8.DOCUMENTATION OF TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE OF BAIGAS OF DINDORI DISTRICT_ MADHYA PRADESH WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THEIR STRATEGIES IN COPING CLIMATE CHANGE By MANISH MISHRA_ H. S. GUPTA AND MUKTA SHRIVASTAVA

Abstract

Baigas of Dindori district acquire a distinctive knowledge of plant genetic diversity needed to fight plant
and animal diseases and their know how to breed varieties that can cope with stressed environments. They
are one of the largest tribal group in the world, mostly found in the forests of central India. They practice
shifting cultivation Bewar (slash & burn) in forest areas of Baigachak region. They posses’ enough
knowledge about wild varieties of Agricultural crops, edible tubers, vegetable crops etc. Traditional
Bewar seeds conserved by the community possess qualities to grow in extreme environmental conditions
and utilized to fight climatic disturbances like sever drought and floods (Kulthi- Macrotyloma
uniflorum), Jhunjhuru- V.unguiculata), Pigeon Pea- Cajanus cajan, Adzuki Bean- Vigna angularis).
Traditionally they are protecting Agricultural crops from insect infestation while using different fruits,
seeds and leaves extract (Harad- Terminalia chebula), Neem Azadirachta indica) seed paste is used for
removing caterpillar, flies attack from Rice and other Agricultural crops. In recent past, the Baigas land
has experienced substantial deforestation and the rich heritage of indigenous knowledge is being lost
forever. Therefore, there is urgent need to preserve and document age old knowledge pass through
generations. An attempt has also been also made to explore the traditional knowledge of Baiga tribes
while predicting weather conditions and their climate change coping strategies during sever drought and
famine conditions.
KEY WORD: Traditional, Medicinal, Tribal, Baiga, Famine, Drought, Indigenous.