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Vocal for Local: Combating Climate Change with Traditional Wisdom
Context:
Indigenous communities, such as the Paudi Bhuyans in Odisha, are vital for ensuring food sovereignty and mitigating climate impacts through the use of traditional knowledge and sustainable practices, exemplifying the adoption of green technology beyond corporate control.
Green Technology for Sustainability:
- Green technology refers to scientific initiatives aimed at addressing environmental challenges, promoting sustainable development, and reducing human impact on ecosystems.
- Its broad application can promote economic growth without compromising planetary health. However, empowering local communities is key to maximising its potential.
Case Study: Kiri Village, Odisha
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Collective Action for Green Living:
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- Kiri village, located in Sundargarh district, Odisha, is home to the Paudi Bhuyan tribal community, a particularly vulnerable tribal group (PVTG).
- The villagers, guided by civil society organisations, utilised indigenous knowledge and local resources to build check dams and irrigation canals for water conservation.
- This community-led effort allowed them to expand their farming area to 60 acres, doubling agricultural output.
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Sustainable Agricultural Practices:
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- Kiri village adopted ecological farming practices that minimised input costs by relying on seed conservation, organic manure, and locally produced herbicides and insecticides.
- They revived 17 varieties of paddy, 13 types of millets, six varieties of pulses, and nine kinds of vegetables, all resilient to drought.
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Water Conservation and Food Security:
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- The construction of water-harvesting structures ensured consistent water access, even during dry spells.
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- Mixed farming practices increased food production and improved household nutrition, ensuring year-round food availability for vulnerable populations, including children and pregnant women.
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Chain Reaction of Ecological Efforts:
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Traditional Seed Conservation:
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- The Desi Bihana Surakshya Mancha (DBSM) in Bargarh district promotes biodiversity farming systems, preserving over 1,100 varieties of paddy seeds, 25 types of millets, and many other varieties of crops through community seed banks.
- Antaranga, a youth forum in Kandhamal district, empowers women to produce seed balls for reforestation and climate action.
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Climate-Resilient Agriculture:
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- The millet-based mixed farming system is effective in drought-prone upland areas, ensuring food security and community resilience.
- Water conservation structures help cultivate double crops in upland regions, addressing malnutrition and promoting self-sustainability.
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Key Takeaways:
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- Traditional knowledge and community-led efforts are critical in addressing climate change and ensuring food security.
- Green technology must be democratised, empowering local communities to contribute to a sustainable future.
- Villages like Kiri demonstrate how ecological farming practices can fortify communities against climate challenges while promoting resilience and food sovereignty.
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Conclusion:
By blending indigenous wisdom with green technology, communities like Kiri village showcase a model for sustainable, self-reliant living. These efforts not only mitigate climate impacts but also ensure equitable economic growth and social well-being, serving as a powerful example of transformational technology in action.
