Birsa Agricultural University (BAU) Vice Chancellor Dr George John has stressed on harnessing the potential of traditional agricultural technologies in the context of climate change.
He said that the indigenous technical knowledge, which has survived for centuries despite changes in climate, has been neglected for long which need to relook. low-cost congenial farm technologies would be more effective in bringing more farmers under its umbrella which high-end technologies can’t do. Dobha (small rainwater storage wells) technology is actually a tribute to the farmers of Jharkhand and will have multiplier effect in adjoining villages, he added. When technology is simpler, it has wider adaptability; he said adding site for digging dobha should be carefully selected to ensure that it receives surface seepage.
He was addressing a day-long workshop on ‘Sustainable agriculture and farmers’ livelihood (SAFAl)’ project in Jharkhand organized by BAU in association with United States Agency for International development (USAID) and Columbia University’s Centres for International Projects Trust (CIPT).