Traditional Wisdom to Modern Practices: Management of Rice Cultivation among Tribal Farmers in Bastar, Chhattisgarh

Abstract

This empirical study examines the transition from traditional wisdom to modern agricultural practices in rice cultivation among tribal farmers in Bastar district, Chhattisgarh. The research employs a mixed-method approach, collecting data from 450 tribal farmers across 15 villages through structured surveys, focus group discussions, and field observations conducted between 2010-2011. The study reveals that while 78% of farmers continue to rely on indigenous knowledge systems, 62% have selectively adopted modern techniques, creating hybrid cultivation practices. Traditional methods demonstrate superior drought resilience (83% crop survival vs. 67% in modern methods) but lower average yields (2.1 tons/hectare vs. 3.4 tons/hectare). The analysis indicates that farmers with integrated approaches achieve optimal outcomes, combining traditional ecological wisdom with selective modern innovations. Socio-economic factors, land tenure patterns, and access to extension services significantly influence adoption patterns. The study reveals generational knowledge gaps, with younger farmers (18-35 years) showing 45% higher adoption of modern practices compared to elder farmers (above 50 years). The findings suggest that sustainable rice cultivation in tribal areas requires a balanced integration of traditional ecological knowledge with appropriate modern technologies, supported by culturally sensitive extension programs and policy frameworks that recognize indigenous agricultural wisdom.