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Krshi Vijnana (कृषिविज्ञानम्) (view source)
Revision as of 22:07, 11 April 2020
, 22:07, 11 April 2020→Sowing Methods: added content and references
=== Sowing Methods ===
=== Sowing Methods ===
Sowing being an important process in cultivation, it was given serious attention and care. Befitting its importance solemn rites were performed on the occasion. Panini (IV.3.45) shows that farmers selected auspicious days for sowing seeds; the full-moon day of the month of Agrahayana was one such auspicious day. Apart from the rites that are followed, a few points about the knowledge of ancient agriculturalists regarding sowing methods, crop season, water availability are discussed.
Sowing being an important process in cultivation, it was given serious attention and care. Befitting its importance solemn rites were performed on the occasion. Panini (IV.3.45) shows that farmers selected auspicious days for sowing seeds; the full-moon day of the month of Agrahayana was one such auspicious day. Apart from the rites that are followed, a few points about the knowledge of ancient agriculturalists regarding sowing methods, crop season, water availability are discussed.<ref name=":1" />
* '''Seed quantity''' required per field was well estimated practically which are confirmed by epigraphic records.
* '''Seed quantity''' required per field was well estimated practically which are confirmed by epigraphic records.
* '''Spacial arrangements for sowing seeds''' of a particular type were recognized; clustered sowing with less distance between seeds or sparcely sown at greater distances (Rig Veda 9.330).
* '''Spacial arrangements for sowing seeds''' of a particular type were recognized; clustered sowing with less distance between seeds or sparcely sown at greater distances (Rig Veda 9.330).
* '''Identification of appropriate location''' for sowing seeds, with factors like nearby water availability and seasonal changes taken into consideration.
* '''Identification of appropriate location''' for sowing seeds, with factors like nearby water availability and seasonal changes taken into consideration.
* '''Methods of sowing''' included primitive methods of individual planting or dropping of seeds into holes made by digging sticks, to scattering of seeds,. Advanced methods of sowing in grid patterns were also observed. Evidence of sowing by a seed-drill plough is available. Grid pattern of furrows suggest that they were used for mixed cropping.
* '''Methods of sowing''' included primitive methods of individual planting or dropping of seeds into holes made by digging sticks, to scattering of seeds,. Advanced methods of sowing in grid patterns were also observed. Evidence of sowing by a seed-drill plough is available. Grid pattern of furrows suggest that they were used for mixed cropping.
* '''Transplantation method''' used for sowing rice was referred by the terms ropana and ropeti. Jain texts suggest the existence of transplantation method in use. It has been suggested that the distinction between the Vedic term vrihi and the post-Vedic saali is that the first is grown without transplanting, whereas the second is grown by transplantation.
* '''Transplantation method''' used for sowing rice was referred by the terms ropana and ropeti and described elaborately in Krishi Parasara (169 and 172<ref name=":4" />). Jain texts suggest the existence of transplantation method in use. It has been suggested that the distinction between the Vedic term vrihi and the post-Vedic saali is that the first is grown without transplanting, whereas the second is grown by transplantation.
* '''Tilling of soil''' was preferred and sowing seeds in ploughed fields, as against untilled lands is mentioned in many literary accounts (ex. Sata. Brah. 1.1.16.3).
* '''De-weeding''' was recognized for agricultural produce from which weeds are removed becomes highly fruitful (Krshi Parasara 189-92<ref name=":4" />).
*'''Relation between transplantation and growth''' - Krishi parasara requires the cultivators to perform the kattana (possibly meaning thinning out) of paid in the month of Ashadha and Sravana, without which there is an indifferent and poor growth of paddy.
*'''Relation between transplantation and water''' - Water levels after transplantation of the crop plays an important role in disease prevention. In Bhadrapada month water is to be drained off, preserving it up to the roots only. This will keep paddy free from disease (Krishi parasara 193-94).
*'''Tree transplantation''' and grafting methods were discussed by Varahamihira. The trees are to be transplanted (sahkrdpanaviropana) after plastering them from their root up to the branches with ghee, usira, sesamum, honey, vidanga, milk (kshira) and cowdung. Varahamihira (Brh.S. 54.12-13) brings out the importance of proper spacing in planting trees.
=== Plant Protection Measures ===
=== Plant Protection Measures ===