Kadiri Mohan
Abstract
An explorative research study was conducted in Alluri Seetharama Raju district of Andhra Pradesh during 2022-2023 to document the indigenous technical knowledge (ITKs) of tribal farmers as a part of organic farming in major crops like paddy, ragi, maize, cowpea and vegetables. The indigenous knowledge on agricultural practices represents both the ancestral knowledge and current experience. The information on these ITKs may form a platform to redesign and revalidate organic farming packages in various crops. The ITKs relating to soil health improvement, weed management, prevention from pest and disease attack etc were documented through focussed group discussions in selected villages of ASR district. These ITKs being practiced by tribal farmers over years in raising various crops and reasons behind their exercise are briefed in this article.