditions.

This led to systems like This led to systems like johadhs, anicuts, check-dams, khadins, johadhs, anicuts, check-dams, khadins, tankas, adlaz, jhalara, modhera, vapi, medhbandhitankas, adlaz, jhalara, modhera, vapi, medhbandhi (earthen (earthen structure on fields to prevent water from flowing out), the structure on fields to prevent water from flowing out), the virdasvirdas of the of the Kutch region, etc., being developed and maintained. Water-lifting Kutch region, etc., being developed and maintained. Water-lifting devices like draw-wells, devices like draw-wells, 'rahat''rahat' (a 'Persian-wheel' like system, derived (a 'Persian-wheel' like system, derived from what is described in Sanskrit terminology as the from what is described in Sanskrit terminology as the 'arghat''arghat' water- water-wheel), and wheel), and 'dhekli''dhekli' systems were developed too. systems were developed too.

Between them, these systems met the drinking water, irrigation, Between them, these systems met the drinking water, irrigation, agricultural and other water-related needs of the people of the area agricultural and other water-related needs of the people of the area even in years of lesser than usual rainfall.even in years of lesser than usual rainfall.

DECLINE OF TRADITIONAL DECLINE OF TRADITIONAL WATER HARVESTING SYSTEMSWATER HARVESTING SYSTEMS

Many of traditional and /or local systems of water-collection, Many of traditional and /or local systems of water-collection, storage, and development and management of water-resources, storage, and development and management of water-resources, unfortunately, fell into disuse with the onset of 'modernisation' unfortunately, fell into disuse with the onset of 'modernisation' during the colonial period. For instance, during the 17th century during the colonial period. For instance, during the 17th century AD, Bengal's traditional system of overflow irrigation proved an AD, Bengal's traditional system of overflow irrigation proved an efficient system that not only enriched the soil but also controlled efficient system that not only enriched the soil but also controlled malaria, since the fishes that automatically entered the malaria, since the fishes that automatically entered the inundated fields fed on parasites and mosquito larvae etc. The inundated fields fed on parasites and mosquito larvae etc. The system came to an end after the advent of the British. Elsewhere system came to an end after the advent of the British. Elsewhere too, the traditional methods were over-shadowed, reduced in too, the traditional methods were over-shadowed, reduced in status, or openly discouraged due to the march of 'Western' status, or openly discouraged due to the march of 'Western' technology. The situation did not alter with the coming of Indian technology. The situation did not alter with the coming of Indian Independence, and the process has continued into the late 20th Independence, and the process has continued into the late 20th Century, with a basic reliance on big dams, inter-basin transfers Century, with a basic reliance on big dams, inter-basin transfers and surface transport of water through canals and watercourses.and surface transport of water through canals and watercourses.

Linkages between waste Linkages between waste disposal and health issues? disposal and health issues?

Could there be linkages between disposal of sewage Could there be linkages between disposal of sewage and other waste in water and the explosion in cases and other waste in water and the explosion in cases of water-borne diseases?of water-borne diseases?

The cheapest method of waste disposal in the cities is The cheapest method of waste disposal in the cities is the nearest water channel / waterbody / river. the nearest water channel / waterbody / river.

The consequences for health are mindboggling.The consequences for health are mindboggling.

Holistic Medical SystemsHolistic Medical Systems Many healing systems from non-Western Many healing systems from non-Western

sources, including Indian medical systems, are sources, including Indian medical systems, are now being revived with great success. These now being revived with great success. These complement modern medicine. complement modern medicine.

Besides physical healing systems, such as Besides physical healing systems, such as Ayurveda, there is growing interest in the Indian Ayurveda, there is growing interest in the Indian Systems of Mind-Management, including various Systems of Mind-Management, including various forms of yoga and meditation, and these have forms of yoga and meditation, and these have taken root in the West in the form of stress taken root in the West in the form of stress management, motivation training, health management, motivation training, health management, and so forth. management, and so forth.

Summing Up !!Summing Up !!

Principles of Ecology - 1Principles of Ecology - 1

NetworksNetworksAt all scales of nature, we find living systems At all scales of nature, we find living systems nesting within other living systems – nesting within other living systems – networks within networks. The boundaries networks within networks. The boundaries are not boundaries of separation but are not boundaries of separation but boundaries of identity. All living systems boundaries of identity. All living systems communicate with one another and share communicate with one another and share resources across their boundaries.resources across their boundaries.


CyclesCyclesAll living organisms must feed on continuous All living organisms must feed on continuous cycles of matter and energy from their environment cycles of matter and energy from their environment to stay alive, and all living organisms continually to stay alive, and all living organisms continually produce waste. However, an ecosystem generates produce waste. However, an ecosystem generates no net waste, one species’ waste being another no net waste, one species’ waste being another species’ food. Thus, mater cycles continually species’ food. Thus, mater cycles continually through the web of life.through the web of life.


Solar EnergySolar EnergySolar energy, transformed into chemical Solar energy, transformed into chemical energy by the photosynthesis of green energy by the photosynthesis of green plants, drives the ecological cycles.plants, drives the ecological cycles.


PartnershipPartnershipThe exchanges of energy and resources in The exchanges of energy and resources in an ecosystem are sustained by pervasive an ecosystem are sustained by pervasive cooperation. Life did not take over the planet cooperation. Life did not take over the planet by combat but by co-operation, partnership by combat but by co-operation, partnership and networking.and networking.


DiversityDiversity Ecosystems achieve stability and resilience Ecosystems achieve stability and resilience through the richness and complexity of their through the richness and complexity of their ecological webs. The greater their ecological webs. The greater their biodiversity, the more resilient they will be.biodiversity, the more resilient they will be.

Principles of Ecology-6Principles of Ecology-6

Dynamic BalanceDynamic BalanceAn ecosystem is a flexible, ever fluctuating An ecosystem is a flexible, ever fluctuating network. Its flexibility is a consequence of network. Its flexibility is a consequence of multiple feedback loops that keep the multiple feedback loops that keep the system in a state of dynamic balance. No system in a state of dynamic balance. No single variable is maximised, all variables single variable is maximised, all variables fluctuate around their optimal values.fluctuate around their optimal values.

Holistic Technology Holistic Technology interventions to mitigate crisisinterventions to mitigate crisis

SOIL : Arrest alarming soil depletionSOIL : Arrest alarming soil depletion LIVESTOCK : Reclaim and breed traditional LIVESTOCK : Reclaim and breed traditional

livestock, Fertiliser regimen based on livestocklivestock, Fertiliser regimen based on livestock SEED : Promote seed diversity and reclaim seed SEED : Promote seed diversity and reclaim seed

generationgeneration WATER : Rejuvenate traditional micro watershedsWATER : Rejuvenate traditional micro watersheds Health : Promote local health and nutrition regimensHealth : Promote local health and nutrition regimens MANUFACTURE : Realign raw material regime, credit MANUFACTURE : Realign raw material regime, credit

availability and local marketavailability and local market HABITATION : Local material based housingHABITATION : Local material based housing

ConclusionsConclusionsTechnologies which are superior on Technologies which are superior on “productivity / efficiency criteria” may not be “productivity / efficiency criteria” may not be most suitable or appropriate owing to other most suitable or appropriate owing to other factors.factors.

They are designed to affect nature’s harmony They are designed to affect nature’s harmony minimally. There is a distributive principle which minimally. There is a distributive principle which operates with respect to the wealth generated.operates with respect to the wealth generated.

Conclusions (contd)Conclusions (contd)

Holistic technologies (based on TKS) Holistic technologies (based on TKS) are not merely technological are not merely technological interventions. They have a deep interventions. They have a deep understanding of micro and macro understanding of micro and macro ecological and economic processesecological and economic processes. .

Conclusions (contd)Conclusions (contd)

TKS and Traditional Sciences and TKS and Traditional Sciences and Technologies are designed to affect Technologies are designed to affect nature’s harmony minimally. In nature’s harmony minimally. In addition, there is a distributive addition, there is a distributive principle which operates with respect principle which operates with respect to the wealth generated.to the wealth generated.

Features of Holistic Technologies Features of Holistic Technologies and Systemsand Systems

Sustainable and Ecologically soundSustainable and Ecologically sound Energy efficient, use of local natural Energy efficient, use of local natural

and knowledge resourcesand knowledge resources Small to medium in scaleSmall to medium in scale Provide employment to large sectionsProvide employment to large sections

SOME ASPECTS OF HOLISTIC SOME ASPECTS OF HOLISTIC KNOWLEDGE / TECHNOLOGIESKNOWLEDGE / TECHNOLOGIES

All problems, situated in a context, linked in All problems, situated in a context, linked in diverse ways to the rest of the world. diverse ways to the rest of the world. Solutions are developed in an actual situation Solutions are developed in an actual situation granted its diverse links to rest of reality. There is granted its diverse links to rest of reality. There is no fragmentation of approachno fragmentation of approach.. Community knowledge held by people Community knowledge held by people ((Lokavidya-sLokavidya-s) which until recently were ) which until recently were considered irrelevant are now widely considered irrelevant are now widely acknowledged to be acknowledged to be time-tested systemstime-tested systems providing holistic solutions.providing holistic solutions.

SOME ASPECTS OF HOLISTIC SOME ASPECTS OF HOLISTIC KNOWLEDGE / TECHNOLOGIESKNOWLEDGE / TECHNOLOGIESThe technology is invented and tested in the The technology is invented and tested in the

field, where all environmental and social field, where all environmental and social interactions, in particular its effect on other interactions, in particular its effect on other life-forms known and unknown are allowed life-forms known and unknown are allowed

to play their part. This makes such to play their part. This makes such knowledge holistic and avoids the errors and knowledge holistic and avoids the errors and pitfalls when technologies are applied on the pitfalls when technologies are applied on the basis of incomplete or inadequate theories.basis of incomplete or inadequate theories.

SolutionsSolutions preserve multifacetedness of nature preserve multifacetedness of nature and our interactions with it. Guiding thought is to and our interactions with it. Guiding thought is to disturb harmony minimally (if at all) and if disturb harmony minimally (if at all) and if disturbed, reestablish in another plane.disturbed, reestablish in another plane.

All life is connectedAll life is connected

Thank you !!Thank you !!

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Relearning Environment and Ecology Management from Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge

Environment

Transcript of Relearning Environment and Ecology Management from Indigenous and Traditional Knowledge