INDIAN KNOWLEDGE OF WEATHER FORECASTING MECHANISMS AND DOCUMENTATION NEEDS

Abstract

This study endeavours to bring to the forefront the pressing necessity for recording the traditional methods of forecasting the weather. In a predominantly agrarian country such as India, where two-thirds of the population directly derive their livelihood from land resources, accurately forecasting both short-term and long-term weather conditions is crucial for developing effective crop strategies and managing farm operations. Local farming practices are often based on traditional knowledge that has been passed down through generations, accumulated over hundreds of years and shared orally. Conversations with farmers in Malegaon and Takli, located approximately 50 kilometres north-west of Nagpur in the Savner Tahsil, have revealed that they employ traditional knowledge with a high degree of precision and a success rate during the farming season. A comprehensive review of the existing literature has shown that this valuable practical information has not been thoroughly documented in India on a large scale. Research has been carried out in isolation to collect and record this information. A methodology and environmental indicators have been proposed in an attempt to facilitate the collection and documentation of indigenous knowledge. It would be beneficial for researchers to conduct studies based on this research design.