Abstract:

This policy brief highlights the traditional agricultural practices that have been followed in different parts of India, including states such as Haryana, Punjab, Bihar, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand. It incorporates various case studies to explain the traditional knowledge and practices being utilised in India for combating climate-related challenges to agriculture. In addition, it highlights the various sources responsible for the loss of traditional agricultural knowledge. It emphasises that there are multiple drivers for the loss of traditional knowledge and genetic diversity, which are often interlinked and mutually reinforcing. Further, it highlights the existing policies that recognise the role of traditional agriculture in food security and climate change adaptation. It also suggests essential policy reforms to promote neo-traditional agriculture to achieve food and livelihood security along with climate change adaptation.