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Line 33: − + − === वेदेषु कृषिविषयाः ॥ Agriculture in Vedas === − + − The Atharvaveda also highlights the importance of agriculture. There are dedicated suktas for krishi (3.17 for agriculture), vanaspati (3.18 for medicinal herbs) and pashuposhana (3.28 for livestock). Agricultural work used to be practiced by skilled persons. Poets and scholars took this occupation and did farming for happiness. Agriculture was a delightful occupation in which Indra and Pusha were also engaged. Success in agriculture leads to success in life. The person possessing abundant food grains is respected as a great man in the society (Aitareya Brahmana 2.5). Through agriculture one can acquire vigour, energy and power. In the Yajurveda and Taittirīya Saṃhitā agriculture is regarded as the means of human welfare. It is the source of prosperity and sustenance. It gives grain, strength and lustre. + − Various sūktas of Ṛgveda such as Kṣetrapati29, Parjanya30, Pṛthvī31, Go32, Āpaḥ33, Akṣa34, Viśvedevā35 and Araṇyanī36 have well described in the importance of agriculture. + + − + + − Yajurveda says that one should make effort for producing abundant grains through agriculture.<ref name=":2" /> + − === Atharvaveda ===+ − − − Similarly various sūktas of Atharvaveda including Kṛṣi37, Anna38, Anna samṛddhi39 have talked about the significance of agriculture. Line 64:
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Line 100: − + − == Agriculture as in Vedas == − == Agricultural Processes == − Broadly the processes which are performed by a farmer include the following eight steps from crop selection to harvesting. − # Crop selection − # Land preparation − # Seed selection − # Seed sowing − # Irrigation − # Crop growth − # Fertilizing − # Harvesting − Along with the knowledge for performing the above processes, a few areas where traditional knowledge of farming is available includes prediction of rainfall, farming systems tillage, mixed cropping, crop rotation, crop protection, terrace farming, agricultural implements. An in depth study of these processes show how our ancient farmer has a holistic education in various sciences compared to the modern day scientist. − === Prediction of Rainfall === − − === Agricultural implements ===
Krshi Vijnana (कृषिविज्ञानम्) (view source)
Revision as of 18:14, 8 April 2020
, 18:14, 8 April 2020→Importance of Agriculture: editing
Thus, Pṛthu may be considered as a king who effectively brought the agriculture into practice. In the Atharvaveda, Prthu Vaineya has been said to be inventor of agriculture by "milking" the Virat after arranging Vaivasvata Manu as the calf and making earth as his vessal. It is he Prthu, son of Vena, who for the first time did farming and grew grains.<ref name=":2">Dwivedi, Dhananjay Vasudeo. ''[https://www.researchgate.net/publication/322745690_Development_of_Agriculture_in_Ancient_India Development of Agriculture in Ancient India]'' in Sanskruti Darpan, Issue 54, Jan. 2018</ref><blockquote>तस्या मनुर्वैवस्वतो वत्स आसीत्पृथिवी पात्रम् । तां पृथो वैन्योऽधोक्तां कृषिं च सस्यं चाधोक्। </blockquote><blockquote>ते स्वधां कृषिं च सस्यं च मनुष्या उपजीवन्ति कृष्टराधिरुपजीवनीयो भवति य एवं वेद ॥२४॥ (Atha. Veda. 8.13.24)<ref>Atharva Veda ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A5%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%82_%E0%A5%AE Kanda 8])</ref></blockquote>Men earn their living by agriculture and growing crops. The one who knows the secrets and becomes an expert of farming will become the support for livelihoods of other beings.<ref>Atharva Veda Hindi Translation (Kanda 8 Page 36)</ref>
Thus, Pṛthu may be considered as a king who effectively brought the agriculture into practice. In the Atharvaveda, Prthu Vaineya has been said to be inventor of agriculture by "milking" the Virat after arranging Vaivasvata Manu as the calf and making earth as his vessal. It is he Prthu, son of Vena, who for the first time did farming and grew grains.<ref name=":2">Dwivedi, Dhananjay Vasudeo. ''[https://www.researchgate.net/publication/322745690_Development_of_Agriculture_in_Ancient_India Development of Agriculture in Ancient India]'' in Sanskruti Darpan, Issue 54, Jan. 2018</ref><blockquote>तस्या मनुर्वैवस्वतो वत्स आसीत्पृथिवी पात्रम् । तां पृथो वैन्योऽधोक्तां कृषिं च सस्यं चाधोक्। </blockquote><blockquote>ते स्वधां कृषिं च सस्यं च मनुष्या उपजीवन्ति कृष्टराधिरुपजीवनीयो भवति य एवं वेद ॥२४॥ (Atha. Veda. 8.13.24)<ref>Atharva Veda ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A5%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%B5%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%82_%E0%A5%AE Kanda 8])</ref></blockquote>Men earn their living by agriculture and growing crops. The one who knows the secrets and becomes an expert of farming will become the support for livelihoods of other beings.<ref>Atharva Veda Hindi Translation (Kanda 8 Page 36)</ref>
== Importance of Agriculture ==
== वेदेषु कृषिविषयाः ॥ Agriculture in Vedas ==
It goes without saying that agriculture was given due importance in ancient India. Vedic seers knew that agriculture was the only option for food security. Food, as everybody knows, is basic necessity of human being. Agriculture is helpful is attaining all the four goals (पुरुषा र्थ चतुष्टय) of life. Human life is dependent on Anna and production of Anna is dependent on agriculture. Hence, agriculture is basic necessity of human life.
It goes without saying that agriculture was given due importance in ancient India. Vedic seers knew that agriculture was the only option for food security. Food, as everybody knows, is basic necessity of human being. Agriculture is helpful is attaining all the four goals (पुरुषा र्थ चतुष्टय) of life. Human life is dependent on Anna and production of Anna is dependent on agriculture. Hence, agriculture is basic necessity of human life.
Agricultural practices have been described in the vedic literature, not as narratives but as sporadic references. Agriculture not only involved crop production involving a number of practices, but also domestication of animals. Thus agriculture and cattle rearing went hand in hand and prosperity in those days was a measure of high crop yield and large numbers of domesticated animals mostly, cattle.
Agricultural practices have been described in the vedic literature, not as narratives but as sporadic references. Agriculture not only involved crop production involving a number of practices, but also domestication of animals. Thus agriculture and cattle rearing went hand in hand and prosperity in those days was a measure of high crop yield and large numbers of domesticated animals mostly, cattle.
=== Rig Veda ===
=== In Rig Veda ===
Speaking about the importance of agriculture, Rig Vedic seer says-O gambler, stop gambling, and engage yourself in agriculture, which is regarded as most valuable wealth, so that you will earn wealth, happiness, cattle and happy married life. You respect this wealth and be content with this wealth.<blockquote>अक्षैर्मा दीव्यः कृषिमित्कृषस्व वित्ते रमस्व बहु मन्यमानः । तत्र गाव: कितव तत्र जाया तन्मे वि चष्टे सवितायमर्यः ॥१३॥ (Rig. Veda. 10.34.13)<ref>Rig Veda ([http://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/rigveda/shakala-samhita/rigveda-shakala-samhita-mandal-10-sukta-034/ Mandala 10 Sukta 34])</ref></blockquote>The Ṛgveda further adds that the cultivator is bound to get plentiful crops and immense wealth (Rig. Veda. 7.39.2).
Speaking about the importance of agriculture, Rig Vedic seer says-O gambler, stop gambling, and engage yourself in agriculture, which is regarded as most valuable wealth, so that you will earn wealth, happiness, cattle and happy married life. You respect this wealth and be content with this wealth.<blockquote>अक्षैर्मा दीव्यः कृषिमित्कृषस्व वित्ते रमस्व बहु मन्यमानः । तत्र गाव: कितव तत्र जाया तन्मे वि चष्टे सवितायमर्यः ॥१३॥ (Rig. Veda. 10.34.13)<ref>Rig Veda ([http://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/rigveda/shakala-samhita/rigveda-shakala-samhita-mandal-10-sukta-034/ Mandala 10 Sukta 34])</ref></blockquote>The Ṛgveda further adds that the cultivator is bound to get plentiful crops and immense wealth (Rig. Veda. 7.39.2).
Agricultural work used to be practiced by skilled persons. Poets and scholars took this occupation and did farming for happiness. Agriculture was a delightful occupation in which Indra and Pusha were also engaged. Success in agriculture leads to success in life. The person possessing abundant food grains is respected as a great man in the society (Aitareya Brahmana 2.5). Through agriculture one can acquire vigour, energy and power.
=== In Yajurveda ===
Yajurveda says that one should make effort for producing abundant grains through agriculture. In the Yajurveda and Taittirīya Samhita agriculture is regarded as the means of human welfare. It is the source of prosperity and sustenance. It gives grain, strength and lustre.<ref name=":2" />
In the Rigveda, the deities Dyava-Prthvi, are extolled for regaining control over the fertile lands from the Dasyus. Mantras praising [[Indra (इन्द्रः)|Indra]] as the deity for granting copious rains are well-known. So also [[Surya (सूर्यः)|Surya]] is praised as the deity having bonds in the three lokas; his bond in water i.e., habitable world, explained by Sayanacharya, are tillage, rain and seed. His rays called Asva are powerful and he is known to "drink the waters in the oceans" to form clouds. Thus [[Jala Vijnana (जलविज्ञानम्)|hydrology]] or science of water is intimately connected with the deity Surya.
=== In Atharvaveda ===
The Atharvaveda, describes the life of the ancient agriculturists in India. It is regarded as the most honourable of human activities by all sections of people and practiced irrespective of varnas. Farmer was an authority in the knowledge and production of food and hence respected as "Annadata". Ploughing the land was considered a privilege, and it is well known that Janaka Maharaja of Videha, found the girl child during ploughing of the land for a yajna, and named her Sita (which means furrow made by the plough). Everyone had a piece of land, big or small, which was cultivated to sustain the family in ancient times. The farm is compared to the divine cow fulfilling all the desires of the hard working farmer. Ancient Indian farmers evolved nature friendly farming systems and practices.
According to the Atharvaveda, food is the basic necessity for human beings. But the availability of food depends of agriculture. People well versed in agricultural activities were considered to be highly respectable and successful in their endeavour (8.10.42-43)
The Atharvaveda also highlights the importance of agriculture. There are dedicated suktas for krishi (3.17 for agriculture), vanaspati (3.18 for medicinal herbs) and pashuposhana (3.28 for livestock), Anna (6.17 and 7.58), Anna samrddhi (6.142) which mention about the significance of agriculture.
The Atharvaveda, describes the life of the ancient agriculturists in India. It is regarded as the most honourable of human activities by all sections of people and practiced irrespective of varnas. Farmer was an authority in the knowledge and production of food and hence respected as "Annadata". Ploughing the land was considered a privilege, and it is well known that Janaka Maharaja of Videha, found the girl child during ploughing of the land for a yajna, and named her Sita (which means furrow made by the plough). Everyone had a piece of land, big or small, which was cultivated to sustain the family. The farm is compared to the divine cow fulfilling all the desires of the hard working farmer. Ancient Indian farmers evolved nature friendly farming systems and practices.
==== Krshi Sukta in Atharaveda ====
==== Krshi Sukta in Atharaveda ====
Krshiparashara has discussed the importance of agriculture. It says that even a learned Brahmin who is proficient in all the four Vedas, who recites Shastras and is intelligent, when is overpowered by Alakṣmī, is reduced to humiliation caused be begging for food with folded hands. And only through farming, one however ceases to be a suitor. By practicing agriculture alone one is bound to be bhupati (master of the earth). People even having surplus of gold, silver, jewels and garments have to solicit farmers as earnestly as a devotee would pray. People in spite of having gold ornaments in their necks, ears and hands have to suffer from hunger in absence of food. Food is life, food is also the strength, food is everything. The divinities, the demons, and all human beings depend on food for surviving. Food, verily, comes from grains and grains cannot be available without agriculture. Therefore, leaving everything else one should strive for farming. Blessed is agriculture, holy is agriculture, and agriculture is life of all living creatures.
Krshiparashara has discussed the importance of agriculture. It says that even a learned Brahmin who is proficient in all the four Vedas, who recites Shastras and is intelligent, when is overpowered by Alakṣmī, is reduced to humiliation caused be begging for food with folded hands. And only through farming, one however ceases to be a suitor. By practicing agriculture alone one is bound to be bhupati (master of the earth). People even having surplus of gold, silver, jewels and garments have to solicit farmers as earnestly as a devotee would pray. People in spite of having gold ornaments in their necks, ears and hands have to suffer from hunger in absence of food. Food is life, food is also the strength, food is everything. The divinities, the demons, and all human beings depend on food for surviving. Food, verily, comes from grains and grains cannot be available without agriculture. Therefore, leaving everything else one should strive for farming. Blessed is agriculture, holy is agriculture, and agriculture is life of all living creatures.
In effect, the agricultural work was considered to be pious job.49 The Ṛgveda directs even the elite class of the society to perform the job of agriculture as it was considered to be equivalent of Yajña.50 Ṛgveda mentions some experts in agriculture who knew how to increase the output of agriculture.51 According to the Atharvaveda, food is the basic necessity for human beings. But the availability of food depends of agriculture. People well versed in agricultural activities were considered to be highly respectable and successful in their endeavour.52
=== Deities Related to Agriculture ===
Various sūktas of Ṛgveda such as Kṣetrapati (4.57), Parjanya (5.83), Prthvi (5.84), Go sukta (6.28), Aapah (7.47), Aksha (10.34), Visvedeva (10.101) and Araṇyanī36 have well described in the importance of agriculture.
In the Rigveda, the deities Dyava-Prthvi, are extolled for regaining control over the fertile lands from the Dasyus. Mantras praising [[Indra (इन्द्रः)|Indra]] as the deity for granting copious rains are well-known. So also [[Surya (सूर्यः)|Surya]] is praised as the deity having bonds in the three lokas; his bond in water i.e., habitable world, explained by Sayanacharya, are tillage, rain and seed. His rays called Asva are powerful and he is known to "drink the waters in the oceans" to form clouds. Thus [[Jala Vijnana (जलविज्ञानम्)|hydrology]] or science of water is intimately connected with the deity Surya and with [[Indra (इन्द्रः)|Indra]] who is the deity for clouds and rains.
In effect, the agricultural work was considered to be pious job (Rig veda 10.117.7). It directs all classes of the society to perform the job of agriculture as it was considered to be equivalent of Yajna (Rig Veda 10.101.3-5). Rigveda mentions some experts in agriculture who knew how to increase the output of agriculture (Rig Veda 1.161.2).
Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa53 and Mahābhārata54 are also of the opinion that people engaged in agriculture are bound to lead a happy and prosperous life. According to Śukranīti, agriculture of a land irrigated with river water is the best means of one’s livelihood.55
=== Other References ===
Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa (2.100.47) and Mahābhārata (Sabhaparva 5.80) are also of the opinion that people engaged in agriculture are bound to lead a happy and prosperous life. According to Sukraniti (3.276), agriculture of a land irrigated with river water is the best means of one’s livelihood.
A number of classical texts related to agricultural science are available namely, Kautilya's Arthashastra, Patanjali's Mahabhasya, Krishi-Parashara, Varahmihira's Brhat Samhita, and Surapala's Vrikshayurveda are some of the manuscripts that contain valuable information about different aspects such as agricultural implements, selection of seeds, land preparation, pest control, storage, plant nutrients, grafting, soil selection, plant propagation, diseases and plant protection, mixed cropping, crop rotation, intercropping, shifting cultivation, terrace farming etc. India's traditional agriculture has proved to be sustainable by maintaining the country's fertility and biodiversity over centuries.<ref name=":0">Patil, Parashuram Vishnu. (2012) Ph. D. Thesis: ''[https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/handle/10603/106088 Studies on traditional agricultural practices and food grain management from Bhor Pune district and Mahad Raigad district Maharashtra state.]'' Savitribai Phule Pune University. ([https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/106088/12/12_chapter4.pdf Chapter 4])</ref>
A number of classical texts related to agricultural science are available namely, Kautilya's Arthashastra, Patanjali's Mahabhasya, Krishi-Parashara, Varahmihira's Brhat Samhita, and Surapala's Vrikshayurveda are some of the manuscripts that contain valuable information about different aspects such as agricultural implements, selection of seeds, land preparation, pest control, storage, plant nutrients, grafting, soil selection, plant propagation, diseases and plant protection, mixed cropping, crop rotation, intercropping, shifting cultivation, terrace farming etc. India's traditional agriculture has proved to be sustainable by maintaining the country's fertility and biodiversity over centuries.<ref name=":0">Patil, Parashuram Vishnu. (2012) Ph. D. Thesis: ''[https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/handle/10603/106088 Studies on traditional agricultural practices and food grain management from Bhor Pune district and Mahad Raigad district Maharashtra state.]'' Savitribai Phule Pune University. ([https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/106088/12/12_chapter4.pdf Chapter 4])</ref>
== Agricultural Processes ==
Broadly the processes which are performed by a farmer include the following eight steps from crop selection to harvesting.
# Crop selection based on the land
# Land preparation
# Seed selection
# Seed sowing (including mixed crops)
# [[Irrigation (सेचनविधिः)]]
# Crop growth
# Fertilizing the crops
# Harvesting and storage
Along with the knowledge for performing the above processes, a few areas where traditional knowledge of farming is available includes prediction of rainfall, farming systems tillage, mixed cropping, crop rotation, crop protection, terrace farming, agricultural implements.
An in depth study of these processes show how our ancient farmer has holistic education in various sciences compared to the modern day scientist.
== Modern Agriculture ==
== Modern Agriculture ==
In a stark contrast to the traditional agricultural practices, modern systems of agriculture use genetically engineered and/or hybrid seeds of single crop variety, technologically driven implements and equipments such as tractors, shredders, spreaders etc, chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and water to produce large amounts of single crop. A few characteristics of modern agriculture include the following
In a stark contrast to the traditional agricultural practices, modern systems of agriculture use genetically engineered and/or hybrid seeds of single crop variety, technologically driven implements and equipments such as tractors, shredders, spreaders etc, chemical fertilizers and pesticides, and water to produce large amounts of single crop. A few characteristics of modern agriculture include the following
* Ease of trading practices and taxing system of farmers has to undergo an enormous change to bring down the cost of agricultural produce both of domestic and foreign exports.
* Ease of trading practices and taxing system of farmers has to undergo an enormous change to bring down the cost of agricultural produce both of domestic and foreign exports.
Ramifications of such models of agriculture such as widespread pollution of air, water and food are visible on the entire ecosystem. As much as modern outlook with technology and education is required, it has be used minimally with caution. A dire need for research on traditional agricultural practices to find out the ethos behind it and adopt it in the modern times has become the need of the hour.
Ramifications of such models of agriculture such as widespread pollution of air, water and food are visible on the entire ecosystem. As much as modern outlook with technology and education is required, it has be used minimally with caution. A dire need for research on traditional agricultural practices to find out the ethos behind it and adopt it in the modern times has become the need of the hour.
== Prediction of Rainfall ==
The systematic study of meteorological science was made by our ancient astronomers and astrologers. Agriculture is totally dependent on rainfall. This fact was first realised by Indians. Hence they started gauging the sky for rainfall prediction. Parashra gave the techniques of rainfall prediction and agricultural practices for crop production. Garg invented the science of astrology. Arybhata measured the time period of different planets and distance from earth. Varahmihira (600 AD) studied weather prediction and measurement of rainfall, touching zenith in the meteorological science. The hypotheses given by ancient scientists are simple and costly apparatus were not used. Observations coupled with experience over centuries developed meteorology (Varshney, 2007).
The systematic study of meteorological science was made by our ancient astronomers and astrologers. Agriculture is totally dependent on rainfall. This fact was first realised by Indians. Hence they started gauging the sky for rainfall prediction. Parashra gave the techniques of rainfall prediction and agricultural practices for crop production. Garg invented the science of astrology. Arybhata measured the time period of different planets and distance from earth. Varahmihira (600 AD) studied weather prediction and measurement of rainfall, touching zenith in the meteorological science. The hypotheses given by ancient scientists are simple and costly apparatus were not used. Observations coupled with experience over centuries developed meteorology (Varshney, 2007).
The methods used by local and indigenous people for forecasting rainfall and other weather conditions on the basis of bio-indicator and the phenology of plants and behaviour of animals is coined as a new term – Presage biology. The production and application of local forecasts are deeply localized, derived from intimate interactions with a micro-environment whose rhythms are intertwined with the cycles of seasonal changes. Local indicators and local knowledge systems can not be replaced with scientific knowledge, because they are holistic and specific to local situations, providing farmers and others with the ability to make decisions and prepare for the coming agricultural year. Mechanisms for integrating both traditional and scientific weather forecast systems would reduce uncertainties and improve farm management, as well as provide a basis for integrating scientific forecasts into existing decision processes of farmers (Acharya, 2011). Bio-indicators as well as Almanacs (Panchang) have been used to predict the weather for a very long time and many times proved very effective and successful.<ref name=":0" />
The methods used by local and indigenous people for forecasting rainfall and other weather conditions on the basis of bio-indicator and the phenology of plants and behaviour of animals is coined as a new term – Presage biology. The production and application of local forecasts are deeply localized, derived from intimate interactions with a micro-environment whose rhythms are intertwined with the cycles of seasonal changes. Local indicators and local knowledge systems can not be replaced with scientific knowledge, because they are holistic and specific to local situations, providing farmers and others with the ability to make decisions and prepare for the coming agricultural year. Mechanisms for integrating both traditional and scientific weather forecast systems would reduce uncertainties and improve farm management, as well as provide a basis for integrating scientific forecasts into existing decision processes of farmers (Acharya, 2011). Bio-indicators as well as Almanacs (Panchang) have been used to predict the weather for a very long time and many times proved very effective and successful.<ref name=":0" />
== References ==
== References ==
<references />
<references />