Nishant Thakur

Continuity and Change in Local Ecological Knowledge: a Comparative Study Among Two Farming Communities in Himachal Pradesh, India Nishant Thakur

Today in India with an influx of modern farming technologies and hybrid seeds the local ecological knowledge is threatened. Not only has it changed the farming pattern but also impinged upon the social, cultural life, ethics and values. With coming up of tourism, rampant illegal marijuana trade and host of other opportunities the youth has detached itself from agriculture. The economy that has been self sufficient will become dependent on market products. Today with introduction of hybrid seeds and fertilizers farmers have shifted towards cultivation of cash crop. The money they get in return is again spent in purchasing food grains that they used to grow. This nullifies the economic benefits of modern agricultural technology. Gender role has been affected to a large extent. When bullocks were used to plough, even women could do it. Today with the introduction of tractors women role has taken a back seat and their dependence on men has increased as they can not operate the machines. The focus now should be to document it, preserve it and ensure its continuity.