Accepted Panels

The root of traditional agriculture is associated with the ideas of conservation and judicious use of natural resources for livelihood purpose. It is guided by community ethos and principles of cooperation and coexistence. Indian tribes are classic examples of abiding by such principles in agriculture since time immemorial. They adhere to the practices that have the basis of culture, ecology and spirit. Although all such practices are not scientific and productive in the modern context yet the ethos and principles is very much an important dimension to counter overexploitation and consumerism that is emanated from modern society. Kondhs in Odisha practice such traditional agriculture for generations with some transitions in present times. However, the core principles and philosophies are intact to a great extent to preserve cultural heritage and conserve natural resources. In this paper, the author attempts to present a case study of the Kondh community practicing traditional agriculture which is associated with the dimensions of culture, ecology and cosmology.  Through this case study the author highlights the spirit of the Kondhs, their world views, perception, rationality and local knowledge system pertaining to different types of agricultural practices that are essential ingredients of sustainable development.