Documentation of indigenous technical knowledge (ITK) prevailing among dairy farmers in Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir Bhanotra Adhiti1,*, Gupta Jancy2 1Department of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Extension Education, Mumbai Veterinary College, Maharashtra Animal and Fishery Sciences University, Mumbai440012Maharashtra, India 2Extension Division, ICAR – National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal132001Haryana, India *Email for correspondence: adhitindri@gmail.com
Online Published on 25 January, 2024. Abstract The indigenous practices are not only cost effective but are also socially compatible and generally comprise easily available local flora/ingredients. The article reports the preliminary findings of indigenous technical knowledge (ITK) that were carried out in the Kathua district of Jammu and Kashmir. The aim of this study was to document the traditional use of medicinal plants related to animal healthcare and management. Qualitative research methods viz transect walk, direct observation, focus group discussion and key informant interview were used for documentation of ITK and to gather information on most prevalent veterinary ailments for selection of ITK. The data were collected personally through a semi-structured interview schedule which was pre-tested among respondents from non-sample area for elimination, alteration and modification. A total of 55 medicinal plants were documented in the study area and are discussed briefly with considerable emphasis on their local name, scientific name and parts used. The different plant parts used were leaves, fruits, bulbs, bark, roots, seeds, tubers, flowers, whole plant, rhizomes and stem. There is need to promote the use of ITK within rural communities to preserve the traditional knowledge. Top Keywords Indigenous technical knowledge, Dairy farmers, Cattle, Medicinal plants. Top |