Study on Relevance of Indigenous Technical Knowledge of North East India in Sustainable Agriculture

The ecological diversity and traditional heritage of Northeast India have brought up a wealth of Indigenous Technical Knowledge (ITK) systems, many of which have significant potential to contribute to sustainable agriculture in the modern era. However, such practices are increasingly marginalised in policy and practice due to rapid commercialisation, technological shifts, and lack of documentation. This research revolves around the relevance and applicability of indigenous agricultural knowledge prevalent among tribal and rural farming communities in the region. The study adopts a qualitative & quantitative mixed method approach involving focused group discussions and field-level observations across selected districts of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. Emphasis is placed on traditional cropping patterns, soil conservation techniques, pest management and seed preservation practices. Preliminary findings reveal that many ITKs promote ecological balance, resilience to climate variability, and low-cost farming, aligning closely with modern principles of sustainability. However, challenges such as generational knowledge gaps, lack of scientific validation, and limited institutional support creates gap in their wider adoption. The study shows for an integrative approach where ITK is scientifically validated, documented, and blended with contemporary practices.