vol 11 no 3 july-september, 2000 - sristi3)hbajul-sep2000.pdf · vol 11 no 3 july-september, 2000...

DRYLAND BIODIVERSITY (II) ..19

A Voice ofCreative Farmers, Artisans, Pastoralists

and Other Grassroots Innovators

Vol 11 No 3 July-September, 2000

Empathy Beyond Ownership

S y n t h e s i s :Controlling fungaland bacterialdiseases ............... 2

Institution: Villagersdrink a concoctionmade out of 125herbs ..................... 4

Profile: Ever heardof a twelve kgcauliflower ......... 15

Shodhyatra:Honouringinnovators at theirdoorstep ............. 17

DrylandBiodiversity:Sacred Groves ... 19

IPRs of Indigenous

Innovators

What about Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)of Grassroots Innovators ?

MNCs

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A Dialogue on People's Creativity, Experimentation & Innovation

Honey Bee Vol 11(3) July-September 2000

2

Contents

Honey Bee stands forpeople to people networking inlocal language(s), andassurance to providers ofknowledge that they would notbe impoverished by sharing theknowledge:when bees cross-pollinate,flowers do not complain thatpollen is taken away.

Printed, published and owned by Kirit K Patel on behalf of Sristi Innovations, B/2, Srikrishna Apartments, Near Lad Society,Vastrapur, Ahmedabad-380 015. Printed at M/s Colourman Offset, Phone: 6431405 Ahmedabad. Editor: Anil K Gupta

Cover Story

Synthesis: ControllingBacterial & Fungal Disease ...... 2

Institution: Celebrating Biodi-versity Through Titoi's InformalHealth Institution ..................... 4

PROFILE: JAGDISH PRASADPARIKH .....................................15

Shodhyatra: Rekindling theSpirit of Innovativeness in the Society ...........................17

Sacred Grooves inDryland Sanctuaries (II) ........... 19

Regular FeaturesHoney Bee Hums

Control of Eriophyid Mite in Coconut ...............6

Protecting Coffee without ChemicalPesticides ..................................................... 7

Khatri: A Water Harvesting Structure .............8

Leaves of Marigold for Getting Rid ofMaggots ........................................................9

News & Views ..................................... 21

Bookworm ........................................... 23

Dialogue ............................................... 24

Empathy Beyond Ownership

Pritam Khan was a small farmer owing an bullock. Helived life in abject poverty. Once drought struck his village.His economic condition deteriorated day by day. Pritamwas burdened with huge debt on which he survived duringthis drought period. Moneylenders started pestering him.

Drought lasted for three consecutive years. There was no chance ofthe situation getting back to normalcy in foreseeable future. Peer andmoneylenders’ pressure made him to think about selling his bullock. Leftwith no choice he set for the village ‘haat’ (a place where animals arepurchased and sold) to sell it. With all kinds of thoughts passing throughhis mind he finally reached the ‘haat’ where large number of peoplehad gathered to buy or sell. Before he could tie his bullock under atree one person showed interest in it. He was ready to pay Rs 10,000for the bullock. On that Pritam questioned him, “Do you smoke?” Theman replied in negative. Hearing which, Pritam refused to sell his bullockto him. Then came numerous villagers to whom he refused to sell justbecause they did not smoke. After a long wait, came a man who wasready to pay only Rs 5,000 for his bullock. He again asked the samequestion, “Do you smoke?” He replied, “yes” Pritam finalised the dealwith this second man.

We invite our readers to respond with their interpretations of why PritamKhan sold his bullock only to a smoker and that too at a low price?

Positions Available at Honey Bee

1. Associate/Assistant Editor/Executive Editor

Job Responsibilities: S/he will be responsible for research, collecting and editing materialrelated to the field of indigenous knowledge and grassroots innovations, publication of anestablished quarterly journal and other reports published by an NGO having a well estab-lished world-wide network.

Requirement: S/he should have a master’s degree (preferably in journalism, English ormanagement, agriculture or any social or natural science) with flair for writing and goodcommand over English language. S/he should also be ready to travel extensively. Computerliteracy is a must.

Editorial interns can also apply for on-the-job training.

2. Administrative OfficerJob Responsibilities: S/he will be responsible for the general administration includingfinancial management and audit of an NGO engaged in the field of documenting anddisseminating indigenous knowledge and grassroots innovations. S/he will also be requiredto provide support to the field functionaries of the organisation and local communities in allparts of the country.

Requirements : Should have 3-5 years experience preferably in a network or developmentorganisation of repute, possess strong ethical values and have full belief in transparencyand accountability in financial and managerial systems. Must enjoy helping others andfacilitate group working often with ambiguous role boundaries. Computer literacy is a must.Background in general management and/or accounting is preferred.

Persons interested in applying should send their resumewith full details to:

Honey Bee Coordinator, Post Box: 15050, Ahmedabad - 380 015

Global Perception of GrassrootsInnovations................................ 22

Will you stand by the IPRs of peasants ?


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Editorial

EditorAnil K Gupta

Assistant EditorsPradeep K Singh, Ketki Desai

Editorial TeamRiya Sinha, Vijaya Sherry Chand

Kirit K Patel, Shailesh Shukla, Joona SheelSanjay Goswami, Sudhirendar Sharma

Graphics & DesignD T Padekar, Palash Graphics, Unnikrishnan

Satpal Chabra

Administrative AssistanceR P S Yadav, R Baskaran, Bala G Mudaliar

Kajal Shah, Nisha Antony

Editorial AddressHoney Bee

C/o Prof Anil K GuptaIndian Institute of Management

Vastrapur, Ahmedabad 380 015 India

Tel : 91-79-6307241Fax : 91-79-6307341

[email protected]

[email protected]

Home Pagehttp://www.sristi.org

Honey Bee Regional Collaborators

Abeja (Spanish)Mario Mejia Gutierrez

Carrera 43 No. 10-50 Apto. 502Telefono: 336 8531 Cali, Valle, Colombia

Hittalagida (Kannada)Dr T N Prakash

Dept of Agri Economics, University of Agri. Sci.,GKVK Bangalore, Karnataka - 560065 India

Loksarvani (Gujarati)Dilip Koradiya, SRISTI P O Box 15050

Ahmedabad, Gujarat - 380 015 India

Makhir (Pahari)Dr. A. Chandan, ERA, Khundian

District Kangra, Himachal Pradesh 176030 India

Num Vali Velanmai (Tamil)P Vivekanandan, 45, TPM Nagar, Virattipathu

Tamil Nadu 625 010 India

Sujh-Bujh Aas Paas Ki (Hindi)Shalini Sharma, H-12 ODS Flats Lajpat Nager 4

New Delhi 110024 India

Tenetiga (Telugu)Prof (Mrs) P Geervani

201 Dream Apartment, Road No.3 Banjara HillsHyderabad, Andhra Pradesh 500 034 India Anil K Gupta

Can local industry be a partner in conservation andbenefit sharing: The case of Biodiversity Bill

The voice of grassroots innovators, conservators of biodiversity and associatedknowledge systems and other traditional knowledge experts is often not heard whileframing policies at national and international levels. This is not new. However, whenthere are pressures from organised sector to deny the local knowledge experts evenlittle space to articulate and assert their creativity and knowledge rights, then therearises a need to stir the conscience of civil society. The organised herbal industry andayurvedic product industry recently protested against the biological diversity bill No.93 of 2000 as introduced in Lok Sabha, Lower House of Indian Parliament. Theprovision which caused them discomfort dealt with the requirement for everyinternational applicant to take prior approval of the National Biodiversity Authoritybefore obtaining any biological resources or associated knowledge occurring in India.The industry feels that this provision of the Bill will cripple the entire industry. Theyapprehend that all non-Indian customers would have to take prior approval from theNational Biodiversity Authority before being able to purchase any of their products.The industry feels uncomfortable about the obligation to pay royalty/cess/fee to theNational Biodiversity Fund ‘every time they wish to export any of their products.’Certainly, the biological resources which are not collected from the wild and are notthreatened can be excluded from the purview of this clause. Further, government candeclare other biological resources available abundantly also out of the purview ofprior approval. But, for the rest of the resources, why should extraction be allowedwithout ensuring compliance with provision of section 24. It authorizes the statebiodiversity board to prohibit or restrict any activity in consultation with local bodies,which is considered, “detrimental or contrary to the objectives of conservation andsustainable use of biodiversity or equitable sharing of benefits arising out of suchactivity.”

Should one have a law, which allows unrestrained exploitation of natural resourceswithout any concern for the long term sustainability and also the rights of otherwildlife living in the forest. Isn’t it true that long term sustainability of extraction is inthe interest of business itself? Are there many examples where the private or publicayurvedic or herbal industry has contributed to the conservation, restoration andsustainable utilisation of biodiversity? The issue of benefit sharing is even morecomplicated except for the example of TBGRI and Arya Vaidya Shala. We do nothave many cases in which organised corporate sector has bothered about providingany incentives to local communities to conserve biodiversity. Likewise, no incentiveshave ever been provided by the private or public sector to local healers or herbalists sofar. It is well known that some of poorest people of the country live in the biodiversityrich region.

We do want herbal industry to grow and become multinational. We are very muchinterested in generating global demand for our herbal products. However, this cannotbe done by exploiting nature irresponsibly nor by exploiting people unfairly. To givean illustration about how Indian industry fares globally with regard to intellectualproperty protection of herbal products, let me refer to a study I pursued at IIM-A. Itwas found that about forty five per cent of the patents were owned by Chinese,twenty two per cent by Japanese, sixteen per cent by Russian and not even a fractionof a per cent by Indians. So much about the inventiveness and creativity of ourindustry. However, nothing is lost as yet. We can still achieve global eminence in thisfield provided we make local communities and individual healers partners in our pursuitof global leadership.



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ust causing fungi affect mainlyGraminaceous crop species in all

the stages of their development. Rustypustules appear on leaf sheath duringearly stages of disease that spread onthe ears with further development andfinally affecting the entire spike. Smutcausing fungi also infect members ofgramineae where the pathogen causesdevastation at the grain formation stageconverting the grains into black powderymass. Two types of mildews are found-powdery and downy. They are classifiedon the basis of the causal fungi, infectingthe cucurbits and solanaceous plants inaddition to gramineae family. In powderymildew, lesions appear on the leaves aspowdery patches causing early decay,which in turn affects the developmentand the yield (Mehrothra, 1992).

Wilting, in crops is caused by bothbacteria and fungi. The affected plantsshow gradual loss in vigor and ultimatelydie-off (Mehrothra, 1992). Blight diseaseis characterised by the appearance oflesions on the leaf in case of bothbacterial and fungal pathogens. Similarly,both bacterial and fungal rotting showsimilar symptoms as softening anddecomposition of plant parts infected bythe causal pathogen. Damping- offdisease of either bacterial or fungalorigin occurs at the seedling stage,causing decay of the seedling, whichdrastically affects its further growth.

Diseases of Wheat

Rust: Both wheat leaf rust (c.o.Puccinia recondita f.sp. tritici) andwheat stripe rust (c.o. Pucciniastriiformis f.sp. tritici) are caused byfungal pathogens. Due to the longer

viability of pathogen spores and wide-range dissemination by wind, mostcontrol measures are ineffective. Croprotation and avoidance of environmentalfactors favourable for the pathogens arethe prevailing cultural control methods[www.ento.ok.state.edu/ddd/disease/wheat leaf rust.htm]. Traditionalpractices involving seed treatment,irrigation procedure and use of traditionalfungicides are employed to arrest the

pathogen activity. Farmers immerse seedof wheat in milk before sowing to avoidrust disease [Madhanbhai BikhabhaiSolanki, Rajkot, Comm: RathodBalvantsinh P, HB, 2(1): 18,1991].Use of milk for controlling plant diseaseshas been known for a long time [SeeHB 3(3&4): 8, 1992, HB 4(2&3): 20,1993, HB 9(3): 14, 1998, HB 10(1):14, 1999, HB 10(4): 14, 1999 for useof milk in controlling plant diseases].It has been found that, “milk with itsnatural enzymes and simple sugarstructures, can be used to combatvarious mildews on cucumber, asters,tomato, squash and zinnia foliage. A50/50 mixture of milk and water isrecommended. Plants are thoroughlysprayed with the milk- water mixtureevery three to four days at the first signsymptoms of mildews or later use asa preventative measure” [www.ghorganics.com/page15.html#Milk ForMildew]. The crop is irrigated less andthat too at night to control rust.

[Karhanbhai Karambhai Desai,Banaskantha, Comm: Manaji V Thakore,HB, 2(1): 17,1991]. A drip irrigationsystem is recommended to avoid wettingthe foliage. Wet foliage promotes fungaldiseases [www.sunone.com/news/articles/03-07g.html]. During the spike

formation stage, bones of camel areburied in the irrigation channel. Thisis believed to control rust within 10-15days [Kodarsingh T Zala, Sabarkantha,Comm: Rajendrasingh G Zala, HB,5(1): 20,1994].

In addition, mulching has been used ina cultural control measure, “a layer oftwo to three inches of porous mulchlike straw or leaves is kept over the soil.This keeps the soil temperature even.It also prevents soil-borne fungalpathogen spores from being splashed onthe foliage and fruit when it rains orduring irrigation” [www.sunone.com/news/articles/03-07g.html].

Diseases of Rice

Rice plant is affected by variouspathogens both fungal and bacterialduring all stages of its development.

Synthesis Controlling Bacterial and Fungal Diseases inCrops: Farmers' Wisdom (Part - I)

Traditional methods of plant protection have largely been ignored in controlling bacterial and fungal diseases. Although,chemical control methods are more popular for providing quick solutions, these are not sustainable. Many farmers haveeffectively controlled and prevented occurrence or diffusion of diseases by following simple innovative practices. Thissynthesis mainly comprises the innovations published in Honey Bee during the last eleven years and some of the traditionalknowledge gleaned from internet. This has been compiled by Shreshta Sarkar and other members of SRISTI.

Traditional methods of plantprotection have largely beenignored in controlling bacterial andfungal diseases.

RRRRR



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Paddy Blast: This fungal disease (c.o.Magnaporthe grisea) is responsible forthe world’s largest fungicide market[www.cals.ncsu.edu/fungal_genomics/int_rice.html]. In traditional methods ofcontrol, light irrigation is givenimmediately after sowing, the next onegiven after a gap of seven to eight daysand the third and final one is givenbefore flowering to prevent blast inpaddy. Later irrigation is avoided totally.Steps are taken to remove dew in theearly mornings with the help of a cotton(or jute) rope mopped lightly over thepaddy plantation. Over-watering shouldbe avoided as it tends to decrease theoxygen level and raise the carbon dioxidelevel in the soil thus making environmentfeasible for fungal activity (Kelly, et.al.,1997). Use of rope to rid plants ofdew and pest in China, Bangladesh [HB5(2): 10-11, 1994] and India [HB 3(3& 4): 17, 1992; 10(2): 4, 1999] hasbeen well known. Though, such apractice has never been recommendedby formal scientists and extensionworkers. In another indigenous practice,two to three kg of Careya arborea plantis crushed in water and the filtrate isapplied on the crop [Purushottam Rao,Shimoga, HB 8(4): 10,1997] to controlpathogen activity. The plant extract ofCareya arborea has been found tocontain nineteen per cent tannin (Chopraet.al., 1996) which is believed to preventthe fungal attack.

Blight: These are of two types, fungalsheath blight (c.o. Rhizoctonia solani)and bacterial leaf blight (c.o.Xanthomonas campestris p.v. oryzae),both causing serious damage in anenvironment favourable for pathogenaction [www.idrc.ca/books/focus/776/luogaung.html]. Indigenous practiceinvolving stale cowdung slurry (two kgin ten litre) water is effective incontrolling bacterial leaf blight of rice[S. Gangopadhyay and K.M. Das, inIndian Farming, Apr, 89, HB, 3(3&4):14,1992]. A study was pursued byNRI, KNUST, PDN and the Crop andSoil Research Institute, Kumasi (Ghana)on the impact of composted urbanorganic waste on pests and diseases of

tomato and cabbage. It was concludedthat composts significantly reduced plantsusceptibility to disease and improvedstand survival (Kelly, 1997).

Wilt: Wilting is caused by bacteria(Pseudomonas spp., Xanthomonas spp.)[www.syix.com/mb/99rpt/Disease.htm].Branches of ‘sinara’ and ‘phanas’(Artocarpus heterophyllus) fixed in thepaddy fields for eight days help tocontrol wilt [Harajibhai Ghedabhai,Valsad, Comm: Ratilal R Ganvit, HB,3(1): 15,1992]. Latex from the tree isfound to be bacteriolytic (Chopra, et.al.,1996).

Diseases of Minor Graminaceouscrops

Sorghum Smut: Simple traditionalpractice involving seeds treatment bysulphur suspension prepared in cowurine instead of water helps to controlthe disease [Surendernagar, Comm:Narasinhbhai S Sakaria, HB, 2(1):18,1991]. Sulphur is recommended tobe an excellent fungicide and iscommonly used to manage powderymildews on various plants in the homegarden. But it has been suggested thatsulphur should not be applied when thetemperature is above 90o F [Plant DiseaseManagement in Home Garden-www.ext.nodak.edu/extpubs/plantsci/hortcrop]. In another traditional practicein Yemen for sorghum smut, farmersmix seed with lime (nûra) and waterbefore planting. In Wadi- al-Barakânîdry lime is applied to the seed beforeplanting [www.aiys.org/webdate/gtzrep.html].

Wilt of Ragi (Eluesine coracana):Spray of goat milk helps to control thedisease [Bariya Santaben Tulshiram,Valsad, HB, 3 (3&4): 14,1992]. Thehigh pH of milk, presence of naturalantibodies, anti-viral and anti-bacterialprotective factors may render protection.Greater immunoglobulin quantity is alsoassociated with good protective effect(Shieh, et.al., 1987).

Black Smut of Jowar: The pathogen-Sporisorium spp. affects the panicleturning the grains into black powderymass. Traditional seed treatment at thespike forming stage with leaf juice ofClerodendron multiflorum at the rate500 g leaves for 20 kg of jowar seedsgives nearly 70 per cent control of thedisease [Mafatlal Khodabhai Parmar,Mehsana, Comm: Pravin I Patel, HB,8(3): 12,1997].

(Second part to be continued in the nextissue)

Reference

Carr.; Anna. et. al. 1991. Rodale’s Chemical-Free Yard & Garden. Emmaus. Rodale Press.

Chopra, R.N.; Nayar, S.L. and Chopra, T.C.1996. Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants.Fourth Reprint.

Kelly, J. 1997. for DFID – Project No. 2646,Started February 1997, ended September1998. www.cabi.org/BIOSCIENCE/annualreport_projects_egham.htm

Mehrothra, K.C. 1992 Reprint. PlantPathology. New Delhi. S. Chand & Co.

Shieh, Y.S.C.; Dunny, G.M.; Ledford, R.A.and Walsh, P.M. 1987. Sensitivity ofCommercial Chedder Cheese Starter Isolatesto Bacteriophage Associated With Wheys.Jour. of Dairy Sci. 70:10, 2022-2031.

Thurston, H. D. 1992. Sustainable PracticesFor Plant Disease Management inTraditional Farming Systems. Boulder:Westview.

Dear Readers

You are the purpose of Honey Bee.Assert your right. Write. :Ed.

Less water,no rust.Hhhm!!



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RISTI team member Pravin Rohithad gone to Kutawa village in

Mandvi Taluka of Surat district inGujarat for rechecking the indigenouspractices scouted by the students ofGram Vidhyapiths during their survey insummer. There was no possibility ofbus arriving for next few hours. Pravindecided to walk to nearby villages in themeanwhile to explore some newinstitutions or unique local knowledge orinnovations. After a walk of almostthree kilometers he arrived at Titoivillage. The village, surrounded by hillson three sides is located on the roadside. The forest on the hills is not very

dense and the dominant tree species are‘sag’ (Tectona grandis), ‘limda’(Azadirachta indica) and ‘timru’(Diospyros melanoxylon). Most of thevillagers reside on their farms, but thereare five settlements locally called ‘faliyoo’or hamlets. Each ‘faliyoo’ belongs toa particular caste.

The Village

It is a multicaste village havingChoudhary, Gamit, Vasava and Harijancommunities. The main occupations arefarming and cattle rearing. The cropscultivated are sorghum, pigeon pea,

maize, black gram and paddy. Thevillage has a post office, primary school,veterinary clinic, milk cooperative anda plant nursery. Literacy level is highwith people having studied up tograduation and post-graduation level.Only a couple of them have gone outfor jobs. Women are quite enterprisingand participate in most activities of thevillage.

How Does it Work

Villagers select three auspicious daysoccurring between ‘divasa’ and ‘rakshabandhan’- former a particular day inGujarati calendar and latter a nationalfestival generally occurring in the monthof August. The days are selected insuch a way that the festival does nothinder the sowing activities. Hence thedays vary according to rain. The entirevillage partakes in this institution andabides with its rules. The villagers arenot allowed to consume onion, garlic,meat and liquor during these three days.In the herbal tea drinking ceremony heldon the third day after the procession,each household contributes some cash,which is used for purchasing certain

1 The youth, who help elders in collection are asked to collect leaves, bark or roots, as the case may be, of each plant. But theynever disclosed the names of all the herbs or as to what that particular herb is used for. After much persuasion they divulged thelocal name of fifty herbs only. They are as follows: ‘gandhati’ (Saccolabium papillosum), ‘khakhra’ (Butea monosperma), ‘limda’(Azadirachta indica), ‘khajur’ (Phoenix sylvestris), ‘timru’ (Diospyros melanoxylon), ‘danto’ (Amaranthus gangeticus), ‘amarvela’(Cassytha filiformis), ‘sag’ (Tectona grandis), ‘kuvado’ (Leucas lavandulaefolia), ‘gudlu’ (Rhamnus triquetra), ‘khair’ (Acacia catechu),‘biyo’ (Pterocarpus marsupium), ‘thor’ (Euphorbia neriifolia), ‘aakdo’ (Calotropis gigantea), ‘ambda’ (Emblica fischeri), ‘baman jali’(Premna herbacea), ‘panipoth’ (Terwia nudilora), ‘pai’ (Dalbergia paniculata), ‘samdo’ (Bombax malabaricum), ‘bili’ (Aegle marmelos),‘anuchadi’ (Annona squamosa), ‘ratanjyoti’ (Jatropha curcas) ‘kamboi’ (Breynia retusa), ‘royani’ (Soymida febrifuga), ‘ragatrohido’(Tecomella undulata),‘kadga ni vale’,‘ronu’, ‘machalivale’, ‘guvabmaku’, ‘nilgiri’, ‘kagabi’, , ‘singbadi’, ‘kuvadiya’, ‘umro’, ‘vas’, ‘isu’,‘roapno’, ‘jag kahadu’, ‘bhas singhu’, ‘kathiya’, ‘kaditimri’, ‘guvad maki’, ‘teri’, ‘sapkanchri’, ‘van ni dodvi’, ‘siam’, ‘zeri’, ‘dadiki’,‘kadvi suran’.

Celebrating Biodiversity Through Titoi�sInformal Health Institution

Institution

This is a story of a unique local village health institution which is active for three days in the month of August. Duringthese three days all the villagers drink a concoction made out of one hundred and twenty five herbs1. This institutionencompasses entire gamut of issues like health of villagers and their domesticated animals, conservation of biodiversityand also awareness about their intellectual property rights. Such an idea perhaps also emphasises the sensitivity andreverence we need to have for our forests. This practice if followed in other villages can provide a key to good healthand conservation of our biodiversity. Pravin Rohit scouted this institution, which is documented here with the help ofother SRISTI team members.

S



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By not sharing the names of theherbs, are not the elders trying tomaintain their control overknowledge and perhaps avoidover exploitation of the resources.

items of common use for the villagers.On the third day, the village eldersdecide the wages to be paid foremploying labourers on the field. Thewages for the year 1999 were Rs.35and Rs.30 per day for tedious andsimple work respectively. Before 1999,the wages were Rs.30 per day for alltypes of work.

On the first day of the festival, theherbal experts, elders and youth of thevillage go to the nearby forest to collectone hundred and twenty five herbs . Oneimportant point to note here is thatcollection of herbs is not the domain ofany particular caste. It is a collectiveand community work irrespective ofany caste, creed or culture. The forestnear the village is not the repository ofall the herbs needed. Therefore herbsare also collected from the forests ofnearby villages like Jetpur, Kavadiya,Karitha and Sangalvadi. ‘Sag’ leaves arespread on the ground on which thecollected herbs are placed. The herbsare then ground and kept in a largevessel.

On the second day, it is customary foreach household to bring a litre of waterand pour it in the vessel having the groundherbs. The village priest stirs the mixturevery well, which is then filtered. Eachhousehold gets one litre of the filtrate andsome part of the residue. Each memberof the family drinks the filtrate. Domesticanimals are also given a portion of it. Theresidue is sprinkled all over the house andalso in the cattle shed. It is believed thatdrinking this concoction (a kind of herbaltea) and sprinkling the residue keepsailments like fever, common cold, and allcontagious diseases at bay. It is alsoclaimed to keep the livestock healthy andfit.

On the third day, a ‘toran’ (kind of a doorhanging) made of ‘asopalav’ (Poliyalthialongifolia) leaves and coconut fruits istied between two poles erected on theeither side of the road leading to forest.Also hung with the ‘toran’ is, a two feetlong hollow bamboo stick filled with theresidue of the filtrate. A procession of all

the villagers and their domesticatedanimals pass under the bamboo stickhung with ‘toran’. This procession finallystops at the nearby forest from wherethey had collected the herbs. They paytheir homage to the forest for providingthese herbs by burning sticks of incenseand offering coconut fruits.

Challenge Ahead

There are various kinds of beliefs attachedto this institution. Kaniyabhai Choudharyof the village assumes that if cattle shedsare not sprinkled with the mixture theiranimals are likely to fall prey to wildanimals. Vanjibhai Himabhai believes thatif someone plays truant from thecelebration then there might be squabblesin his house. Still further, UmadabhaiValiyabhai believes that various diseasesalways trouble the household in which thisdrink does not reach. The youth of this

village is eager and enthusiastic to carryon this health institution. But the eldersand the herbal experts of the village donot reveal all the names and uses of theplants. In spite of that, they are able toidentify many plants and their uses owingto the experience of so many years. Theysay that they are committed to keep thisinstitution alive, which shall go on withmutual cooperation. The example set bythis village by celebrating this institutionof health so religiously is worth emulatingby other villages of the country too. Bynot sharing the names of the herbs, arenot the elders trying to maintain theircontrol over knowledge and perhapsavoid over exploitation of the resources.However, village elders believe that theeffectiveness of the herbs will reduce ifthey reveal the name and uses of plants.

(NAPDB refers to Napralert database onNatural Products, University of Illinois,Chicago. NAPDB: Hot water extract of

Azadirachta indica is used to treat diabe-tes, fever and is used as a tonic. Ref: Shah,N. 1982. Herbal Folk Medicines in North-ern India. J. Ethnopharmacol. 6 (3): 293-301; Leaf decoction of Aegle marmelos isused for treating asthma. Root bark decoc-tion is used for heart palpitation. Ref:Shrivastava, R. 1985. Aegle marmelos: AnIpso Facto Plant of India. J. Res. Edu. Ind.Med. 4 (3-4): 21-25; Hot water extract ofAcacia catechu is used as an astringent. Itis also used to treat dysentery, gonorrhoeaand conjunctivitis. Ref: Deka, L et.al. 1983.Some Ayurvedic Important Plants from Dis-trict Kamrup (Assam). Ancient Sci. Life3(2): 108; Dried leaf decoction of Cassythafiliformis is used for internal parasites andindigestion. Ref: Weniger, B. et.al. 1986.Popular Medicine of the Central Plateauof Haiti Ethnopharmacological Inventory.J Ethnopharmacol 17 (1): 13-30 ; Decoc-tion of Jatropha curcas used for Venerealdiseases, diarrhea and as a laxative. Ref:Coee, F. et.al. 1996. Ethnobotany of theGarifuna of Eastern Nicaragua. J. Econ Bot50 (1): 71-107; Phoenix sylvestris rootsare used to cure jaundice. 25 g Smilaxzeylanica root and 50 g Phoenix sylvestrisroot are mixed, infused and given three timesdaily. Ref: Jain, Sp. 1989. Tribal Remediesfrom Saranda Forest, Bihar, India. Int. J.Crude Drug Res. 27 (1): 29-32; Hot waterextract of Tecomella undulata is used totreat enlarged spleen, gonorrhoea, leuco-derma and liver diseases. Ref: Joshi, K C.et.al. 1977. Quinones and other Constitu-ents from the Roots of Tecomella undulata.Planta. Med.3(1). NAPDB: Calotropisgigantea latex mixed with tamarind juice isused to relieve menstrual pains. Ref:Nagaraju. N. et.al. 1990. A Survey of PlantCrude Drugs of Rayalaseema, AndhraPradesh, India. J. Ethnopharmacol. 29 (2):137-158; Leaves of Annona squamosa witha pinch of Calcium carbonate and ash oftobacco leaves are mixed with castor oiland paste is used to treat wounds, boils andpeptic ulcers. Ref: Reddy, M. et.al. 1989. ASurvey of Plant Crude Drugs of AnantapurDistrict, Andhra Pradesh, India. Int. J.Crude Drug Res. 27(3): 145-155; Two-kgfresh bark of Bombax malabaricum isground, resulting juice is mixed with 250 gsugar. This is taken orally for two days fortreating chronic cases of Syphilis. Medi-cine is taken for seven days. Ref: Tiwari, K.et.al.1979. Folklore Medicines from Assamand Arunachal Pradesh (District Tirap).Int. J. Crude Drug Res. 17 (2): 61-67).



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Contd..on page 18

11301 Control of Eriophyid Mite inCoconut

riophyid mite is prevalent in mostcoconut growing regions of South

India. This pest has spread from Keralato Tamil Nadu. Due to the incidence ofthe mite, the nuts shrink and become smallin size, which affects their marketability.Further minute cracks and dryness arefound on the husk which make the de-husking operation difficult. Consequently,the coconut growers incur considerableloss.

To solve this problem, an agriculturelabourer Shri K.Chellamuthu,Karukkampalayam of Erode District inTamil Nadu, has developed a herbalformulation, which prevents this mite ina natural way. He takes equal amounts(one kg) of leaves of Custard apple(Annona squamosa), turmeric rhizome,'peenari changu' (Clerodendruminermi), ‘chothukatralai’ (Aloe vera),

‘nochi’ (Vitex negundo) and ‘neem’(Azadirachta indica) kernel. All theingredients are ground into a paste byadding sufficient water. This way aboutfive litre of juice is extracted. This isdiluted with another 15 litre of water.This herbal extract is administered intothe crown region at the rate of two litreper palm after the harvest of nuts. Thiscan be repeated once in two months i.e.during each harvesting time. He has alsotested it successfully in the gardens(1500 trees) of a few farmers in hisvillage. Mr. K.Chellamuthu has beenawarded Grassroot Innovation Awardviz SRISTI Sanman at the National levelby Honey Bee Network, during February2000.

According to studies by K C John(Catholicate College, Pathanathitta,)“applying rubber latex on the ‘mandari’(coconut eriophyid mite - Aceria gurreronis)affected portions of coconuts would save thetrees from this disease.” [www.33undp.org/mirrors/as/india/resources/agriculture/news/bl-c-3-00-coconut.html]. Ethanol-Water (1:1)extracts of dried aerial parts of Annonasquamosa have insecticidal activity (ConcUsed 1.0%). Ref. Atal, C K: Srivastava, JB: Wali, B K: Chakravarty, R B: Dhawan,B N: Rastogi, R P. 1978. Screening of IndianPlants for Biological Activity. Part VIII.Indian J. Exp. Biol. 16: 330-349.

See HB11(1):16, 2000 for other methods tocontrol mite

Farmer: K.Chellamuthu, Karukkampalayam,Erode.

11302 Harvesting Earheads in Paddy

Nowadays due to labour problem (highwages and shortage of labour) paddy isharvested by removing only the earheadsleaving the long stalk and stubbles toremain in the field. Later, the paddystraw is incorporated into the soil bytractor ploughing which is a goodmanuring practice and reduces the costof fertilisers.

Farmer: Jeyarajkumar, Pandasolanallur,Pondicherry.

11303 For Deworming in Animals

Twenty gram garlic (Allium sativum) ispounded well and mixed with 200 mlvinegar, and administered orally on a fullmoon day or one day before it. For anotherfour hours no feed or water is given. Thepractice of giving treatment during waxingphase of the moon is advised because themultiplication of worms in the gut of theanimal is very fast during that time;therefore the treatment would give bestcontrol and kill maximum worms on thefull moon day.

In a study on human patients, the therapeuticvalue of garlic in functional gastro-intestinaldisorders was studied in 29 patients. A

significant carminative effect, with a relief ofnausea, gascolic, flatulence, belching andheaviness was observed in 19 patients.[ w w w . m o d e r - n a t u r a l . c o m /allium_sativum.htm]. NAPBD: Alliumsativum decoction used for intestinal parasitesRef. Giron, L M: Freire, V: Alonzo, A: Caceres,A: 1991, Ethnobotanical Survey of theMedicinal Flora Used by the Caribs ofGuatemala. J Ethnopharmacol. 34 2/3: 173-187

See HB 4(2&3): 6, 1993, 7(4): 12, 1996,8(2):9, 1997, 11(1): 7-8, 2000 for otherpractices on deworming in animals.

Farmer: Jaison J Jerom, Chidambarapuram,Susindram, Kanyakumari.

Honey Bee

Num Vali Velanmai(Tamil Version of Honey Bee)P Vivekanandan, Editor, SEVA, 45, TPMNagar, Virattipathu, Madurai 625010, TamilNadu. email: [email protected]

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Control of Eriophyid Mite in Coconut



9

11305 Plant Protection by Things ofCommon use

rind seven kg of Vitex negundo,Ipomoea fistulosa and Pongamia

pinnata each with four kg of Calotropisprocera and boil in 20 litre of water forhalf an hour. Next day, filter the solution.Dilute this solution with 100 litre of waterand spray to control pest.

Extracts of Calotropis procera were testedagainst third instar larvae of the teakskeletonizer (Eutectona machaeralis) inlaboratory to evaluate their antifeedant andinsecticidal effects. It was found to beeffective and a potent antifeedant. Ref:Meshram P B, 1995, Special issue: focuson teak. Indian Forester.121: 6, 528-532; 7

NAPDB: Dried seed of Pongamia pinnataare toxic to insects. Ref: Nayar, S L: 1954,Poisonous seeds of India. Part II. J BombayNat. Hist. Soc. 52 2/3: 1-18. Leaves and thepresscake of Pongamia pinnata improvessoil fertility. Dried leaves have been usedfor repelling insect in stored grains. Thepress cake has pesticidal value when addedto the soil, specially against nematodes.[www.winrock .org / fores t ry / fac tpub /FACTSh/P_pinnata.html]

See HB 2(1): 18, 1991, 3(2): 17, 1992,4(2&3): 21, 1993, 5(4): 17, 1994, for otherpractices on controlling insect pests.

Boil 200 gm of Embelia ribes in two litreof water and filter it the next day. Dilutethis solution with 100 litre of water. Thediluted solution acts as a good sprayagainst insects and viral diseases.

Embelia ribes (False black pepper) hasbeen used traditionally to help maintain ahealthy skin and to support digestivefunction. Clinical studies have shown thatit also has a mild laxative activity and itsextracts are effective against ascarides.[www.ayurvedicconcepts. com/husa/p r o d u c t s / i n g r e d i e n t s /falseblackpepper.htm].

See HB 9(1): 8, 1998 for practices on otheruses of Embelia ribes

11306 Old Storage Areas

In Heggere village of Chitradurga district,while villagers were digging a foundationfor a village school, they excavated some

old storage areas. These are called‘hagevu’ in local terminology. The storagearea ‘hagevu’ was found to be plasteredwith lime and sand. These storage areashad 20-30 bags of stored pearl millet. Totheir surprise, villagers found them to befree from any pest and in good condition.Villagers shared those grains amongthemselves to eat.

Comm: Nagarathna B.K., GKVK,Bangalore.

11307 Protecting Coffee WithoutChemical Pesticides

About 400 g of the roots of Neriumoleander are cut into small pieces andsoaked in 1500 ml of water. To this, 20 gof turmeric powder is added and a pasteis made. The paste is applied to theinfected portion of the stem in such a waythat the insects come out of it and die.

All parts of Nerium oleander are verypoisonous. For example one leaf is enough

to cause death. Historically, “the poisonouseffect of the oleander has been well knownfor centuries. There are data relating to ithaving poisoned Napoleon’s soldiersduring one of their campaigns.” [library.thinkquest.org/C007974/1_1ole.htm].Laboratory studies were carried out toinvestigate the effects of acetone andpetroleum ether extracts of Lantana camaraand Nerium oleander on the mortality (after2, 3, 7, 14 and 21 days) and F1 progeny(after 60 days) of adults of Rhizoperthadominica. Petroleum ether extracts weremore effective than acetone extracts, andN. oleander extracts were more toxic thanL. camara extracts. Ref: Ellakwah F A;Hamed M S; Abdel Latif A M , Annals ofAgricultural Science, Moshtohor. 1996, 34:4, 1879-1905; 36. NAPDB: Fresh leaf ofNerium oleander is claimed to bepoisonous. Ref: Begum, S: Sultana, R:Siddiqui, B S: 1997, Triterpenoids from theleaves of Nerium oleander. Phytochemistry.44 2: 329-332

See HB 4(2&3): 16, 1993, 6(2): 9, 1995,9(4): 17, 1998, 10(1): 8, 1999 for otherpractices for controlling stem borer.

Comm: B. Basavaraju, Channarayapattana, Hassan.

11308 Control of Rats

A mixture containing ninety per centSesamum (Sesamum indicum) or

Ground nut (Arachis hypogaea) or Niger(Guizotia abyssinica) flour with five percent thick sugar crystals and five per centpowdered bulb or tube (waste bulb or tubelight) is placed in a bowl. Theseingredients are mixed well and placed nearthe rat hole so that they eat and die withina week.

See HB 2(1): 7, 1991, 4(2&3): 10, 1993,5(1): 19, 1994, 7(1): 12, 1996, 8(2): 8, 1997for other practices on controlling rats

Hittalagida(Kannada version of Honey Bee)T N Prakash, Editor, HittalagidaDept. of Agri. EconomicsUniversity of Agri. Science, GKVKBangalore - 560 065 Karnatakaemail: [email protected]

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Protecting Coffee Without Chemical Pesticides



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11309 Khatri : A Water HarvestingStructure

ousehold survival in high-riskenvironments such as mountains, drylands and flood prone regions requirestremendous creativity. The fact is thatdespite various odds, including lack ofpolicy support, so many communities andindividuals manage not only to conserveresources but also augment them. ‘Khatri’or ‘diggi’ is an innovative traditionalrainwater harvesting structure found in theSub-Himalayan regions of HimachalPradesh for storing fresh water. Use of‘khatri’ is prevalent among the people ofHamirpur and Kangda district ofHimachal Pradesh. An incident inBilaspur town in Himachal Pradesh ledpeople to opt more frequently forrainwater harvesting structure like‘khatri’. Few years back, pieces of fleshand hair were noticed in tank water inBilaspur town continuously for eight days.Upon inspection a dead animal was foundinside the tank. Thereafter people startedfetching water from ‘khatri’ as analternative to tank water and their interestin ‘khatri’ was revived. This rainwaterharvesting structure is a testimony of thetraditional knowledge of people as to howthey cope up under adverse environment.

The geology of this region is unique. Mostof the rocks in this area are of coarse-grained sandstone and quartzofeldspathicwith poor water retention capacity.Though the annual rainfall in this regionis as high as 2200 mm, the water stays

into the ‘khatri’. This water is absolutelyclean and fit for human consumption. Inthe rainy season, one can see the drops ofwater continuously dripping down fromthe roof of the ‘khatri’. In most cases, itcontinues for a month or two after themonsoon season and later stops. Theexcess water flows out from the entrance.A ‘khatri’ can be useful in two ways - first,we can collect rainwater in it and second,the rainwater keeps seeping into the‘khatri’ thus recharging the ground waterlevel. The capacity of a ‘khatri’ variesbetween 30,000 to 50,000 litre. As thewater is consumed over a period, peopleuse the steps to go down into the ‘khatri’to reach the water. People have found aninnovative use of the ‘khatri’, which aredried up. The ‘khatri’ in Hamirpur, whichis warm during the summer, provide a coolplace for the people to have their afternoonnap.

Construction of a ‘khatri’ requires a lotof hard work, but skillful masons find thiswork very easy. Two masons can built a‘khatri’ in twenty days. According to themasons, a ten feet ‘khatri’ of ten stepscosts Rs 10,000. A ‘khatri’ of this sizecan store 1,00,000 litre of water, whichmakes it quite economical. The cost of‘khatri’ is proportional to number of stepsin it. Masons can tell whether the ‘khatri’will have water round the year or onlyduring the monsoon season. Each househas its own ‘khatri’ in a few villages ofHamirpur district. In Unri village ofChangar area, almost all houses have builta ‘khatri’, alongside their cowshed, whichthey utilise during the nonavailability oftap water. Cost of building ‘khatri’ hasincreased manifolds in the past few years.The main reason being that the numberof masons having specialised knowledgeof building ‘khatri’ is dwindling. Butpeople of Himachal Pradesh are all set topreserve this traditional water harvestingstructure. Amen!

�Khatri' : A Traditional Rain Water Harvesting Structure

only for a short period of time on thesurface. This is a matter of major concernin this region. Due to soil erosion, slopesare created on the mountains in Hamirpurand Kangda districts. These slopes called‘supda’ are of two types - one is brittleand other is hard and strong. The hardand strong ‘supda’ is quarried and cutstones are used for making houses. Thebrittle ‘supda’ is the right place for

‘khatri’. The ‘khatri’ is generally locatedat the foothills by digging a horizontaltunnel of three to four metre length,followed by a vertical basin at the innerend. The tunnel is provided with stepsgoing down the basin. ‘Khatri’ can beowned by individuals or by communities.Individuals lock the door of ‘khatri’; forpreventing the water from beingcontaminated, but ‘khatri’ owned bycommunities are seldom locked. On aparticular hill, the ‘khatri’ can be dug atdifferent points but at the same level. Anew ‘khatri’ cannot be dug at a levelbelow the existing ones because the waterleaches down to the lowest available‘khatri’ from the one that is situatedabove.

The basic purpose is not to harvest thesurface run off but the rainwater that flowsthrough the rocks and soils of hillyregions. Rainwater seeps into the ‘khatri’through mountain slope. Good quality ofwater is collected in the basin because thewater filters down through the sandstone

This article is based on a contribution in the first issue of Makhir-the Pahari language version of Honey Bee. It hasbeen supplemented with information collected by Srinivas Chokkakula for an earlier study "Harnessing Wisdom forWatersheds" Gupta et al. (2000, forthcoming)

H

Makhir(Pahari version of Honey Bee)Dr A Chandan, ERA, Khundian, DistrictKangra, Himachal Pradesh 176030



11

Livestock Management

11310 Leaves of Marigold(Xeromphis uliginosa) for Getting Ridof Maggots

ometimes maggots are seen in thewounds of animals. These

maggots make the animal feel restless. Tocure this, Ratanben suggests the juice of‘galgota’ (marigold) leaves. The leavesare taken in proportion to the degree ofthe wound. The leaves are ground and

the juice obtained is applied on thewound. If applied twice a day for two daysthe juice kills the maggots and the woundis healed. There are very few people inthe village who know about this practice.Ratanben learned this technique from herforefathers. She suggests that if ‘galgota’leaves are not available then ‘sitafali’(Annona squamosa) leaves can also beused as a substitute.

Use of marigold for treating sore throat,wounds & burns has been known for a longtime. While the active ingredient remainsunknown, scientists have found that marigolddefinitely fights germs and promotes woundhealing. It has also been shown to reducefever and inflammation, stimulate the immunesystem and the production of bile, retard tumorgrowth and calm the central nervous system.Marigold is an ingredient in many skinproducts, cosmetics and preparation for stingsand frostbite (www.healthfile.com/current/tips).

Farmer: Ratanben Fathehsihbhai Chaudhari,Dhanjaba, Songadh Taluka, Surat. Comm:Pravin H Rohit

11311 Ash of ‘thor’ for IntestinalWorms

Intestinal worms are found in animals ofall ages, but in monsoon season theseworms are found more in calves andbuffaloes affecting their health adversely.Milching animals give less milk. To solvethis problem Shri Ramanlal Plarava ofKoba in Banswada District of Rajasthanhas suggested use of ash of ‘fafda thor’(Euphorbia spp.). He burns two to threebranches of ‘fafda thor’ and obtains its ash.He mixes 50 g of ash with water and givesit to the animal to drink once for two days.Shri Jaglabhai Tajubhai Barkota of thesame village also uses this practice.Another treatment for intestinal worms isto “make a powder after drying thefollowing: Holarrhena antidysentricabark (10%), Mentha piperita leaves(10%), Tinospora cordifola (40 %), Buteamonosperma seeds (20 %), Phyllanthusemblica (20%). Dose of three g each ofthis mixture twice a day helps eliminatingthe intestinal worms” (www.biznet.com).

See Honey Bee 4(2&3): 6,1993, 7(1): 7, 1996,8(2): 9,1997, 9(2): 8, 1998, 10(3): 8,1999 onpractices for preventing intestinal worms.

Farmer: Ramanlal Nathuji Plarava, Koba,Bagidra Taluka, Banswada. Collected duringFifth Shodhyatra by a SRISTI volunteer

Crop Protection

11312 Tobacco for Pest Control inMaize

Maize is the main crop in monsoon season(‘kharif’) in Sabarkantha, Panchmahal andBanaskantha districts of Gujarat. In thesedistricts, ‘gabhmar’ (Stem borer) is themain pest that damages maize. It attacksthe crop from the 20th day of sowing tillmaturity. Most farmers use pesticides toget rid of this pest. Rajnibhai of Modasataluka in Gujarat has found an innovative

solution to this problem. He mixes onekg of tobacco powder with five kg of sandfrom the riverbank. The mixture is mademoist bysprinkling 200to 250 ml wateron it. This isdone to preventthe lightt o b a c c opowder fromg e t t i n gs c a t t e r e d .Twenty daysafter sowingthe crop, themixture isslowly put inthe crown ofthe crop. Sixkg of thismixture is sufficient for one hectare ofland. Similar treatment is given on the40th day (from sowing) to control the pest.Approximately 100 farmers from nearbyvillages have started using this practice.The cost of using this technique comes toabout twenty-five rupees per hectare ofland.

Farmer: Rajnikantbhai Patel, 67, JivanjoytSociety, Meghraj Road, Modasa.

11313 Natural Pesticide

For the control of pest on crops, Badribhaiof Savli taluka has made a naturalpesticide using neem (Azadirachtaindica), cow urine and lime.

He takes 100 ml of neem oil; adds 75 to100 g of detergent/soap powder to it whileconstantly stirring till the oil coagulates.He further adds 500 ml of cow urine, 10litre of water and one litre of filtered limesolution to this mixtures. For preparingfiltered lime solution he mixes one kg oflime and ten litre of water and stirs it well.Once the lime settles down he slowlydecants the water from the top. He thenmixes neem oil, cow urine and the filteredsolution of lime with 15 litre of water. Themixture is then sprayed on the crop. He

Loksarvani(Gujarati Version of Honey Bee)C/o SRISTI, Post Box No. 15050, Ambawadi,Ahmedabad - 380 015

S

Leaves of Marigold for Getting Rid of Maggots



12

Grazing time ishere again !

11317 No Grazing After First Rain

Customarily it is seen that grasses grow within 15 to 25 days after the first rain. Butcaretakers of cattle in Meghraj Taluka in Gujarat do not allow their cattle to graze onthe grass after first rain. Shri Amrutbhai Valand of Iploda village in Meghraj Talukaobserves that there are various kinds of germs/insects on the grass that grow after thefirst rain. Theseg e r m s / i n s e c t scause variousdiseases. It isbelieved that afterfew more weeks,the germs/insectson the grass will bewashed off due tothe rain. Thevillagers havemade a custom thatonly after a cele-bration in the village temple the cattle would be allowed to graze. Amrutbhai saysthat all the villagers follow this custom without any hesitation.

See Honey Bee 6(2):15, 1995, 9(3):7,1998 for other community rules on grazing.

Farmer: Amrutbhai Prabhabhai Valand, Iploda, Meghraj Taluka, SabarkanthaComm: Ishwar Valand

has been using this technique for the lasteight years with very good returns.

Field trials were conducted in Nagpur,Maharashtra, India, to test the efficacy ofsome botanical and synthetic insecticides.Monocrotophos, fish oil resin soap,phosphamidon and Pongamia oil were themost effective treatments, followed bydimethoate, mahua [Madhuca longifolia] oiland neem oil. Ref: Katole S R; Thakare H S;Mahajan R K Journal of MaharashtraAgricultural Universities. 1993, 18: 1, 67-68; 6

See Honey Bee 8(4): 9,1997, 10(1): 7,1999,7(2): 3-4,1996 on other methods for makingherbal pesticides.

Farmer: Badribhai Somabhai Patel.Dharampur, Savli Taluka, Vadoadara

11314 Control of Termite byEuphorbia neriifolia

Shri Kiritbhai Patel of Sabarkantha hasused ‘thor’ (Euphorbia neriifolia) milkfor seed protection as a substitute forchemical pesticides. Twenty kg of seedscan be protected by 200 ml of ‘thor’ milkdiluted in one litre of water. Seeds ofvarious crops like paddy, castor, pearl

millet, maize and Sorghum are protectedby this method. This method is effectivefor all crops except the groundnut crop.For horticultural crops, one litre of ‘thor’milk diluted with 200 litre of water isenough for protecting these crops fromtermites. The solution is poured near theroots of the crop. If this treatment isgiven to the newly planted crops, it isbelieved that these crops would growfaster.

See Honey Bee 4(1):16, 1993, 5(2):17, 1994,5(3):12, 1994 for more uses of Euphorbianeriifolia.

Farmer: Kiritbhai Keshabhai Patel,Kishorpura, Modasa Taluka, Sabarkantha.Comm: Ishwar Valand

11315 Control of Heliothis in Okra(Abelmoschus esculentus)

When okra plants are infected by heliothisthe growth of the plant is affected, and yieldis reduced. To control it, one kg flour of‘methi’ (Trigonella foenum) is mixed withtwo litre of water. Mixture is kept asidefor 24 hr. Having diluted with 40 litre ofwater, the mixture is sprayed in one hectareof land. Within seven days, fifty per centof heliothis gets controlled. It is advisableto plough the field as early as possible afterharvest to destroy heliothis pupae.(www.dpi.qld.gov.au)

See Honey Bee 2(1): 14-15, 1991, 3 (374):3,1992, 9(3):10, 1998, 11(1):15,2000, on othermethods for controlling Heliothis.

Farmer: Kantibhai Nathabhai Vankar,Dhamniya, Lunavada Taluka, Panchmahal.Comm: Vankar Pravin N

Soil Management

11316 Rain Water to ImproveBrackish Soil

Kalubhai Thakor uses rainwater toimprove brackish soil. He fills his less

than one hectare of land with organicmanure before rain. Water getsaccumulated in the field because of thebund built around the land. Accumulatedwater is not allowed to drain out. Nextyear the same practice is repeated. Ifthis practice is followed for twoconsecutive years without growing anycrops then brackish soil can be convertedinto fertile land. Some grasses like‘dharo’ (Cynodon dactylon) and ‘samo’(Echinochloa frumentacea) do not growin brackish soil. If they crop up in thissoil in winter when the water dries up,it is an indication that the soil has turnedfertile. He grows paddy after the soilbecomes fertile. Many farmers of thevillage who have brackish soil haveused this technique.

(Similar practice is used in manyparts of Eastern India as well as CentralIndia: Ed.)

See Honey Bee 10(4): 13-14,1999 on practicefor reclamation of brackish soil.

Farmer: Kalubhai Pujabhai Thakor, Dehda,Taluka Khambhat, Anand. Comm: PravinRohit.



13

The National Innovation Foundation

in collaboration with

Honey Bee Network &Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad

National InnovationFoundationThe Department of Scienceand Technology, Governmentof India, constituted theNational InnovationFoundation, with an aim torecognise and support creativepotential of innovators at thegrassroots to help make Indiaself-reliant and a leader insustainable technologies. TheFoundation enables grassrootsinnovators to (a) build linkageswith science and technologicalexperts; (b) forge linkages withentrepreneurs and (c) pursueintellectual property rightsprotection and get venturepromotion support for smallinnovators.

The CompetitionThe NIF solicits entries aboutinnovations attempted byfarmers, artisans, fishermenand women, slum dwellers,workshop mechanics, localcommunities in managingnatural resources, biodiversity,developing new farmimplements, herbal pesticides,curing diseases, construction oflow cost environmentallybenign houses or any otheraspect of survival in urban andrural areas.

The AwardBased on a rigorous screeningprocess the first threeinnovations would be awardedRs. 50,000, Rs. 25,000 andRs.10,000 each. There wouldbe 500 consolation prizes ofRs.1,000 each depending uponthe number of entries andincremental inventiveness.

The award winning entrieswould also be published in theHoney Bee Newsletter, andincluded in the KnowledgeNetwork on SustainableTechnologies and Institutions.Intellectual Property Rights ofgrassroots innovators will beprotected. The winners of theFirst Annual NationalCompetition will be invited toHoney Bee Network andInnovators meeting at theIndian Institute of Management,Ahmedabad in February 2001.

How to ParticipateIndividuals or groups may sendas many entries as possible onplain paper providing genesis ofinnovation, background ofinnovation and innovators,accompanied by photographsand/or videos if possible andany other information that mayhelp in replicating innovationsby communities or individuals.The last date for the FirstAnnual Competition is January31, 2001. Entries for theSecond Annual Competition willbe accepted all year round tillSeptember 2001.

Where to send EntriesProf Anil K. Gupta, Executive Vice ChairpersonNational Innovation Foundation and Professor IIM - Ahmedabad380 015, GujaratOrNational Coordinator, National Innovation FoundationPO Box 15051, Ahmedabad 380 015, Gujaratemail : [email protected]

CompetitionFirst Annual Nationalannounces

Innovationsfor Scouting GrassrootsTechnological

Space courtesy: SRISTI



14

An appeal to the budding cartoSend us your entries on themes com

Creativity, Experimentation, In

Source: HB4(2&3): 2, 1993

Ada

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Why didn't I subscribeto Honey Bee !!There must be an easier way to

crack walnut shells !

Thank you professor. Can Istore my sickles & seeds in it?

English Honey Beefor farmer ! AH !

Source: HB3(1): 7, 1992So

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: H

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15

MR. President, there is a person called Columbus, standingoutside. He claims that since he had discovered America,it belongs to him !

Does it matterbecause of whose

exploitationwe die?

Another perspective on Intellectual property right debate.

oonists. Do you have it in you?mpatible with Honey Bee's vision ofnnovation & Sustainable world.

MNCs

MNCs

IndianCompanies

Source: HB3(1): 1, 1992

Source: HB4(4): 7, 1993Source: HB5(1): 6, 1994

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16

SRISTI and Honey Bee Networkannounce

Second International Competitionfor Scouting Grassroots Innovations inSurvival Technologies, Institutions and Education 2001

SRISTIP.O. Box 15050, Ahmedabad 380015, India

OR

Prof Anil K GuptaCoordinator, SRISTI and Honey Bee Network,Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad 380015, [email protected], http://www.sristi.org

Last date for submission of entries : June 30, 2001

Where to send entries?

The Contest

Any body who has comeacross some innovationsattempted by farmers,artisans, fishermen andwomen, slum dwellers,workshop mechanics, primaryor secondary school teachers,local communities inmanaging natural resources,biodiversity, developing newfarm implements, herbalpesticides, curing diseases,building houses, revivingculture, enrolling children orimproving primaryeducational performance, or

any other field of humanknowledge, survival andlivelihood can participate.

The Award

The award winning entrieswill be published in HoneyBee Newsletter, included inKnowledge Network onSustainable Technologies andInstitutions, Multi-mediamulti-language data base onGrassroots Innovationskeeping intellectual propertyrights of innovators intact andthe awardees will be invitedto Honey Bee Network

meeting in India.

How to participate?

You may send as many entriesas possible on plain paperproviding genesis ofinnovation, background ofinnovation / innovator/s,origin of idea, accompaniedby photographs and/or videosif possible, and any otherinformation that may help inreplicating innovation/s iffound suitable bycommunities or individualsglobally.

Give me a place tostand and I will movethe world

Co-sponsored by UNESCO, New Delhi



17

evelopinga variety

of cauliflowerwhich attractsattention of fellowvillagers, experts aswell as top levelpolicy planners is atask no more

beyond the capacity of ordinary farmers.Jagdish Prasad Parikh of Ajitgarh hasachieved this distinction through his sharpeye for oddity and persistent efforts toselect unique plants. Ajitgarh is a partlyirrigated village in Sikar district ofRajasthan. The journey from Sikar takesaround four hours to reach Ajitgarh. Thetown is situated on both sides of the road.On the eastern side there are hills withhardly any vegetation except grass. Thepopulation of the village is around 10,000and 80 per cent of the villagers pursuefarming.

Background

“At one place met, one farmer and a citydweller’They went into a debate on who is moreimportant,Urban fellow said, “For recreation andgetting cured you have to visit city”On that the rustic said, “we live in sylvansurroundings and take nutritious diet,Why should we bother to visit yourhospitals” (Jagdish Parikh)

Born on 4th Feb 1947 in a Brahmin family,Jagdish Prasad Parikh has pursued severalprofessions before taking up farming as afull time profession. He is famous forproducing cauliflower weighing as much

as 12 kg, six ft. long ridge gourd, three ft.long brinjal, seven ft. long bottle gourdand 86 kg pumpkin. He is a cynosure ofthe village for his skills as a localorthopaedist and for his effusive poems.His poems provide a vent to his frustrationwith politicians and the governmentmachinery. While talking to him, twoboys were brought who could barely walkto his house. They had sprains in theirlegs. His traditional method of treatmentsaw those boys running while leaving hisplace within a matter of few minutes1 .Such is the quality of his treatment.

His maternal uncle Shri Jawaharlaladopted him when he was still an infant.He studied till the higher secondary level.

For a few years he worked for agovernment undertaking in the oil sectorat Assam. He learnt his orthopaedic skillsfrom a Muslim healer who used to treatlabourers in Assam. As he was the onlyson of his parents he was forced to quithis job and start farming on the fieldowned by his maternal uncle. He has foursons. Except his youngest son, others donot pursue farming. The eldest of themruns a dairy while the other two are intotrading and transportation. Whenever hiscrop matures his sons help him in not onlytransporting but also in deciding where tosell the produce.

He has 1.6 hectare of farm land, adjacent

to his house. He has six buffaloes andthree goats. Presently, he is focussingmainly on cauliflower crop but he alsocultivates wheat, pearl millet, bottle gourd,brinjal, pumpkin and ridge gourd. Thereason for shifting his focus to vegetablecrops in general and cauliflower crop inparticular is that it brings in recurringrevenue. Last year, he earned a profit ofninety thousand rupees from hiscauliflower crop only and that too withoutany chemical input. Shri Parikh is called‘Gobiwala’ in his village and otherneighbouring villages for producing bigcauliflowers. He has presented severalsuch cauliflowers to number of eminentpersonalities.

Development of New Variety

It all started in the year 1970 when ShriParikh went to bring seeds from CharDarwaja area in Jaipur. There he sawsome saplings of cauliflower in a farmer’sfarm, which seemed very different. (Sincethen the landscape of that place haschanged. In place of the farm, a numberof residential colonies have come up). Heborrowed a few of those cauliflowersaplings from that farmer and plantedthese near the well in his fields. Fruitswere white in colour and bigger than thenormal size. He decided to make seedsout of a few selected big cauliflowers.Again, to develop seeds for the next year,he selected the biggest cauliflower. Seedsproduced were used next year. Hecontinued this practice for more than 25years. The outcome of these 25 years ofinformal research has been thedevelopment of seeds, which producecauliflower of average weight around

1 He asked the boys to lie down on the mat with their back facing the sky. He pressed a vein near the ankle of the boy. Andthen pulled the ankle very smoothly. Before the boy could comprehend what was going on, he was cured of the sprain.

Jagdish Prasad Parikh: A Plant Breeder, Poetand Local Orthopaedist

Profile

D

A topldi

Honey Bee network thrives primarily through active support of innovators themselves in discovering other innovations.The chain of innovation so formed provides sustainability to the network. The Honey Bee network can survive withoutany external support so long as this chain works. Shri Sundaram himself an innovator discovered Shri Parikh. SRISTIteam particularly Sundaram and Pradeep K Singh have helped prepare this narrative. Readers are requested to addto this chain of scouting innovation. Limca Book of Records has also decided to include Jagdish Prasad's contributionin their next edition.

Jagdish Prasad Parikh of Ajitgarh hasachieved this distinction through hissharp eye for oddity and persistentefforts to select unique plants.



18

eight kg. The biggest cauliflower that hehas produced till date is that of 12 kg 100g in weight. Yield of cauliflower from hisfarm is around 50 tons per hectare, anexample he has set for others to emulate.In the year 1999, he grew 61 tons ofcauliflower on the 1.2 hectare land.

Ajitgarh Selection

He has christened the variety ofcauliflower developed by him as ‘Ajitgarhselection’. His variety differs from otherhybrid varieties in number of ways. ShriParikh claims, “this variety is moreresistant to diseases as compared to other

hybrid varieties”. He further claims thatcauliflower from his farm taste better thanthat of others who use chemical pesticides.Shri Sundaram Varma, himself being awell-known plant breeder (See HB 7(1):11,1996) has also worked on this varietyand discovered that this variety could begrown round the year. Shri Parikh hasstarted growing three crops in a year fromthis variety since then. He further adds thatthe vegetable vendors of Shahpura, Neemka Thana, Ajitgarh and Chaumu waiteagerly for his cauliflowers. The variouscharacteristics of this variety comparedwith other varieties are given in Tab 1:

Characteristics Ajitgarh Other- Selection Hybrid

VarietiesHeight of theplant 3-4 ft 1-2 ft

Thickness ofstem 1.5-2.5" 1-2"

Size of leaves 1.5- 2 ft 0.5-1 ft

Texture ofleaves Rough Smooth

Spacingbetween plants 2 ft 1ft

Spacingbetween rows 1.5 ft 1 ft

Cultivation Method

He grows his own seedlings. Saplings areready for transferring 20-22 days aftersowing. It is ensured that saplings are atleast three inches in height before they aretransferred from the nursery. The stemshould not be too long otherwise it wouldnot be able to take the weight of the flower.Enough care is taken regarding thespacing of the plant. Watering is neededevery third day before transferring fromnursery and thereafter every fifth day.Watering is done only when leaves showsign of dryness otherwise too much ofwater can spoil the crop.

Shri Parikh has never used pesticides orchemical fertilisers. It was his maternaluncle who inspired him to go in fororganic farming. He mainly uses organicmanure. For making organic manure hedigs pits of 10x7x3 cu ft. dimension. Hespreads a ten cm thick layer of grassstubbles, left over animal fodder etc. Hethen puts a 25 cm thick layer of cow dung.This is followed by a layer of around 10cm of finely cut neem and ‘aakdo’ leaves.Further, layers of cow dung and neemleaves are repeated till the pit is almostfilled. Then forty litre of water is pouredinto the pit. After every fortnight the pitis stirred and contents are turned upsidedown. Organic manure is ready for useafter three months. Beside this, he alsouses earthworms. He uses soil treated byearthworms as manure, which hasincreased his yield.

Normally, crop of cauliflower getsinfested with mosaic, which severelyaffects leaves of the cauliflower. Tocontrol this disease, he uses 100 g coppersulphate, 400 g ash and 100 g lime. Thismixture is spread over the field by blowingit through a blow pipe. About 1.5 kg ofthis mixture is sufficient for dusting overa hectare of crop. Another disease, whichaffects this crop, leads to formation ofblack spots on the flowers. These blackspots occur due to cloudy atmosphere anddew. To save the crop, he covers thecauliflower by using its leaves.

Shri Mangeylal Mali, Shri Badri Gujar,Shri Mohanlal Yadav and Shri PrahladGujar-his fellow villagers-had purchased

saplings from him. They were forthrightin saying that their income increased four

folds by growing this variety ofcauliflower.

When Innovation Becomes a Problem

A problem he faces is that it is difficult tosell such huge cauliflowers. Nobody isready to buy these cauliflowers fordomestic purpose. He pleads formarketing support from different channelsso that his cauliflowers find their way tohotels and other big consumers.

Recognition and Honour

Shri Parikh has won a number of prizesand awards. He is a member of thecommittee on rural programmes of AllIndia Radio, Jaipur. Agricultural collegesfrom nearby towns have invited him todeliver lecture on organic farming for thePost-Graduate students. During theAnnual Meeting of the Honey BeeNetwork on February 20, 2000 he wasawarded the SRISTI Sanman. Limca Bookof Records (LBR) after reading about thehonour given by Honey Bee network,decided to include his innovation in thelatest edition of LBR.

Future Plans

The foremost thing in Shri Parikh’s mindis to get his 'Ajitgarh selection' patentedso that he is secure from illegal use of hisvariety of cauliflower. He wants to breakthe existing world record of the largestcauliflower weighing more than 14 kg tobe included in the Guinness Book ofWorld Records. Further he wants toproduce pumpkin weighing 100 kg. Thesefeats look achievable if he is provided withsome support like regular supply ofelectricity or other means of regularirrigation of his crops. Central and StateGovernment shall hopefully come to hisrescue.



19

he Honey Bee network has beenorganising ‘shodhyatra’, (a journey

of exploration on foot through thevillages), twice a year in summer andwinter, for the last three years along withinnovators and other members of thenetwork. We undertook our fifth'shodhyatra’ from Kasana village inSabarkantha district of Gujarat to Kobavillage in Rajasthan. We have walked formore than 1200 km so far.

Familiarity Breeds Contempt

We covered a distance of about 135-kmin the course of nine days (June 20-28,2000). The journey included a total of 46villages, six talukas, four districts and twostates. This journey gave us a rareopportunity to meet and interact withseveral innovative farmers, artisans, andlocal knowledge experts. We alsohonoured some of the outstandingknowledge experts right at their doorstepto convey that their knowledge andinnovations matter. Such unsung heroesof our society have remainedunrecognised for so long. Unless outsidershonour such experts, local persons andother members of society somehow do notseem to acknowledge their expertise. Is itbecause of too much familiarity?

In Kasana village we met Shri BabubhaiDnanabhai Tral who is believed to be anexpert in removing thorns. He has beenproviding this service for the last 20 years

�Shodhyatra� : Rekindling the Spirit of Innovativeness in theSociety

to people from nearby villages. He claimsthat if a person eats the leaves of ‘angori’(Balanites roxburghii) then the thorncomes out easily without any pain (a claimwhich needs to be tested). He adds thathe has removed thorns as old as three yearsby this method. In the same village, 77-year-old ‘pashuvaidya’ (animal healer)Shri Savantsingh Chauhan shared hisindigenous methods of treating animals byusing various kinds of herbs.

Shri Ratanbhai Shivabhai Patel of MotiMoydi village told us that seventy per centof the farmers in his village used chemicalfertilisers. They have observed an increasein the diseases of paddy by the use of

chemical fertilisers. To control this, hesuggested that they could soak seeds insour buttermilk and dry these beforesowing. Gangaben Somabhai Pandod ofRoyani village in Meghraj taluka ofGujarat used her indigenous knowledgeto store grains, cereals and pulses. Shemixed the chaff of gram and wheat to storegram and wheat respectively and to protectthese from pests (See Honey Bee4(1);12,1993: 9(4):3,1998 for use of

chaff). She also claimed that the smokeof properly burnt dried fish helped incontrolling the leaf curl disease of chilies(See HB 7(1):13,1996, 9(4):17,1998,10(1): 14,1999 for other methods tocontrol leaf curl disease).

Shri Javabhai Khatubhai Damor (LimdiTimba, Meghraj taluka, Gujarat) sharedwith us a method of growing chiliseedlings. Some grasses and other organicwaste matter are burnt in the field whereone wants to plant the seedlings. Theground is dug, and the ash is uniformlyspread before sowing the seeds. Finallythe ground is covered with the leaves of‘khakhra’ (Butea monosperma) or ‘sag’(Tectona grandis). Seedlings growproperly within five to seven days.Burning leaves and organic waste issupposed to destroy various pests liketermite and weeds.

Shri Sohanlal Tavadiya of Chaja villagein Bagidra taluka of Rajasthan gave usvarious examples of local solutions thathe used in his day-to-day life. For instantone could use leaves of neem, oil of castor,ash and gram powder for storing grains.To stop loose motion in children heprescribed ten drops of milk from Banyantree and five pieces of ‘patasa’ (sugarbiscuits). Marching towards the end of ourjourney we met Durgasankar D Nagar, ateacher in Kanela village of Bagidra talukaof Rajasthan. He narrated one of hisexperiences of planting mango tree in hisfarm. Each time he planted them, theseedlings would die due to the attack ofwhite ants. At that time he recalled aperson whom he had met some 30 yearsago who perhaps had a solution to thisproblem. He went to him and narratedhis problem. The solution he got fromhis friend was very interesting. One couldadd the ash of teak leaves and cow dungat the base of the pit and also around themango tree to prevent attack of termites(See HB 2(1): 15, 1992; 4 (2 & 3): 11,1993; 7(1): 13, 1996; 8(1): 9, 1997 and

T

Unless outsiders honour suchexperts, local persons and othermembers of society somehow donot seem to acknowledge theirexpertise. Is it because of too muchfamiliarity?



20

11304 Inter-cropping

i. For Sugarcane

Groundnut, Blackgram, and Greengramare raised as intercrops in the earlystages of Sugarcane. After the harvestof the pods, the plant residues are leftin the field as mulch for Sugarcanecrop.

Farmer: V.Sadhasivam, Pandasolanallur,Pondicherry.

ii. For Groundnut

When Black gram is raised in theirrigation channels of the main fieldwith groundnut crop, the incidence ofgroundnut pests is reduced. Castor isalso sown as border crop in the fieldwith groundnut as main crop. Castoracts as a trap crop for control of larvalpests of the groundnut crop. Beforecultivating the groundnut crop, Bajrais raised. After the harvest of Bajraearheads, the stumbles and cropresidues are left in the field to dry andlater incorporated into the soil byploughing. This is believed to reducethe incidence of nematodes in thesucceeding groundnut crop.

Farmer: R.Venkatasubbu, Pandasolanallur,Pondicherry.

See HB 3(2): 13, 1992, 4(1): 9, 1993, 9(4):11, 1998, 10(4): 7, 1999 for other methodson inter-cropping.

9(3): 15, 1998 for other methods to controltermite). We asked him as to why did hetake such a long time to recall thissolution. And why did he never share itwith others in his class or village. Whathe said provided a rich insight about theinnovation on remaining unknown to thelarger public. He said, “There was no‘context’ in which he could have sharedsuch a solution”. We kept thinking aboutthe reason for an absence of this contextin our society.

We came across Shri BalbhadrasinghRathod, an innovative teacher in Naharpurvillage. He used pictures of fruits, utensils,birds etc., to form different alphabets. Thismethod enabled students to grasp fasterand remember the alphabets easily.

Activities like biodiversity contest andembroidery contest were also organisedduring the ‘shodhyatra’. Eightbiodiversity contests were organised anda total of 166 students participated in thesecontests. The students were asked toidentify the maximum number of plantsand their uses. Twenty-one students weregiven awards for their knowledge aboutvarious uses of local plants. They showedtremendous enthusiasm and the contestsalso showed that the knowledge of plantsin the local communities was immense.An embroidery contest was held in Kasanavillage of Gujarat in which fifteen womentook part. Three participants viz.Shardaben, Parvatiben and Radhikaben ofKasana village of Gujarat showedextraordinary performance and were givenprizes.

In order to build confidence of the localpeople in their ability to developinnovative solutions on their own, thevillagers were shown innovations done byothers through the multi-lingual, multi-media Honey Bee database. It triggeredthe curiosity of the farmers, men andwomen as well as young children aboutinnovations. Many innovators likeAmruthbhai, Bhanjibhai, Badribhai,Rajnikar Kanadiya also shared theirrespective innovations with the localpeople. Impromptu plays were alsoperformed about the importance ofsustainable agriculture. The play evoked

tremendous response among the youngand the old. Badribhai took the lead inenacting the play.

During the course of nine days, we metseveral farmer men and women, local vets,and teachers who used their indigenous

knowledge to solve their day-to-dayproblems. Totally, 49 innovators werehonoured. Among them, 24 were localvets who were experts in their respectivefield. Most of them were serving theirfellow villagers voluntarily. Five womenwere also honoured for their indigenousknowledge about livestock management,grain storage and plant protection.

SRISTI team appealed to the villagers toset up ‘gyan van’ (knowledge forest) intheir villages to preserve various speciesof medicinal and useful plants. The ‘gyan

van’ could be set up on a small piece ofland either owned by the ‘panchayat’ orsome interested farmer. They couldcollect some of the threatened speciesfrom the nearby forests, plant them andlook after them. The villagers could thenuse those plants for personal use butwould not let the trees be cut. Thevillagers were excited in many places asit was a totally new concept for them andthey agreed to set up ‘gyan van’ in theirvillages. The youth of the villages seemedto be more enthusiastic in this endeavour.

‘Shodhyatra’ is one of the many meanspursued by SRISTI for promotingparticipatory learning and dissemination

of experimental and inventive ethicsamong communities. The practicesscouted during the ‘shodhyatra’ shall befurther verified and then added tocomputerised database with the names andaddresses of the innovators as well as thecommunicators. SRISTI will carry on itssearch for odd balls and local innovationsin its next ‘shodhyatra’ scheduled inDecember 2000 (Dec 23rd till Jan 2), fromNasik (Maharashtra) to Navsari (Gujarat).May the spirit of collegial learning,experimentation and innovation grow.Readers interested in joining next‘shodhyatra’ should write back soon.

Contd... from page 6

He said, “There was no ‘context’ inwhich he could have shared such asolution”. We kept thinking aboutthe reason for an absence of thiscontext in our society.



21

edicating patches of forests todeities is one of the many ways

of worshipping nature. These pockets ofvegetation are called as Sacred Grove(SGs). Our study identified in all fifty-six sacred groves within and around theBalaram-Ambaji and Jessore sanctuariesin Gujarat. Some of these groves standapart from the surrounding degradedconditions while others appear as a slightvariation from the neighbourhood. Out of56 sacred groves, 29 were studied to lookinto the history of SGs, the rules foraccessing the grove, determining who wasentitled to enter, what was the boundaryand how allocation of usufruct was made,if at all. The study also looked into themanagement of the SGs and approach ofconflict resolution. The eco-culturalinterface, traditional beliefs, floristiccomposition and faunal diversity, natureand extent of threats were also looked into.The size of these twenty-nine grovesranged from one to seven acres.

Ownership Pattern

In terms of legal status, the sacred grovesin the sanctuary area are situated on landsgoverned by Forest Department orRevenue Department or are owned byprivate individuals.

In some of the places where‘grampanchayat’ is the owner of a sacredgrove, it collects money for the ‘pooja’(prayer) and also looks after thedevelopment of the village. In Khuniyavillage, a charitable trust is registeredformally to look after the sacred site. InBalaram Mahadev, a trust was establishedin 1952. The Rabari and Prajapaticommunities of Palanpur district mainlycontributed in this regard. In Kantiyavasvillage, a priest looks after the Dungarpurigrove. The Bajothiya sacred grove ismanaged by a trust in Rampura village,and looked after by a priest who is paidRupees 500 per month. The trust hasshown interest in expanding the SG to the

Sacred Groves in Dryland Sanctuaries

Kedarnath MahadevKedarnath Mahadev temple is a few km fromBalundra village situated in JessoreMountain range, amongst a thick grove oftrees. It is believed that the ‘kund’(waterbody) found here was earlier used by thePandavas for drinking water and performingreligious penance. Father of ChhaganjiMaharaj of Balundra developed this site andnamed it after his grandfather Kedarnath.Since then the members of this family areworking as priests.

Over a century ago, the landlords of the sixnearby villages decided that one bundle ofwheat per field should be donated for themaintenance of Kedarnathji temple. Thesebundles are collected at one place in thevillage and wheat is threshed at the temple'sexpense. The grain is used for feedingvisiting priests as well as birds. This rule isstill followed very religiously. A farmer, whodoes not grow wheat, happily contributesequivalent amount of money. People do notstint in this regard.

Floral Diversity

Some 50 years ago, Jessore forest,surrounding Kedarnathji Mahadev templeused to be a thick forest. The species presentin one km radius of the holy temple and theirapproximate number are: Eugenia jambu(15), Pongamia pinnata (150), Emblicaofficinalis (100), Ficus religiosa (200),coconut (5), Derris indica (100), Sterculiaurens (50), Diospyros montana (300),banana (1), Tamarindus indica (50),Commiiphora wightii (150), Aeglemarmelos (200). Also there are bamboo,Butea monosperma and medicinal herbs inabundance. Villagers claimed that there aresome trees, which are more than 100 yearsold.

Faunal Diversity

It is home to numerous wild animals andbirds like bear, leopard, hyena, fox, monkey,mongoose, snake, blue bull, peacock,paradise flycatcher, lesser golden backedwood pecker, Black redstart etc. ShriChhaganji reveals that many a times bearsare visible even during the daytime. Duringthe last 50 years, the population of theseanimals has decreased considerably.Deforestation and hunting of animals hasreportedly lead to decline in wildlifepopulation.

D

DrylandBiodiversity

nearby forestland that has only ‘gandabawal’ (Prosopis juliflora) trees atpresent. Income from the temple isutilised for the development of the shrine,construction of the bore well, andplantation of trees.

Management

The rules and regulations vary regardingthe nature and extent of access to men andwomen in various rituals, festivals andceremonies that take place in the groves.Different norms are followed fordetermining the pattern of harvest ofbiomass from the groves. Managementsystem of groves vary from one sacredgrove to another. The sacred groves havebeen classified into two categories basedon the rules and regulations. Twelvegroves with stringent regulations have

been termed as strong groves. Forexample a particular community is notallowed to enter Visweshwar sacredgrove. Similarly in Valteswar sacredgrove ‘adivasis’ cannot take part infestivals associated with it. Women arenot allowed access in Antarsha Dargah(we obviously find this disconcerting.:Ed). Whereas rest of the seventeen fallunder the category of weak sacred groves,as their rules are not rigid.

Strong Sacred Groves

Antarsha Dargah (Danta), BalaramMahadev (Balaram), Dharmta(Chitrasani), Gurumaharaj ni dhuni(Khermal), Iswani Mahadev (Iswani),Jognimataji-no-choro (Manpuriya),Kedarnath (Balundra), Kengmal Dungari-



22

12. Sembalpani, HB6(4):16,199513. Virchand Chowdhary, Solan, HP, Comm:

Durgadas Sharma, HB10(4):8,199914. Ambavibhai Dubaria, Kutch, Comm:

Nanjibhai Makwana, HB2(1):20,199115. Manibhai Bhagore, Sabarkantha, Comm:

Thakore Ramsinh, HB2(1):21,199116. Dahyabhai K Ahir, Jamnagar, Comm:

Jayarambhai K Patel, HB2(1):21,199117. Comm: Pramod K Jain, HB5(2):13,199418. Comm: Pramod K Jain, HB5(2):13,199419. Sembalpani, HB6(4):16,199520. Narayanan Annamangalam, Tricy, Comm:

P. Vivekanandan, HB7(3):9,199621. Comm: S K Pradhan, HB10(1):4,199422. Panchavarnam, Sivagangai, HB10(3):

8,199923. Comm: Shaheen Khan, HB9(2):17,199824. Kalusinh Rathod, Mehsana, Comm:

Ranjitsinh M Rathod, HB2(1):20,199125. Ambavibhai Dubaria, Rapar, Comm:

Nanjibhai Makwana, HB2(1):20,199126. Comm: Pramao K Jain, HB5(2):13,199427. Chhaganbhai Lukarvadia, Amreli, Comm:

Thakore Morarji, HB2(1):20,199128. Periya Mattu Vadagam, HB5(2):13,199429. Sudhirbhai D Prajapati, Banaskantha,

HB3(2):20,199230. Lakhabhai Bhavnagar, Comm: D Koradiya

& Kirit Patel, HB8(2):15,199731. Comm: Bhanjibhai B Boliya,

HB3(2):20,199232. Comm; P Vivekanandan, HB6(4):9,199533. Comm: Parmar Kamabhai, HB2(1):20,199134. Ambavibhai Dubaria, Kutch, Comm:

Nanjibhai Makwana, HB2(1):20,199135. Hajabhai Dudharejiya, Surendranagar,

Comm: B Deviya, HB2(1):20,199136. Javanji Thakarda, Sabarkantha, Comm:

Amrutbhai Chavda, HB2(1):20,199137. Narayanan Annamangalam, Trichy, Comm:

P. Vivekanandan, HB7(3):9,199638. Comm; M Selvanayagam, HB3(3&4):

13,199239. Atmarambhai Abhibhai, Gandhinagar,

Comm: Rathod Vimla, HB4(4):17,199340. Maganbhai Hirabhai Patel, Mehsana,

Comm: Anilkumar S Patel, HB2(1):20,199141. Comm: Pramaod K Jain, HB5(2):13,199442. Rosalie Malik, Raigad, Maharashtra,

HB10(4):11,1994

Cleland, P.C.; Chamnanpood, P., Baldock, F.C.and Gleeson, L.J. 1995. Questionariesurvey of foot and mouth disease (FMD)and of FMD control by Vaccination invillages in northern Thailand. Revue-S c i e n t i f i q u e - e t - Te c h n i q u e - O f f i c e -International-des-Epizooties. 14:3, 567-575.

Dora, J.F.P.; Nunes, J.C.C.; Silveria, J.C.J-da;Jorgens, E.N.; Rosenberg, F.J; Astudillo,V.M.; and Da- Silveira, J.C.G. 1984.Epidemic of foot and mouth disease inBage, RS, Brazil, 1980. Evaluation oftwo systems of Vacccination. Boletin-del-Centro-Panaamericano-de-Fiebre-Aftosa. 1984, No. 49-50, 3-9, 11-17.

Lombart, M; Detraz,N; Dauvergne, M; Preaud,J.M. and Mougeot, H. 1987, Identificationof European and Asian FMDV strains bysubtyping and electrofocussing appliedto viral proteins. Foot and Mouth Disease.17th Conference of the OIE Foot andMouth Disease Commission. Paris, 1-3 October, 1986. 1987, 196-222

Lorenz, R.J. 1988. A cost effectiveness studyon the vaccination against foot andmouth disease (FMD) in the FederalRepublic of Germany. Acta-Veterinaria-Scandinavica. 1988, Suppl. 84,427-429:Fifth International Symposium onVeterinary Epidemiology and Economics,Copenhagen, Denmark, 25-29 July, 1988.

Gupta Anil K and Karma Ura, Indigenousfarming, Technologies and Environment:Experience in Bhutan, 1992.

Contd... from HB 11(2): 6, 2000; References of Managing Foot and Mouth Disease Through Innovative Traditions

Khetlabapji (Kherani umbri), MakanpuriMaharajini Dhuni (Ukrada), Musadevi(Rupvas), Sankal Mata (Khemrajiya), andThurmata (Rinchhdi).

Weak Sacred Groves

Ambemata (Khuniya), Bajothya Mahadev(Rampura), Bhakhariyo Virbavji(Chokibor), Bhakhorbavsi (Piplavalivav),Butiyo Bhakhar (Taleti), Chamunda-Ambemata (Khara), Digmabapji(Padaliya), Dungarpuri (Kantiyavas),Gurubavjino Bhakhro (Gavra), KagraBapji (Viramveri), Kalabapji (Bheraji)(Surela), Kengmal Bapji (Dabhchitra),

Mahadev Chori), Mahakalivav (Khapra),Virbapji (Kanbiyavas), VirshankarMahadev (Ghanta), and Visweshwar(Kapasiya).

If anybody is found cutting a tree, the trustor management committee imposes a fineranging from rupees ten to hundred.Consuming alcohol or meat in sacredgrove is strictly prohibited. The offender,if unable to pay the fine is declared pariahby the head.

Rituals and Worships

Religion has played an important rolein the evolution of sacred groves. These

are considered to be the precincts of thegods. Stone is believed to be theembodiment of the god/goddess andtherefore considered sacred in almost allsacred groves. On fulfilment of a wish,an offering of terracotta horses is atradition. This is prevalent in bothstrong and weak sacred groves insanctuary area.

Threats to the Sacred Groves inSanctuary Area of Balaram-Ambajiand Jessore

In addition to natural stresses such asdrought, overgrazing severely affects theregeneration of trees and grasses. Everyyear thousands of Rabaris’ migrate withtheir cattle from Rajasthan to NorthGujarat. They stay in the villages andforest for seven to eight months. Duringthis period, grazing by their cattle createsan additional pressure on the ecology ofthe sacred groves. Harvesting of leavesof ‘khakhra’ (Butea monosperma),‘timru’ (Diospyros melanoxylon), honeyand gum by the local inhabitants putsan extra strain on the sacredgroves.



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n advisory committee meetingfor Knowledge Network for

Augmenting Grassroots Innovations(KnowNet-Grin) took place on the 25th

and 26th August 2000. Prof. Anil Gupta(Coordinator SRISTI and this project atIIM-A), Prof Sanjay Verma of IIM-A,(KnowNet-Grin team member); Prof.Ashok Jhunjhunwala, (Indian Institute ofTechnology); Mr. Rajesh Tiwari (RelianceIndustries Limited); Mr. Sunil Parikh(Director, CII, western region); Dr. AbhijitLahiri Adviser, Department of Scienceand Technology (DST), Mr J S Rana,Secretary, of Dept. of InformationTechnology, Gujarat were among the fewwho attended the meeting as members ofadvisory committee. Some of the specialinvitees who attended the meeting wereMr. Pankaj Agrawal (Secretary,Information Technology and Electronics,Government of UP); Prof. Swapan Garain(TISS); Mr. M. Sahu (MD, GujaratInformatics Limited); Mr Kartik Vora, MrAmitabh Mukhopadhyay & Mr DSundarajan, Fascel Ltd.; Mr AmandeepGrewal, Drishtee.com Ltd.; Mr AkshayRasiklal, Shree Tele Network; ProfKrishnesh Mehta, NID, Ahmedabad; andMs Latha L, Renovision Systems (P) Ltd.The meeting intended to bring togetherexpertise from different fields particularlyIT, telecom, Government, private sectorand others to achieve three things. Firstly,the innovators across the states should beable to communicate with each other andadd value to each other’s ideas. This willbe achieved through Internet or wide areanetwork. Secondly, cross languagetranslation facility at least in Indianlanguages should be available. Andthirdly, the database should be availablein synoptic form to potential entrepreneursso as to link the innovators and investors.Prof. Jhunjhunwala made a presentationon his CorDet technology. He discussedways of deepening the reach of ruraltelephony and through that, the Internetusing CorDet wireless application. Mr.Pankaj Agrawal informed that one of themajor drawbacks in spread of kiosks isthe lack of regular electricity and

interconnectivity. Mr. Rajesh Tiwarimentioned that they would be going forthree models of kiosks through thebroadband optic fibre network and set upabout 5000 kiosks in Gujarat. He offeredto collaborate with IIM-A and SRISTI.Mr Mukhopadhyay of Fascel Ltd., offeredmobile communication link to experimentthe connection among innovators. Heeven offered to host the database on itsserver. We welcome partnership withother IT stakeholders.

Swadeshi Vigyan Mela

We do not agree with the concept ofscience being swadeshi (i.e. nationalistic)or international. We believe science canbe either good or bad, relevant socially orirrelevant at a given point of time.However, a swadeshi Vigyan Mela washeld at IIT, Delhi from 2nd to 6th

February

2000. The Mela was organised by VigyanBharti. GIAN set up a stall “InnovativeIndia” in the fair in association with theDST. This stall reflected the philosophyof Honey Bee network, SRISTI andGIAN. Besides it showcased some of thesuccessful innovations supported by TePPof DST. The stall displayed some of theinnovations like Bullet Driven Santi,Kushal Sprayer, Aaruni Tilting BullockCart, Kittanal and Pulley with Stopper.The presence of touch screen multimediadatabase enabled enthusiastic visitors toget acquainted with other innovations andtraditional practices. Shri K C Pant, Dy.Chairman, Planning Commission,awarded the first prize to GIAN.

Stakeholders Participation inBiodiversity Conservation

The International Institute of Environmentand Development (IIED) organised aworkshop on Convention on BiologicalDiversity (CBD), and articles 15(7) and8(j) on 23-24 March, 2000 in London. MsRiya Sinha represented SRISTI in themeeting. The aim of the workshop wasprimarily to develop interimrecommendations for governments onstakeholder participation in theformulation of policies to be presented at

the fifth conference of CBD. There wereabout 30 participants from different partsof the world from countries like Uganda,Costa Rica, Bolivia, Mexico, Nigeria, andIndia. By and large, it was unanimouslyagreed that participatory processes needto be decentralised at the national, stateand local levels (including directconsultation between local governmentand the resource providers). Theseprocesses also need to be supportive ofthe traditional processes, respect culturalsystems, be facilitated by indigenouspeople, and be informed, transparent,equitable and non-coercive.

Visitors

Two South African delegations visitedSRISTI and IIM-A to know aboutactivities related to HB network during themonth of June. The first delegationcomprised the following eight members:Dr Nthoona Tau-Mzamane, Dy. DirectorGeneral, DACST; Prof Ismail JacobusMohamed, Member of Parliament; MsMarjorie Anne Pyoos, Director, DACST;Dr A P Nevuthalu, Executive Director,National Research Foundation; MsCatherine A O Hoppers, Researcher,Human Science Research Council; ProfM M Sibara, University of the North; MrTsheko Ratsheko, Deputy Registrar,Patents and Trade Marks Office; MrJohannes J Hamman, First Secretary, HighCommission of SA. And the seconddelegation was led by Brigittle MabandaMinister for Arts, Culture, and Science &Technology, and Mrs. Joyce Masama,Member of executive committee for artsand culture, Northern province. Theywanted to learn about the experience ofIIM-A & Honey Bee network in the fieldof recognising, respecting and rewardingtraditional knowledge and contemporaryinnovations. Mr K B Saxena, Advisor,Planning Commission and Shri GhumanMal Lodha, MP also visited SRISTI aswell as IIM-A to know more about theactivity of Honey Bee network in dealingwith IPR and livestock related indigenousknowledge respectively.

News & ViewsAdvisory Committee Meeting of KnowNet-Grin

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Innovation be Considered a Resource

teve Rogers emphasises the needfor empowering of farmers to

take the lead in experimentation,communication and then socialorganisation. Tauvela Suafoa fromMalaemalu village in Falealili district iscited as one such example of a farmerwho developed his approach formultiplying and growing taro (Colocasiaesculenta). He multiplied 50 ‘tiapula’(seedlings), which he received from theExtension and Research Division ofMinistry of Agriculture, to more than3000 mature plants in less than a year.

He described his method thus, “ Removethe taro runners and cut them into nodesections of about 5 to 10 cm long, placenode sections horizontally on a preparednursery soil bed and cover with a thinlayer of soil and Erythrina leaves. After3 to 4 weeks, when the shoots are 25cm to 30 cm long, transplant them tothe field plots”. Usually the farmerskeep the spacing of 100 x 100 cm, buthe recommends a closer spacing of 50x 50 cm. He claims that decrease inspacing increases the yield (LEISA 16(2) 2000: 7).

Government Differs Nowhere

William Ratan of Heuter Atlantic regionworked hard to solve local problems inspite of callousness of GovernmentExperimental Research Station. Scientistsdiscarded a sample of grass given to

them by a local farmer, which wasidentified as Hemarthria altissima andlocally called ‘limpo’. Ratan broughtthis grass for testing and noticed that itwas a good fodder for cattle andincreased production of milk and meat.The two main characteristics of thisgrass were, first that it could withstandflood and second it could be grownwithout fertilisers. At present he growsaround seven hectares of ‘limpo’. In1995, William presented ‘limpo’ grassinnovation in a workshop “Firstinnovating farmers” organised by theMinistry of Agriculture (Henri Hocdeand Mauricio Chacon, LEISA 16 (2)2000:31). Noureddine Nasr in his article‘local innovation and wider developmentin Tunisia: Gafsa regional radio’ writes,“it was the first time that a radioprogramme in Tunisia systematicallyinvited farmers to present theirinnovations to stimulate others so thatit (could) unleash the creative skills ofpeople in order to create permanentmovement of innovation driven by therural population” (LEISA 16 (2) 2000:18).

Women Innovators Challenge CulturalNorms

Nasr, Chahbani and Ayed (LEISA 16 (2)2000: 20) part of a Indigenous Soil andWater Conservation (ISWC) project teamin Tunisia, found that in the localculture, it was difficult to recognisewomen innovators. Mrs Mbirika Chokri,a 70-year-old farmer in Gafsa region,specialised in poultry and incubatedchicken eggs in dry cattle dung. Sheputs 16 to 20 eggs in a bag in whichhumidity is preserved with the help ofstraw. Bags are placed in small holesdug in the manure and thereafter coveredwith cardboard, eggs are inspected every

day and turned to aerate them. A thinlayer of manure is put over that.Temperature of the eggs is checkedevery day. Eggs start to hatch after 20days. Womens’ innovations often indicatehow especially poorer households can

use local resources more intensively.One such example is that of TensueGebre-Medhin a 30-year-old woman whofarms at an altitude of some 1500 m incentral Tigray. Lemma, Abay andWaters- Bayer describe how after herhusband’s death, Tensue was forced toput to use what she learnt in a trainingprogram on oxen ploughing. She for thefirst time tried donkey-ox draught teammuch against her father's advice andgiven cultural traditions. There aremany advantages of this ingeniousdraught team. Donkeys not only costone third of ox but also are easier tomanage as they can live on poor qualityof feed. She did come across certainproblems but was able to solve these.Since donkey has no hump and isshorter than an ox she used old rugsover the donkey’s neck to keep the yokein horizontal position. This alsoprevented the donkey from gettingbruised up by the constant rubbing ofyoke. Even though she was criticised,she did not give up the ploughing.Villagers are starting to accept her as afarmer and innovator only after a fewwomen came to get trained in ploughing(LEISA 16 (2) 2000: 40).

GlobalInnovations

In order to survive in high-risk environments, farmers have been using innovations since time immemorial in their farmingsystems, storage techniques, and livestock management. This review is based on the July 2000 special issue of LEISA focusingon such “grassroots innovations”. The articles in this issue stress the need for a community to recognise local innovators ingeneral and women innovators in particular.( http://www.oneworld.org/ileia)

Global Perception of Grassroots Innovations

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25

Bookworm

Bridging TraditionalEcological Knowledgeand Ecosystem ScienceCompiled by Ronald L.Trosper, College of

Ecosystem Science and Management,North Arizona University, Arizona. 1999

his volume is a result of theconference, supported by the Pew

Scholars Program in Conservation andEnvironment. It attempts to bridge thechasm between modern and traditionalecological knowledge. Sixteen paperson Traditional Ecological Knowledge(TEK) are grouped under threecategories: (a) Theories about Bridging,(b) Examples and (c) Processes forBuilding Bridges. Numerous referencesat the end of each paper add to the valueof the book.

The section on theories stresses thatpeople possessing TEK and thosepossessing scientific knowledge shouldcome together and enter into a congenialrelationship with respect to a specificissue. Indigenous practices, if criticallyexamined for their scientific validitycould prove to be a rich source ofinformation to the contemporaryecologists. Trosper observes,

“TEK may present a solution tocontroversies over natural resourceuse, animal rights, and conservationbecause of its ethical and moralovertones. TEK has profoundimplications for human behaviour andobligations towards other forms of lifethat are often unrecognised in westernscience. These implications may beuseful in creating ethical standards forscientists” (1999: 36).

A central theme that emerges from the sixcase studies is that indigenous peopleconsider the resources not just as amarketable commodity, but as a source tomeet their livelihood and spiritual needs.Their way of life is based on the idea ofusing and managing a resource so that itcan be amply available for future

generations. Authors emphasise thatknowledge of both aboriginals andecologists must be integrated towardssustainable resource management. Theeditor finally describes the bi-directionalnature of the bridge between TEK andecology and spells out how the indigenous‘world views can help the globalcommunity achieve a new environmentalsociety’.

Select papers of The Agri-Horticultural Society of the Punjab:From its commencement to 1862including papers by Sir McLeod,Clarke, Abbot Cope, Edgeworth,James Lowther and Tremenhere. 1868

Liet. Col G B Tremenhere in his paper,General remarks on Agriculture, ismainly concerned about how can ourefforts be best directed to increase theyield of the soil and variety of crops. Itis desirable to inculcate the spirit ofexperimentation in cultivators of land.Prizes for the highest produce per acre

might perhaps be useful in stimulatingthe cultivators to improve. To ensurethat this happens, he writes:

“Officers engaged in the administrationof the country in every district, shouldbe requested to assist, by their influenceany experiments that may be made andthat a certain sum be placed annually attheir disposal for the purpose ofremunerating those cultivators, who mayincur loss by the adoption of a newmethod or by any trials they may haveadvised to make”.

He also advocated a survey of practicesfollowed by farmers. Some veryinteresting questions of the survey were:

(1) Do cultivators differ in their practicein the same part of the country? Or isone uniform system pursued? (2) Is anycrop grown for the purpose of beingploughed into the soil in a green state, toimprove it? (3) Are there any differencesobservable in the degree of success offarmers, and to what factors is itattributable?

These questions are valid even todayand need to be answered to find asustainable solution to the problemsfacing Indian agriculture.

Some survey findings mentioned in hispaper are quite revealing. FoodCorporation of India and Civil SuppliesCorporation of Northern States woulddo well to pay attention to a practice inwhich worm eaten wheat is consideredgood manure. This way they can utilisesuch wheat lying in their godowns. Hefurther writes that twigs of the indigoplant after coming out of the vats are,placed in the watercourse in theMozufurgarh district. The water passingover them extracts any remainingproperties and conveys the same to theyoung wheat, which is watered andstrengthened.

Major J Clarke, then DeputyCommissioner of Sekhoopura has writtenabout agricultural products of districtJhung. It says:

“In the garden adjoining the then‘kucheree’ had cabbages in March aslarge and firm as a heart, as the bestthat I ever saw in England. The solidhearted lettuce grew there also and wassuperior to the best I have ever seen inEngland both in crispness and colour:peas, celery and tomatoes were also ofexcellent quality”.

Have we started learning from thefarmers? Maybe, we will, some day.There still are plant breeders like JagdishPrasad Parikh (See page 15 ) who aredeveloping new varieties without anyinstitutional support.

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26

Dialogue

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Sharing Traditional Knowledgeof Aquatic Organisms

Dr A G PonnaiahDirector, National Bureau of Fish GeneticResources, Canal Ring Road, P.O. Dilkusha,Lucknow – 226 002 UP

I have been following the excellentwork of SRISTI Innovations throughyour Honey Bee Newsletter. It ispromoting innovations at the grassrootslevel. Congratulations on being able toinstitutionalise the support to innovationsthrough the National InnovationFoundation.

To strengthen our Fish BiodiversityDatabase, I request you to send detailson all traditional/innovative/medicinaluses of aquatic organisms recorded inyour database We would be workingwithin protected areas to develop aquaticsanctuaries. I am writing to ourcollaborators to contribute article toHoney Bee on any traditional/innovativeuse of aquatic fish germplasm whichthey may record during their fieldcollection

(We look forward to hear from you Dr.Ponniah for active collaboration indeveloping fishery based indigenousknowledge including innovation and practicesthrough Honey Bee Network. You must havereceived the list of entries we already have.We also look forward to the articles forpossible publication from your colleagues.These contributions can be even oneparagraph long and do not necessarily haveto be long.: Ed)

Driving Wild Boars Away

Ramesh Mahajan23B Parvati Nagar, Zilla Peth, Jalgaon,Maharashtra

I would like to share with you the twoways in which the farmers of the Satpurarange drive the wild pigs away (Boar)which spoil their crops. The farmers

use “gulal” (vermilion). They draw aline of “gulal” which keeps the pigsaway. Second way, they use burnt dryfishes, tyres and rubbers. The repelling

smell of these things drives the pigsaway.

Building North-South LinkagesThrough Honey Bee

Simon ProulxFor Rosemary Coombe, Faculty of Law,University of Toronto, Toronto, OntarioCanada

I am writing on behalf of ProfessorCoombe. The federal Government ofCanada selected her as a recipient fora substantial grant for her work withtraditional knowledge. We would liketo build a database or connect existingdatabase of traditional/indigenousknowledge. We are trying to figure outhow many such databases are there andwhether it is possible and desirable tolink them together. We would appreciateyour input. You have lot of experienceand knowledge in this area, with HoneyBee and the National InnovationFoundation.

(This is an excellent way of networking.Global registry of innovation (INSTAR) wasproposed by SRISTI in 1993. There are notmany other databases like the Honey Beebut many other groups do have specificareas of knowledge and information whichcan be linked up. Let us take this issueforward. :Ed)

ICRISAT Studies Farmers'Innovations

O P RupelaNatural Resources Management ProgramICRISAT, Patancheru, Andhra Pradesh502324

May I request your help for the softcopies of all the pervious issues ofHoney Bee, if available. While goingthrough Honey Bee last year, I havenoted that SRISTI has some herbalpesticides. May I have information ondifferent types of the pesticides availablewith SRISTI. We will be keen to havea sample of each of them. These willbe used for testing their efficiency againstsome insect-pests such as Helicoverpa.I look forward to receiving these anduse them in our laboratory experiments.And if qualities are sufficient we willbe happy to use them in field experimentalso. Our emphasis will be to identifythose botanicals that have compatibility

with the micro-organisms with potentialto manage insect pest.

(Thank Dr. Rupela, now that ICRISAT hastaken initiative, may be ICAR and SAUs willalso respond. Keep us informed please. :Ed)

Caring Corporate !

B K JhawarM.D., Usha Martin Co. Ltd., Ranchi.

We got a Finishing School, Usha MartinTechnical Institute in Jamshedpur. I waswondering if we could pursue the ideaof having a vocational training wherewe could train master craftsmen at thevillage level. Over my worldwide travel,I find that artefacts coming from thecottage industry from Thailand, Chinaetc. have much better quality than whatis produced by the Indian village industry.I think that it is high time now that there

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vermilion



27

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is a concentrated effort made by allthose who care to upgrade the skills andorganise master craftsman training sothat there are at least one or two mastercraftsmen in their own fields in aparticular area.

(We are extremely excited about the offer ofcooperation by the chairperson of UshaMartin group with SRISTI and GIAN andthat too in the most backward regions. Itis a step forward. :Ed)

Keen on Forging Links

Lisa [email protected]

I am a researcher for a non-profitorganisation in Hong Kong currentlydoing some work for the AsianDevelopment Bank on environmentmobilisation in Asian countries. I haveread about the Honey Bee in books andyour web site and am very impressedwith what you have achieved. I wouldlike to feature this, in the report I amwriting which looks at good examplesof environmental education/ mobilisationand factors behind their success.

(Good that you want to include Honey Beestories in your review. As you might knowthat Honey Bee database is one of theworld’s largest database of its kind. We arevery keen to forge links with other groupstrying to augment grassroots innovations. :Ed)

Practice for Controlling Bruchids

Abhishek Shukla3-F 13, Adhitya Marg, Sector 5, HiranMagri, Udaipur 313002

Pulses are often attacked by bruchidssuch as Callosorbruchus chinensis.After harvesting the crop, the bruchidis carried to storage facilities where itdevelops rapidly resulting in considerableseed damage and loss within a fewmonths. Application of a small quantity(1-2 drops) of any one of the oilsobtained from plants such as Menthaspicata, Mentha arvensis or Menthapiperita on the lid or inside the smallpots prevents the entry of bruchids from

outside. And even if the bruchids areable to enter the pot, their egg layingcapacity is severely affected by theseoils. Gunny bags are used by the farmersfor bulk storage of cowpea seeds. Forprophylactic-treatment, these bags aresoaked in 15 per cent concentration ofleaf extracts of Pongamia pinnata orJusticia gendarussa.

Happy to Hold Hand

Dr. I. Henry LouisM.Sc (Af), Ph.D, FISG, MD, Hi-tech Coconutcorporation, 48/2, Gnamamuthagam,Ramanputhoor, Nagercoil-2

I am happy to inform you that I havedeveloped a herbal pesticide againstcoconut insects like scale insects(Aspooditous destructor), mealy bug(Pseudococus sp), mites (Eriophyesguerronis). The pesticide is named

‘Phytoplam’ and is made of extracts andproducts of ten different herbs. I amreally surprised to note that it is ableto kill and repel a number of soft bodiedgrubs and larvae of many other insectsin the annual crop plants. It has nopolluting effects and spares pollinatinginsects. I am very much interested inbringing to the notice of your foundationfor recognition.

(Dr Louis we are very happy to learn aboutyour innovation. Have you drawn upon anytraditional knowledge or developed it entirelythrough your research? If former is true,you might consider sharing part of the gainwith knowledge producing and providingcommunity. We will be happy to learn ofyour move in that directon. :Ed)

Jamun Tale Continues...

A PraharajNo. S1/1567, P.O. Nischinta, Dist M.B.J –757032 Orissa

I read the use of Jamun tree for purifyingwater, sent by, Lalit Das IPS ofJagatsinghpur, Orissa. In our area,whenever a well is dug, first a ring ofJamun or Neem wood is put in the lowerportion of the well. Then the well isconstructed above this ring with bricksor stones. It is done for purification ofwater. Its speciality is that the waterdoes not have any negative effect on theJamun or Neem wood for as long as 100years.

Anup HoreSri Mayapur Vikas Sangha. Sri Mayapur,Nadia, West Bengal - 741 313

I am working with a small NGO atNadia District, West Bengal. I am aregular reader of Honey Bee for last oneand a half year. Let me first acknowledgeShri Lalit Das contribution to HoneyBee 11(1). If the inner lining of the wellis lined with logs of Jamun treethe water is very tasty and it acts aappetiser.

(Once again it shows the ingenuity of localcommunities in surviving against all odds.But National Mission on drinking water maycontinue to ignore it. :Ed)

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Your Questions: Your Answers

Bat Problem

Answer to the question by YasmineMirza in Hb11(1) about keeping batsaway.

Create smoke below the tree which isthe roosting site of bats. The smoke

from the fire will irritate the bats andthey will fly away. The fire should bein a confined and controllable manner.Repeat this remedy for five to six daysso that the bats learn not to return.

Rambhai, Caretaker Balaram Forest GuestHouse, Banaskantha, Gujarat.

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Please send your contributions through bank draft in favour ofA/c Sristi Innovations at the editorial address; C/o Prof Anil K Gupta,Editor, Honey Bee, Indian Institute of Management, Vastrapur,Ahmedabad 380 015 India. Phone: 91-79-6307241, Fax: 91-79-6307341Email: [email protected]

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