Indigenous people have been using sustainable methods over centuries in various areas that contribute directly to their livelihoods. They have lived in harmony with nature by feeding themselves without destroying the environment. Agriculture and allied sectors have been the only sources of livelihood for centuries; however, recent technological developments are disrupting the delicate balance that existed with the environment. Most indigenous people are forest dwellers occupying territories with vast amounts of natural resources. The agricultural practices followed were predominantly traditional - zero to minimal tilling of the land, efficient utilization of available water resources such as canals, and biocontrol of pests and diseases, not requiring expensive and harmful chemical use. The crops cultivated, for the most part, were rain-fed, yielding grain that was minimally processed and considered to be highly nourishing. The methods followed also safeguarded and preserved the biodiversity of the local flora and fauna.
The allied sectors, such as animal husbandry and fisheries, also thrived and contributed to the sustainability of livelihoods. Despite their unique practices and contributions to the communities, indigenous people always lived in isolation. Their practices are often ridiculed, especially in the modern era with the advent of technology and its applications in agriculture. Modern technologies such as Green Revolution and gene-edited crops have given some promising results; however, the sustainability of these methods, especially in the fast-changing climate, remains debatable. It is high time the scientific community understands and realizes the importance of retaining the sustainable practices of indigenous people to save the planet.
