IK WORKSHOP Report

Home , Lakshmikutty

A REPORT ON THE BRAIN STORMING SESSION held on 20.9.2002 And The Workshop held on October 7 to 9, 2002 on Indigenous Knowledge Strategies for Kerala

Organised by

Tropical Botanic Garden and Researc Institute

Pacha-Palode, Thiruvananthapuram Kerala, India-695 562

Supported by IK Programme The World Bank Washigton D.C.

1 A REPORT ON THE BRAIN STORMING SESSION held on 20.9.2002 And The Workshop held on October 7 to 9, 2002 on Indigenous Knowledge Strategies for Kerala

Prepared and Edited by Assisted by Dr.V.George Mr. J. Anil John Dr.S.Rajasekharan Ms. V.A. Ajitha Dr. G.M. Nair

2 CONTENTS

PREFACE

PART I BRAINSTORMING SESSION 1(i) A report 1 1(ii) List of Participants 6 1(iii) Recommendations of the Brainstorming Session 8 PART II WORKSHOP ON INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE STRATEGIES FOR KERALA- A REPORT

2 (i) Introduction 9 2 (ii) Programme of the Workshop 11 2 (iii) List of participants in the Workshop 16 2 (iv) Sectoralwise thrust areas discussed in the Workshop 20 2 (v) Sectoralwise grouping of participants for 28 Group Discussion

PART III RECOMMENDATIONS FROM SUBJECTWISE EXPERT GROUPS

3(i) Art and Culture 30 3(ii) Agriculture, Animal husbandry, Fisheries and Food 30 3(iii) Forest and Wildlife Management, Biodiversity 31 Conservation and Utilization & Eco- Tourism 3(iv) Architecture and Rural Technology 31 3(v) Health care 32 3(vi) IPR and benefit sharing 32

PART IV COMMENTS OF PANELISTS 33

PART V RECOMMENDATIONS 38 5(i) Short-term programmes 41 5(ii) Long-term programmes 42 PART VI MODEL CASE STUDIES 43

PART VII MEDIA REPORTS ON THE WORKSHOP 56 PART VIII PHOTOGRAPHS 67

PREFACE

Indigenous Knowledge (IK) is a community based functional knowledge system, developed, preserved and refined by generations of people through continuous interaction, observation and experimentation with their surrounding environment. It is a dynamic system, ever changing, adapting and adjusting to the local situations and has close links with the culture, civilization and religious practices of the communities. IK covers all spheres of human activity such as art, literature, health, education, agriculture environment etc. The intrinsic value of IK possessed by Traditional Communities, the world over, has been recognized by the exponents of modern science and technology, especially because of the realization that this knowledge system not only withstood the test of time but also, in several cases, have survived strict scientific scrutiny. In Traditional Communities, IK occupies the prime position in problem solving. Normally traditional people look elsewhere for solutions to their problems only when they fail to find a suitable solution using their own knowledge system.

Since IK plays an important role in the day-to -day life of Indigenous Communities, it has become necessary to document, conserve and utilize this valuable knowledge system for the benefit of the entire society. Keeping this objective in view, TBGRI, with the active support, advice and financial assistance from the Indigenous Knowledge Group of the World Bank had organized the Workshop on “Indigenous Knowledge Strategies for Kerala” from October 7 to 9, 2002 at Kanakakunnu Palace, Thiruvananthapuram. Sri. Siddhartha Prakash of IK Group, World Bank and Sri. G.K. Pillai IAS, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, were the guiding force behind this venture. Besides, we received abundant support and encouragement from the Hon’ble Chief Minister Sri. A.K. Antony, the Vice chairman of the Kerala

4 State Planning Board, Sri V. Ramachandran and from Sri S.M. Vijayanand , Secretary, Planning and Economic Affairs, Government of Kerala in our endeavour.

The Workshop was organized with a view to develop concrete Indigenous Knowledge based proposals for submission to the Kerala State Planning Board so that these proposals could be incorporated into the 10 th five- year plan. Specific short-term and long-term proposals put forward by various Groups and Panels during the Workshop are included in this report.

The Workshop was attended by about 120 invitees who were experts in their respective areas. Planners, Beurocrats, Scientists, Academicians, Farmers, Media Persons, Technologists, Representatives from Tribal Communities and Traditional Medical Practitioners participated in the Workshop.

We intend to bring out a volume comprising of the Proceedings of the Workshop. We hope this report and the recommendations contained herein will be suitably utilized for developing strategies for IK based developmental activities for Kerala.

Editors

5 INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE STRATEGIES FOR KERALA PART I

BRAIN STORMING SESSION

HELD AT THE CHIEF MINISTER’S CONFERENCE HALL GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, KERALA, INDIA ON 20 TH SEPTEMBER, 2002

A REPORT I (i) A pre-workshop brain storming session on Indigenous Knowledge Strategies for Kerala was organized at Government Secretariat, Thiruvananthapuram on Friday,20th September ,2002. Senior beurocrats of the Government of Kerala, Heads of Departments , Planners , Senior Scientists, Representatives from World Bank IK Group and delegates from Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia participated in the brain storming session.

The brain storming session started with a brief welcome address by Dr. V. George, Convenor of the Workshop and introductory remarks by Dr. G.M. Nair, Director, TBGRI. Sri G. K. Pillai IAS, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister of Kerala threw open the subject for discussion and conducted the proceedings of the brain storming session. Sri. Siddhartha Prakash of the IK Group, World Bank, Washington DC shared his experience in organizing similar workshops in the African continent and in Sri Lanka and he emphasized the need for integrating indigenous knowledge with the developmental programmes of the state of Kerala through incorporation of indigenous knowledge in the 10th Plan Process being implemented from 2002-2007. Mr Siddhartha Prakash highlighted the importance of utilizing traditional wisdom and knowledge in primary health care by making use of the locally available biodiversity resources particularly, the medicinal plants .He also shared the experience of the World Bank in a community-farming programme started in Uttar Pradesh, India. The farmers made the maximum use of traditional knowledge in selecting the cultivars, farm and irrigation management, pest control etc. which helped them in augmenting their income from agricultural operations. He cited case studies from Africa where IK was utilized for combating the dreadful diseases like cancer and

6 AIDS. He highlighted the importance of utilizing classic al systems of medicine such as Ayurveda as well as traditional and oral systems of medicines for combating such diseases in India. He also emphasized the need of protecting the IPR of indigenous communities in a manner similar to the TBGRI Model of Benefit sharing. Mr Siddhartha Prakash stressed the necessity of documenting indigenous knowledge so that it is brought into the public domain, in order to prevent the unscrupulous exploitation of indigenous knowledge by interested parties for generation of personal or corporate gains. He wanted Kerala to take the lead in evolving strategies and programmes for incorporating indigenous knowledge in the developmental process so that it could be duplicated elsewhere in India.

Dr. E M Nyiira, Executive Secretary, Uganda National Council for Science and Technology, Kampala, Uganda shared their experience in the utilization of indigenous knowledge for the developmental process. Dr. Nyiira cited certain specific instances where the indigenous knowledge related to behaviour and movement of animals is utilized for prediction of natural calamities like earthquakes, behaviour of insects and squirrels and their movement towards wet areas for prediction of oncoming dry spells etc. The Secretary, Planning and Economic Affairs, Sri. S .M. Vijayanand IAS said that, so far Kerala did not have any allocation of funds for Indigenous Knowledge in the Plan Process. The Planning Secretary also informed that under the decentralised planning system, one third of the total plan allocation is given to local bodies, and these local self Governments such as panchayats are empowered to formulate their own plan projects and allocate necessary budget provisions. Thus, the local bodies are free to utilize traditional knowledge systems in diverse areas such as organic farming , water conservation , watershed management, traditional industries such as bamboo and coir products, fish farming, revival of traditional food products etc. Sri Vijayanand expressed the hope that during the 10th five year plan, the plan process will be able to support certain prioritized IK based action programmes especially in the field of tribal welfare, healthcare, women’s welfare, low cost rural technology, watershed management etc.

Mr. E K Bharath Bhushan, Secretary Kerala State Forest and Wildlife Department, participating in the deliberations said that there are two prime areas, which require immediate attention. The first is the inadequate documentation of IK which is fast disappearing on account of the change in occupation and life styles of

7 traditional communities. Another important area is the standardization of traditional medicines. Traditional knowledge is to be utilized in the collection and utilization of medicinal plants.

Mr. K Balachandran Thampi, Chief Conservator of Forests endorsed the view expressed by the Secretary and he also strongly recommended that serious efforts should be initiated to document the IK system related to the forest produce and medicinal and aromatic plants. He also stressed the need of including IK system as a thrust area in the forestry programme of the state.

Mr. K Ramamurthy, Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of Kerala stated that traditional systems like Ayurveda can contribute a lot to the welfare of the people of the State as well as it can cater to the need of people from different parts of the world. The State of Kerala has got 727 ayurvedic dispensaries, 943 primary health centers, 5 Ayurveda medical colleges in the Government sector and 4 medical colleges in the private sector The state has also set up a medicinal plant board . He has highlighted the necessity of linking Ayurveda with modern medicine and emphasized the need of scientific validation of the medicinal preparations. For encouraging IK the Government has recognized practitioners of traditional medicine also. IK related to traditional medicine has a major role to play especially in the rejuvenation of the nervous system, chronic degenerative diseases etc. He therefore insisted that traditional knowledge should be institutionalized.

Dr. K. N. Shyamasundaran Nair, Former Vice-Chancellor, Kerala Agricultural University taking part in the discussion emphasized the necessity of validating scientifically the traditional knowledge obtained from different sources especially those related to primary health care. Dr. Shyamasundaran Nair raised a warning about bringing IK to the public domain especially because of the vast economic potential of such knowledge system.

Dr. N. M. Nair, Former Director of CTCRI (Central Tuber Crops Research Institute) also emphasized the need of documenting and characterizing the traditional knowledge available with the indigenous community. Dr. Nair also said that India should start departments for IK at the university level as in Yale and other universities in the west.

8 Dr. Aberra Geyid, Director, Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia taking part in the discussion cited some of the case studies related to the utilization of IK in primary health care in Ethiopia.

Dr. Sukumaran Nair, Director, Kerala Institute for Research Training and Developmental Studies (KIRTADS) of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes participating in the discussion said that KIRTADS is engaged in the identification, pre servation and propagation of indigenous knowledge system of the local communities.

Dr. M Baba, Director of Centre for Earth Science Studies (CESS) said that indigenous knowledge though being utilized by communities for prediction of Natural hazards and calamities such as flood, earthquake etc. is not widely utilized by the scientific community since they are not incorporated in the manuals. He said that in Kerala IK is utilized in water management especially by the farmers engaged in paddy cultivation, fish farming etc. The farmers have developed sustainable mechanism for alternate farming of paddy and fish.

In his remarks Dr. M P Nayar, Former Director of Botanical Survey of India, said that IK should be utilized for value addition of natural products and the biodiversity resources. Indigenous Knowledge has been used by traditional communities for sustainable use of biodiversity especially in the production of value added products and we should adopt this knowledge system and apply them for development in a suitably modified manner.

Winding up the deliberations Sri G K Pillai IAS, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister enquired from Mr. Siddhartha Prakash of the World Bank whether there are separate departments for indigenous knowledge in other developing countries. Mr. Siddhartha Prakash informed that in Sri Lanka there are separate departments for Ayurveda, Indigenous medicines and medicinal plants. However, there is no separate department for indigenous knowledge in Sri Lanka or other countrie s. Dr. Nyiira from Uganda said that because of the complexity of indigenous knowledge it is difficult to handle them under one department. However he said that there are separate departments of indigenous knowledge for conservation and sustainable utilization of medicinal and aromatic plants. Dr. Shyamasundaran Nair said that IK deals with diverse subjects and hence it is difficult to conceive of a single

9 Department dealing with IK. However, he suggested that IK related to physical and biological aspects may be brought under the dept of science and technology.

The brain storming session concluded with a vote of thanks by Sri G K Pillai to all the participants in the session especially to the visiting officials from the World Bank, scientists from Uganda, Ehiopia, Kenya, Secretaries and Heads of Departments of the Government and Scientists from various Research Institutions.

INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE STRATEGIES FOR KERALA

BRAIN STORMING SESSION

HELD AT THE CHIEF MINISTER’S CONFERENCE HALL GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM ON 20 TH SEPTEMBER, 2002.

I (ii) LIST OF PARTICIPANTS Sl.No. Name Address 1. Mr.K Ramamoorthy Secretary, Health and Family Welfare 2. Dr.Sankaran Director, Ayurveda Medical Education 3. Dr.K.P.Sreenivasan Director, Indian Systems of Medicine 4. Dr.M.Baba Director, Centre for Earth Science Studies 5. Mr.G.K.Pillai Principal Secretary to Chief Minister 6. Dr.N.M. Nayar Member, Governing Body, TBGRI 7. Dr. M.P.Nayar Environmental Research and Resource Centre 8. Dr.Shyamasundaran Nair Former Vice-Chancellor, Kerala Agricultural University 9. Dr.V.K.Rajan Director, Health Services, Kerala 10. Mr.S.M.Vijayanand Secretary, Planning and Economic Affairs 11. Mr.E.K.Bharat Bhushan Secretary, Forest and Wildlife 12. Mr.K.Balachandran Thampi Chief Conservator of Forests, World Bank Project 13. Dr.P.K.Sukumaran Nair Director, KIRTADS 14. Mr.James Varghese Secretary, Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Dept. 15. Mr.P.N. Unnikrishanan Chief Conservator of Forest / E&TW 16. Dr. P.J.Mathew Scientist, TBGRI 17. Dr.T.K.Abraham Scientist, TBGRI 18. Dr.P.G.Latha Scientist, TBGRI 19. Dr.S.Rajasekharan Scientist, TBGRI 20. Dr.V.George Scientist, TBGRI 21. Mrs.G.Rajammal Additional Secretary, Cultural Affairs Dept. 22. Mr.A.Nazeemudeen Commissioner in charge, Rural Development 23. Mr.Siddhartha Prakash World Bank 24. Mr.E.S.Anil Kumar TBGRI 25. Mr.Dhruvan T. TBGRI 26. Mr.Vivek Kumar A.T. TBGRI 27. Ms.Ajitha V.A. TBGRI 28. Mr.K.B. Ramesh Kumar TBGRI

11 29. Engdosen Agon Chairman, AFYR, Ethiopian National Traditional Medicine Preparation and Study Association 30. Assaye Legesse Operation Officer,World Bank Country Office, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia 31. Girma Balcha Deputy Genertal manager , Institute of Biodiversity Conservation and Research, P.O. Box 30726, Addis Ababa Ethiopia 32. Aberra Geyid Director, Ethiopian Health and Nutrition Research Institute EUNRI, P.O . Box 1242, Addis Ababa Ethiopia 33. Medhin Zewdu Conservation and Sustainable use of Medicinal Plants Projects 34. Tesfaye Awas Institute of Biodiversity Conservation & Research (IBCR) 35. Dr. G.M. Nair Director, TBGRI 36. Dr. Z.M. Nyiira Secretary, Ugandan National Council for Science and Technology

I (iii) Recommendations of the Brainstorming Session held on 20th September, 2002.

1. Identify a nodal agency for advising the Government for implementing IK Programmes

2. Prepare an inventory of IK from different sections of the communities.

3. Prioritise IK for short-term and long term Project Proposals

4. Earmark a certain percentage of budgetary provisions from concerned Departmental allocations for IK related activities.

5. Submit to the Government of Kerala and the Kerala State Planning Board concrete recommendations for implementations of IK related activities in the 10th Plan.

13 PART II

WORKSHOP ON IK STRATEGIES FOR KERALA- A REPORT

II (i) Introduction st The 21 century has dawned on us with unprecedented developments in the fields of Information Technology and Biotechnology. Even before the dawn of the new millennium, a new world order has emerged in the areas of knowledge, trade and commerce as witnessed by the ne w Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) regime, regimen on management of biodiversity and genetic resources as evidenced by Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) which forms part of General Agreement on Trade and Tariff (GATT) etc. India, with the glorious traditions of excellence in the field of knowledge and with the rich wealth of Biodiversity has tremendous opportunities to make quantum leaps in the emerging new world order. We have become world leaders in the field of Information Technology especially in software development; however, we are yet to make headway in the utilization of our Biodiversity through biotechnological interventions.

Kerala has been a model for the developing countries with the high human development index, comparable to that of the developed countries. Given the will, determination, leadership and resources, Kerala can lead other states of India and other developing countries elsewhere in the utilization of traditional knowle dge systems for development. Kerala is endowed with a rich and varied cultural heritage rooted in indigenous traditional knowledge systems. One of the areas where IK has made tremendous contribution for the betterment of the quality of life is in the primary health care sector. Apart from Ayurveda, there is a strong and vibrant oral healthcare tradition existing in the countryside, villages and tribal habitats. The practitioners of the oral health care tradition cater to the needs of the local communities, often at no cost or at easily affordable prices as they make use of the locally available herbs, minerals and animal products for the preparation of the medicines. Other important areas where IK has been contributing considerably are traditional arts and crafts, traditional farming, fishing, conservation of the land genetic resources, animal husbandry, ecotourism etc.

14 With a view to incorporate the traditional knowledge systems in the developmental process for the state of Kerala, a three-day workshop was organized at Kanakakunnu Palace from 7th- 9th October, 2002. The workshop, inaugurated by the Honourable Chief Minister, Shri. A.K. Antony was addressed by eminent Planners, Administrators and Scientists including the Vice -Chairman of the Kerala State Planning Board Shri. V. Ramachandran, the Secretary, Planning & Economic Affairs, Shri. S.M. Vijayanand, former bureaucrats such as Shri. Madhava Menon, Shri. C.K. Kochukoshy, scientists such as Dr. B. Ekbal, Dr. M.R. Das, Dr. P. Pushpangadan, Dr. M. Baba, Dr. K.N. Shyamasundaram Nair, Shri. P.N. Unnikrishnan, Dr. M.P. Nayar, Dr. R.V.G. Menon, Dr. M. P. Parameswaran, Dr. P.R.G. Mathur, Dr. G.M. Nair, Shri. Darshan Shankar, Shri. K.G. Mohanlal, Prof. A. Achuthan etc. The Workshop was attended by invited people from different walks of life, who were exponents, experts and practitioners of various Indigenous Knowledge Systems in Kerala. Together, the participants and experts have deliberated on the immediate priorities in each sector and the need for effective documentation and utilization of the knowledge in various sectors and their application for the developmental activities of Kerala were discussed.

The three day Workshop consisted of Theme Lectures on selected topics by experts, Group discussion by participants followed by Panel discussion and presentation of recommendations by Group Leaders and Panelists.

15 WORKSHOP ON INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE STRATEGIES FOR KERALA October 7 to 9, 2002 Kanakakunnu Palace, Thiruvananthapuram

II (ii) Programme

October 7, 2002 9.00hrs Registration of Delegates

9.30hrs. Opening Ceremony Invocation Dr.K.Vijayakumar Welcome Address: Prof. Dr. G.M. Nair, Director, TBGRI Presidential Address: Dr. M.R. Das, Former Chairm an, STEC (Science, Technology and Environment Committee, Govt. of Kerala)

Introductory Remarks: Sri.S.M.Vijayanand IAS , Secretary, Planning &Economic Affairs

Special Talk: Dr.P.Pushpangadan, Director, National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow

Vote of Thanks: Dr.V.George, Scientist, TBGRI

10.30hrs. Tea Break

SESSION I Chairman: Dr. Madhava Menon IAS Former Vice -chancellor, Kerala Agricultural University

11.00 hrs. Lead Talk- Strategies and Policies for integration of IK into 10th Five -Year Plan Sri. S.M. Vijayanand IAS, Secretary, Planning & Economic Affairs

11.30hrs. Lead Talk- IK in Agriculture, Farmer’s and Breeder’s Rights Prof. Dr. K.N. Shyamasundaran Nair, Former Vice-Chancellor, Kerala Agricultural University

12.00hrs. Lead Talk- IK in Water Resource Management Dr. M. Baba, Director, Centre for Earth Science Studies, Trivandrum

12.30hrs. Lead Talk- IK in Ethnoveterinary Medicine Dr. T.P. Sethumadhavan, Animal Husbandry Department, Kerala

16 13.00hrs. Lunch break

SESSION II Chairman: Dr. M.R. Das Former Chairman, STEC

14.00hrs. Lead Talk- IK in Bio-diversity Conservation and Utilization Dr.M.P. Nayar, Former Director, Botanical Survey of India

14.30hrs. Lead Talk- IK in Forest and Wild -life Management Sri.P.N. Unnikrishnan IFS, Chief Conservator of Forests, Eco-Development &Tribal Welfare

15.00hrs. Lead Talk- IK in Fisheries Dr. D. Sanjeev Ghosh, Joint Director, Fisheries Department

15.30hrs. Tea break

SESSION III Chairperson: Dr. (Mrs.) Radha R. Das, Former Associate Director, Department of Atomic Energy

16.00hrs. Lead Talk- IK in Eco-Tourism Sri K.G. Mohanlal IFS Executive Director, Eco-Tourism

16.30hrs. Lead Talk- IK base of Vasthuvidya in Kerala Prof.(Dr). A. Achyuthan, Chairman, Institution of Engineers, Kerala

17.00hrs. Lead Talk- IK in Agricultural Practices Dr. G. Sreekandan Nair / Prof. B.R. Raghunath Kerala Agricultural University.

18.00hrs. Cultural Programme

19.00hrs. Dinner

October 8, 2002

SESSION IV

Chairman: Dr. M. P. Nayar Former Director, Botanical Survey of India.

10.00hrs. Lead Talk- IK, IPR and Benefit Sharing Dr. P. Pushpangadan, Director, NBRI

10.30hrs. Lead Talk- IK in Health Care Sri. Darshan Shankar, Foundation for Revitalisation of Local Health Traditions, Bangalore

11.00hrs. Lead Talk- Padam- an initiative for preservation of traditional medical knowledge of Kerala Dr.R. Raghavan President, International Foundation for Ayurvedic Research and Training, Madurai

11.30hrs. Tea break

SESSION V

Chairman: Dr. G. M. Nair Director, TBGRI

12.00hrs. Lead Talk: Nattarivukalum Samagra Vikasanavum Dr. C.R. Rajagopalan, Professor, Vivekananda College, Thrissur

12.20hrs. Lead Talk- Nirathinte Nattarivu Sri. Vijayakumara Menon, Trissur

12.40 hrs. Lead Talk- Ethnoveterinary Practic es

Sri. Harinarayanan, M.K., Thrissur

13.00 hrs. Lunch break

SESSION VI

Chairman: Prof. R. V. G. Menon Director, Integrated Rural Technology Centre

14.00 hrs. Lead Talk: IK of fishing among the Mappila / Hindu Fisherfolk of Kerala Dr. P.R.G. Mathur, Consultant Anthropologist, Palghat

14.30 hrs. Lead Talk: Natural Pigments of Kerala Dr M.G. Sasi Bhooshan Secretary, Vyloppilli Samskrithi Bhavan, Trivandrum

15.00 hrs. Lead Talk: Impact Of Biotechnology on Agro biodiversity Prof.(Dr). G. M. Nair, Director, TBGRI

15.30 hrs. Lead Talk- IK and Media R. Hali, Retd. Director of Agriculture

16.00 hrs. Tea break

16.30hrs. Group Discussion

17.00hrs. Inaugural Function Invocation : Karinthalakoottam Welcome Address : Prof. G.M. Nair, Director, TBGRI

Introductory Remarks: Dr. V. George , Scientist, TBGRI

Presidential Address: Dr. B. Ekbal, Vice-Chancellor, Kerala University

Inaugural Address: Sri. A.K Antony, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Kerala

Key-Note Address: Sri. V. Ramachandran, Vice-Chairman, Kerala State Planning Board

Vote of Thanks: Dr.S. Rajasekharan, Scientist, TBGRI

18.30hrs. Cultural Programme

19 20.00hrs. Dinner

October 9, 2002

9.00 hrs. Continuation and Consolidation of Group Discussions

10.30hrs. Tea break

Plenary Session

11.00hrs. Presentation from each group (15 min. to each group)

13.00hrs. Lunch break

Panel discussion

14.00hrs. Summing up and Presentation of draft recommendation Chairman: Dr. N.M. Nair Former Director, Central Tuber Crops Research Institute, Trivandrum

Panelists

Sri. M.P. Parameswaran Prof. M.K.Prasad Prof. R.V.G. Menon Sri. C.K. Kochu Koshy, IAS Dr. M.P. Nair Dr. G.M. Nair Dr. S. Rajasekharan

16.00hrs. Tea

20 II (iii) List of Participants in the Workshop

1. Abraham T K, Dr 2. Achyuthan A., Dr. 3. Ajitha V.A., Ms. 4. Anil John J., Mr. 5. Anilkumar K.S, Mr.

6. Baba, M. Dr. 7. Balachandran Thampi,Mr. 8. Chacko M.C., Mr. 9. Christudas, Mr. 10. Darsan Shankar, Mr. 11. Das, Radha R, Mrs. 12. Das, M.R., Dr. 13. Dhruvan, T., Mr. 14. Dileep kumar, K. P, Mr. 15. Dileep kumar, S, Dr. 16. George, V., Dr. 17. Gireesh Kumar K. G, Mr. 18. Gopanraj ,Mr. 19. Gopimony, Dr. 20. Hali R., Sri. 21. Harinarayanan M .K.,Mr. 22. Jain P. C, Mr. 23. James varghese, Mr. 24. Jayachandran, Mr.

25. Jayamony, Dr. 26. John Jacob,Mr. 27. Joseph Mathew, Mr. 28. Karunakaran C .K, Mr. 29. Kevin, Dr.

30. Kochukoshy C K, IAS 31. Krishnan Koliyoor 32. Kunhikrishnan, E., Prof.

33. Kurup, A.M., Mr.

21 34. Kuttimathen Kani, Mr. 35. Lakshmikkutty, Mrs. 36. Latha P G, Dr. 37. Madhava Menon , Dr.

38. Madhu M. S., Mr. 39. Manikandan, Mr. 40. Manoj, Mr. 41. Mathew P J, Dr. 42. Mathur P. R. G., Mr. 43. Menon R. V. G., Prof. 44. Mohanlal K. G., Mr. 45. Muraleedharan Thazhakkara, Mr. 46. Nair G .M., Dr. 47. Nair N. M., Dr. 48. Nandakumar G., Mr. 49. Nayar M. P. , Dr. 50. Nesamony .S., Dr. 51. Parameswaran M. P., Mr. 52. Parvathi Menon, Dr. 53. Prakashkumar , Dr. 54. Prasad, M .K., Prof. 55. Premachandran, P. N., Mr. 56. Pushpangadan ,P., Dr. 57. Raghavan, Dr. 58. Raghunath, B. R. Dr. 59. Rajagopalan C R, Dr. 60. Rajan Chungath, Dr. 61. Rajani Kurup, S R., Mrs. 62. Rajasekharan, S.,Dr. 63. Rajendran Kani, Mr. 64. Rameshkumar K B, Mr. 65. Raveendran P N , Mr.

66. Registrar, TBGRI 67. Sajad, Mr. 68. Sanjeev Ghosh, Dr.

22 69. Sankaran, Dr. 70. Sarada T R, Adv. 71. Sasibhushan, M G,Dr. 72. Sasidharan, Dr. 73. Sasikala P, Mrs. 74. Sebastian M., Mr. 75. Sethumadhavan T. P., Dr. 76. Shyamasundaran Nair .K N., Dr. 77. Sinu S .P. Kurup., Mr. 78. Sivanandan P. K., Mr. 79. Sreedhara Kurup ,N., Mr. 80. Sreekandan Nair ,G., Dr. 81. Sreekumar K .G ., Mr. 82. Subhash Chandra Bose, Mr. 83. Subramoniam A., Dr. 84. Sumitha B., Mrs. 85. Suresh Elamon, Mr. 86. Suresh kumar, Mr. 87. Syamaladevi, L. Ms. 88. Thara, Prof. 89. Udayakumar, V. G., Dr. 90. Unnikrishnan, P .M. , Dr. 91. Unnikrishnan, P .N., Mr. 92. Unnikrishnan, E., Mr. 93. Varghese V .S. , Mr. 94. Veena .P., Ms. 95. Vijayakumara Menon, Mr. 96. Vijayan, Dr. 97. Vijayanand S. M., Mr.

98. Vinod kumar T. G., Dr. 99. Representatives from All India Radio 100. ” 101. Representative from Visual Media 102. ” 103. ”

23 104. Representative from Visual Media 105. 106. ” 107. Representative from Print Media 108. ” 109. ” 110. ” 111. ” 112. ” 113. ” 114. ” 115. ” 116. ”

II (iv) SECTORALWISE THRUST AREAS DISCUSSED IN THE WORKSHOP

(i) IK IN ART & CULTURE

IK related to Art & Culture:

q Songs q Dances q Drama q Murals & Paintings q Dyes & Natural colours q Music & Musical instruments q Martial arts q Ornaments & costumes

IK IN AGRICULTURE, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY (ii) FISHERIES AND FOOD

IK related to Agriculture:

q Common agricultural practices including selection of seeds, selection of site, pretreatment of seeds before sowing etc q Propagation & multiplication q Prevention of soil erosion q Desalination / reclamation of soil etc q Timing for sowing seeds, weeding, application of manure, harvesting etc q Pest control q Irrigation q Inter cropping q Water harvesting/water shed management / maintaining ecological balance q Combating unexpected and sudden changes in climate q Enhancing soil fertility q Breeding & hybridization q Harvesting q Post harvest technology q Storage of harvests q Processing harvested goods q Religious, ritual & spiritual practices concerning agriculture q Laws governing farmer’s rights/Breeder’s rights q Policy formulation for documentation, conservation & utilization of IK q Policy formulation for Technology development / Technology transfer / Commercialization of technology / Patenting / Benefit sharing with the stake holders

IK related to Animal husbandry:

q Selection of appropriate breeds q Feed & fodder q Breeding & delivery q Prenatal & Postnatal care q Enhancement of milk production q Disease management & hygiene q Plants used in veterinary medicine q Use of milk, other animal products q Taboos & beliefs in rearing and keeping animals

IK related to Fisheries:

q Seasonal availability & migration of fish in the sea & river waters q Weather forecasting & fishing q Manufacture of fishing nets & fishing equipments q Manufacture of fishing boats q Breeding & egg laying, hatching etc q Pisciculture q Poisonous, toxic & edible fish q Fish harvesting q Fish processing & preservation q Fish poisoning plants q Vernacular names, edibility & other properties q Medicinal properties

IK IN FOREST & WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT, (iii) BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION & UTILIZATION

AND ECO -TOURISM

IK related to Forest & Wildlife Management:

q Flora of the forests q Fauna of the forests q Wild Edible plants q Wild Medicinal plants q Wild toxic & poisonous plants q Plants yielding dyes & pigments q Plants yielding useful gums & resins q Aromatic plants q Plants having insecticidal properties q Plants used in fish poisoning q Concentration, migration and movement of wild animals q Tribal customs, beliefs q Taboos and religious practices

IK related to Biodiversity Conservation & Utilization:

q Collection of minor non-timber forest produce q Non-destructive and renewable extraction techniques q Timing and periodicity of extraction q Rare, endangered and threatened species of plants q Conservation of frequently extracted species q Utilization of wild edible plants q Techniques of detoxification of wild edible plants q Medicinal properties of plants q Treatment of poisonous bites q Bone setting and wound healing properties q Spices and processing of spices

IK related to Eco-tourism :

q Topography and terrain q Self protection and safeguard against wild animals and reptiles q First aid using locally available resources q Prediction of sudden climate changes and natural calamities such as cloudburst, strong winds, heavy rains etc q Ethnic food and natural drinks q Flora and fauna q Allergic and poisonous plants q Any other relevant matters

(iv) IK IN ARCHITECTURE AND RURAL TECHN OLOGY

IK related to Architecture:

q Dwelling places q Places of worship q Places of Public assemblies, commercial establishments etc q Traditional construction techniques including masonry, carpentry, painting, varnishing etc

IK related to Rural Technology:

q Traditional crafts such as treatment of coconut husk, preparation of fiber, coir and coir products q Bamboos, reeds and their products q Handloom cotton clothes, dyeing and printing of textiles using natural colours q Tanning of leather q Potteries and other clay products

(v) IK IN HEALTHCARE

IK related to Healthcare:

q Health & hygiene q Healthcare q Disease management q Prevention of diseases q Customs, rituals & religious practices q Healing techniques q Medicinal plants q Food plants q Wild edible plants q Single drug remedies / compound drugs q Animal products q Metals & minerals q Poisonous bites q Traumatic affections q Pre & Postnatal care q Mother & child care q Selection & collection of drugs, processing, preparation, storage & administration of drug

(vi) IK AND IPR INCLUDING BENEFIT SHARING

q Documentation of IK, Protection and Utilization q IPR of Indigenous knowledge q Policies on ownership rights on IK q Fa rmer’s right q Equitable benefit sharing

32 II (V) SECTORAL WISE GROUPING OF PARTICIPANTS FOR GROUP DISCUSSION

(i) ART AND CULTURE

1. Mr. M. Sebastian 2. Dr. Vijayakumar 3. Dr. D. A. Evans 4. Sri. M. Navas 5. Sri. K. J. Lathan Kumar

(ii) AGRICULTURE, ANIMAL HUSBANDRY, FISHERIES AND FOOD

1. Dr. P.R.G. Mathur 2. Dr. Sreedharan Nair 3. Dr. B.R. Reghunath 4. Sri. R. Hali 5. Sri. M.C. Chacko 6. Sri. Madhu Venganoor 7. Sri. P. N. Shiju 8. Dr. G. Jee

(iii) FOREST, WILDLIFE, BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION AND ECO-TOURISM

1. Prof. Parvati Menon 2. Col. N. John Jacob 3. Sri. A. Sajjath 4. Sri. Kuttimmathan Kani 5. Sri. Jayachandran K. 6. Sri. G. Manoj 7. Sri. A. Suresh 8. Sri. T. Sabu 9. Dr. N. Mohanan 10. Dr. C.G. Sudha 11. Miss. V. A. Ajitha 12. Dr. M. Rajendra Prasad 13. Sri. Gopan Raj 14. Miss. S.R. Suja 15. Sri. C.K. Karunakaran

33 16. Miss. Aparna Wilden 17. Sri. E. Kunhikrishanan 18. Sri. K.G. Sreekumar 19. Dr. M.P. Nayar 20. Dr. Bijoy Mathew 21. Dr. J.C. Jose 22. Mrs. Lakshmikutty

(IV) ARCHITECTURE AND RURAL TECHNOLOGY

1. Dr. A. Achyuthan 2. Mrs. L. Shyamala Devi 3. Sri. Subhash Baby 4. Dr. Sam . P. Mathew 5. Mr. J. V. Reji

(V) HEALTHCARE

1. Dr. R. Raghavan 2. Dr. S. Nesamony 3. Dr. Dileep Kumar 4. Dr. V. A. Udayakumar 5. Dr. Koliyoor Krishnan 6. Sri. E. S. Santhosh Kumar 7. Dr. T. G. Vinod Kumar

(VI) IPR AND BENEFIT SHARING

1. Dr. M. P. Parameswaran 2. Dr. A. M Kurup 3. Dr. M. P. Nayar 4. Miss. P Veena 5. Dr. N. M. Nair 6. Sri. S. Suseendran 7. Adv. T. R. Sarada 8. Sri. Joseph Mathew 9. Sri. K. P. Vijayakumar 10. Dr. R. V. G. Menon 11. Sri. K. E. Anil 12. Sri. D. Ajithkumar 13. Dr. Ganga Prasad

34 PART III

RECOMMENDATIONS FROM SECTORWISE EXPERT GROUPS

3(i) Art and Culture

1. Documentation of Indigenous Knowledge related to art and culture by conducting surveys at local self-government levels. 2. Creation of awareness on preservation of IK related to art and culture by providing fellowships, scholarships etc. 3. Establishment of IK museum 4. IK related developmental programmes shall be implemented in a holistic manner with the participation of the Department of art and culture, Department of Education etc. 5. IPR related to art and culture shall be protected by implementing suitable mechanisms.

3(ii) Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Food

1. Documentation of tribal agricultural practices and settled agricultural practices including food gathering, shiftening cultivation, impact of modern agricultural practices, uses of traditional agricultural implements, traditional methods of disease and pest management, rituals related to agriculture and meteorology, post harvest technology, agro biodiversity, current marketing network etc. 2. Establish linkages between scientists and farmers. 3. Documentation of indigenous breeds of live stocks and poultry 4. Traditional veterinary practices 5. Rituals and festivals related to cattle and current traditional cattle marketing system. 6. Documentation of traditional knowledge system related to fisheries, impact of modern technology on fishing, rituals and customs associated with fishing, traditional fish processing and marketing. 7. Identification, conservation and popularization of traditional fishing. 8. Ban on introduction of exotic fishes into Indian waters. 9. Documentation of traditional food habits of tribes and rural communities, traditional recipes, traditional food habits practiced in different seasons,

35 traditional food preservatives, traditional drinks, traditional cooking methods etc. 10. Preparation of the data base on traditional food and related knowledge.

3(iii) Forest and Wild life management, Biodiversity conservation and utilization and Eco -tourism 1. Preparation of Panchayat level Biodiversity register giving emphasis on the endemic plants, animals and microbes. 2. Documentation of traditional knowledge and practice in the utilization of biodiversity. 3. Regulation of harvesting and product making of bio wealth with the traditional knowledge. 4. Protection of areas other than forest like wet land, sacred groves etc with the help of IK. 5. Environmental enrichment programme in the degraded land with the participation of local people and NGOs. 6. IK related knowledge shall be utilized for the control of forest fire. 7. Practice of IK related knowledge shall be introduced for the promotion of ecotourism. 8. Total ban on plastic and plastic products in the core zones of forests. 9. Participation of indigenous people shall be ensured while implementing various eco-tourism programmes.

3(iv) Architecture and Rural Technology 1. Establishment of a craft village similar to the art village such as Kalagramam at Mahi and Chozhamandalam in Tamil Nadu. 2. Institution of fellowships for master craftsmen and apprenticeships for trainees. 3. Establishment of an exclusive artifact museum for presenting and exhibiting various traditional processes and products related to vastuvidya. 4. Documenting the traditional skills and publication of Monographs. 5. Constituting skill centers at District, Panchayat level. 6. Constituting a high power committee for the certific ation of traditional skilled persons of vastuvidya. 7. Integrating vastuvidya in the curriculam of civil engineering and architecture courses either at B.Tech./ B.Arch. level or as PGDC.

36 8. Nodal agencies are vastuvidya pratisthanam, vastuvidya gurukulam, National Institute of Technology, Calicut, Govt. Engineering college etc.

3(v) Healthcare 1. A new holistic approach on primary healthcare shall be implemented by utilizing Ayurvedic system of medicine and other related traditional healthcare practices prevalent in the local healthcare traditions. 2. Considering Ayurveda as an indigenous system of medicine, promotion and popularization of Ayurveda shall be introduced at various levels including the curriculum of school and college level education. 3. Healthcare in terms of prevention, promotion correction and cure shall be given priority while introducing new package programmes based on Ayurveda and local health traditions. 4. Services of practitioners belonging to local health tradition like mid wives, bone setters, local healers etc. should be promoted through implementing various promotional programmes/ activities. 5. Documentation and preparation of data base on ethnomedicine/ethnic foods including seasonal food and fruits and other health related activities. 6. Popularise the ethnic/ Ayurvedic food products for health care. 7. Popularise local martial arts like kalari and yoga for health care. 8. IK related resuscitative techniques in critical/ crisis management shall be documented, evaluated and utilized for health care. 9. To preserve the IK related healthcare practices a museum shall be established for the public as a part of awareness programmes. 10. IK related consideration, cultivation and sustainable utilization of medicinal plants, food plants and wild fruits shall be documented and popularized.

3(vi) IPR and Benefit sharing

1. Documentation and dissemination of IK shall be carried out in an institutionalized manner (eg. TBGRI model of benefit sharing). 2. Preparation of biodiversity register with a mechanism to disclose or undisclose knowledge as and when it is required. 3. Implimentation of various awareness programmes of IK for the various developmental activities 4. Documentation of IPR related information, benefit sharing. Case studies etc.

37 PART IV

COMMENTS OF PANELISTS

The Panelists consisted of eminent scholars from the Academic, Research and Administrative fields and their views on the various issues discussed during the Workshop are presented as under.

Dr. M.P. Parameswaran: While expressing the view that documentation of IK is need of the hour, Dr. Parameswaran mentioned that the concept of IK is different in various societies and hence awareness creation is the first step in any programme related to IK. Induction of traditional practices into modern systems is key to revival of Indigenous Knowledge, he added. For instance, modern system of agriculture would benefit a lot by adopting traditional practices in this sector. Of the various sectors where traditional knowledge could be effectively used for socio-economic upliftment, he mentioned that cultivation of medicinal plants is one such lucrative area, as scarcity of essential herbs poses threat to the Ayurvedic and traditional systems of medicine. However, unlike crop plants agronomical practices of most of these herbs are not known and therefore programmes should be initiated towards this end. While referring to documentation of IK, he added that all aspects of the community as such should be documented. He recommended the constitution of a 3 or 4 member committee to scrutinize the views and recommendations made in this workshop and to identify and prioritise sectors of interest. The committee should do the follow up for effective implementation of the recommendations.

Dr N.M.Nair: Dr N.M.Nair held the view that India being signatory to WTO, it is our responsibility to guard traditional knowledge through proper documentation. For an effective documentation he recommended collection of information at the panchayat level and arrangements should be made to provide incentives to the informants, since such measures would encourage others to disclose their valuable traditional knowledge. The information so documented at the panchayat level should be collected and submitted to State/Central Govt. agencies for appropriate action. How ever, he

38 cautioned that one need to be selective in documenting IK as those information that has relevance to the current scenario may be given priority.

Prof. M.K Prasad: Being involved in the successful implementation of programme on biodiversity registers in selected village panchayats, Prof. M.K. Prasad said that a nominal amount of Rs 25,000/- is enough for this purpose and that could be easily made available from panchayat funds. Standard format of the register is available in panchayats at Wayanad that could be used for replicating this programme elsewhere. The register not only contains information on biodiversity but also information pertaining to socio-economic and cultural aspects of the community besides general information like the kind of seasonal and climatic changes occurred over the last few decades. People from all walks of life are approached and their information on traditional practices and knowledge collected. Further, those who are well versed with traditional knowledge are identifie d and encouraged to share their information. He expressed the view that documentation of every form of IK is essential and unlike in the past where it has been kept as family or community secrecy, people now are aware of the necessity to perpetuate this knowledge.

While elaborating further on the kind of information and the way it is documented in biodiversity register, he said that practitioners of folk medicine in general do not reveal the entire information related to treatment particularly the identity of ingredients used in the medication. In such cases, the partially disclosed information is registered as claims. Once the documentation is complete, the register may be ratified by the panchayat and the document be made available in the public domain. Quoting the 1995 UNDP programme /guidelines on traditional knowledge, he suggested that those local communities who are willing to deposit their knowledge in the public domain may be compensated through appropriate benefit sharing mechanism, in the event their knowledge is translated to product development. Also, the communities should be given proper education/training to preserve and document their IK. Referring to the role of biodiversity registers in linking people for product development, he cited that a promoter if interested in a commercial product oriented programme based on IK must approach the person who is the custodian of the information or the one who had made a claim, through the register maintained at the panchayat. For instance, if the plant extract given by the provider was proved to

39 contain the compound with desired property through scientific validation, the promoter could proceed further to upgrade the compound into potent drug after signing a MoU with the provider.

Dr R.V.G Menon: Talking on the relevance of IK in the present day context, Dr Menon mentioned that those information /practices having commercial application may be identified for further promotion. However, this alone should not be the objective of the programme as documentation of IK is very much part of any civilized society for their survival and existence. The experience gathered by generations of people through trial and error is an invaluable asset and as such, need to be documented for the posterity. To create awarenes s among common man to appreciate IK, he suggested that it should be made mandatory that aspects of culture, history and anthropology of local communities be made part of the curriculum at the school level. The only viable and pragmatic approach to sustain eroding information on traditional knowledge and practices is through mass education and people participatory programmes. The role of Govt therefore could be limited to provider of funds. IK can also be used effectively for women empowerment in the state, as there are many sectors wherein women could excel and generate income through revitalization of traditional knowledge.

Taking a seemingly different concept on IPR, Dr Menon said that IK is not a commodity but knowledge and as any form of knowledge for that matter, should be made available in the public domain without a price tag. Reaffirming that knowledge is for common usage and betterment of human kind he stated that if the proponents of WTO do not stand for this noble cause, India must as well stage a walkout atleast to bring them to a meaningful and productive negotiation. However, he reminded that being signatory to WTO need not necessitate one to be part of it unless it is in the best of our interest.

Sharing views with Prof M.K Prasad, Dr Menon said that preparation of biodiversity register is very much part of our necessity and existence and one need not have to be apprehensive that the information might go to the wrong hands.

40 Shri C.K. Kochu Koshy: Reiterating that old is gold, shri Koshy reminded that IK is an accumulated wealth of more than 5000 years compared to modern science that relatively has a very recent origin. Therefore, it stands to reason that IK has much more to provide the society to face the present day challenges.

Dr M.P.Nayar: To facilitate follow up to the views and recommendations made in the 3 day workshop, Dr Nayar stressed the formulation of an action plan. A chain of institutions, agencies like STEC, planning board etc should discuss and decide the kind and natur e of information that can be made available in the public domain and those to be kept undisclosed. He expressed the hope that with the kind of programmes being carried out, TBGRI could act as the nodal agency to this programme. For effective documentation, he appealed the scientific community to display sensitiveness to the apprehension of the local communities/tribes along with commitment, and engage themselves in this task. While expressing solidarity to the views of Dr Menon on IPR related issues, Dr Nayar pointed out that the Govt. of India has made us signatory to WTO without proper debate or discussion on the issue but rather in haste. However, now being made part of the regime, it is imperative that proper safeguarding measures to protect our intellec tual property rights where traditional knowledge and practices finds prominent place, are taken.

Dr S. Rajasekharan: Dr. S. Rajasekharan described the workshop as a maiden venture in the state to evolve strategies for IK based development programmes. He recalled that though different views were expressed on IK related issues, participants were unanimous about documenting this knowledge. Referring to the mega venture initiated by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research to translate the entire Sanskrit literature on Ayurveda, he said the commendable attempt is timely, as the vast information once made available in the digitalized form would help avoid recurrence of episodes like turmeric. As information in these ancient transcripts are often concise and cryptic, careful interpretation is required and therefore expressed doubt whether this is taken into consideration in the current process of translation. Elaborating on utility of IK in day-to-day life, he said that herbal home garden concept is mea nt for primary health care needs and not as an alternative to any established system of medicines or to

41 encourage self-treatment. Supporting the views of Shri Parameswaran, he said the ailing herbal trade market demands immediate attention as scarcity of medicinal herbs is increasing at an alarming pace. Since the major impeding factor in large -scale cultivation of medicinal plants is the lack of information on their agronomy, he recommended inclusion of agro technology of medicinal plants in the curriculum at the high school/college levels. While agreeing to the necessity for effective documentation of IK, Dr Rajasekharan stressed that the information collected should be scrutinized and further categorized as disclosed, partly disclosed and undisclosed information, for practical reasons.

Dr G.M Nair Dr G.M. Nair while summarizing reminded that concerted effort is required for the documentation of IK. As a single plant species /active principle may have multiple utility, it is imperative that entire information available on all aspects of usage of a given species is collected and made in the form of a single comprehensive document. For instance, Catharanthus roseus recommended as curative for diabetes in Ayurveda is now a highly sought after species for its profound utility in cancer treatment. There are 10-patented products from turmeric though our traditional knowledge is confined to its wound healing property. So is neem, wherein more than 51 products have been patented but we use it traditionally for its insecticidal property. Citing similar examples he emphasised that impending WTO regime entails documentation of all aspects and forms of IK. For the formulation of a strategic action plan as follow up to this workshop, he requested the panel members to make it convenient to attend another meeting proposed to be convened in the near future.

42 PART V

RECOMMENDATIONS

1.Establishment of Decentralized Data Banks at Local Self Government Level:-

The custodians of indigenous knowledge are tribal communities, traditional healers, artisans, traditional craftsmen, folk artists, folk singers, families, elderly citizens and individuals. The traditional knowledge on a particular aspect may vary from place to place and people living at different geographic regions may have entirely different local solutions to a particular problem. The composition of biological community may vary from season to season and from region to region. For example, some medicinal herbs may have a very short life span and they will be available only in a particular season and for a short period. Similarly, certain species of fish are available in a particular season and in specific water bodies. Hence the traditional knowledge on life systems is an invaluable asset to the end users. The knowledge of availability, properties and uses of plants and other life forms often are scattered, insufficient and many a time, contradictory. It is therefore, necessary that such informations be gathered, edited in the form of a database and subjected to scientific scrutiny for utilization in the developmental programmes.

Data banks on traditional knowledge should be established at Panchayat level, and each Panchayat should be linked with district and State Head Quarers through appropriate networking. The task of collecting traditional knowledge should be entrusted to teachers and students in selected high schools and higher secondary schools in each Panchayat supported by experts from the relevant field. The Panchayat should allocate necessary provisions in their budget for creating data bank and other facilities for documentation. With voluntary service from students and teachers, this objective can be achieved with a minimum investment of Rs.1000 lakhs covering all the panchayats in the State of Kerala during the 10th Plan period.

2.Community Biodiversity Register: During the IXth Plan period, a few Panchyats had taken initiative to prepare Community Biodiversity Registers with active participation of teachers, students and voluntary organizations. Ideally, community biodiversity register for the entire state

43 should be prepared with the involvement of students, teachers, experts and the NGOs. They should interact with local farmers, fisherfolk, medicine men, non-wood forest produce gatherers, artisans, craftsmen, folk artists etc and gather basic information on genetic resources of local cultivated crops, domesticated animals, wild plants and animal population, local arts and crafts, trades relating to biological produce etc. They should also record local knowledge on the uses of plant and animal products, local technology of culivation, practices adopted to protect cultivated crops from animals, pests and invading micro-organisms, indigenous knowledge on water harvesting and management, post-harvest handling of produces and the local trade practices. Most of this information may be contradictory and difficult to verify. The information gathered should be digitalized and stored in the form of a data bank. A programme covering the entire state of Kerala is likely to cost approximately Rs.20 crores and the project should be for a period of 5 years, covering the entire 10th five - year plan.

3. I.K. Based Enterprises Production, management and supply of IK related information should be converted into a service industry. A nodal agency such as TBGRI should be entrusted with this work. Such services can attract buyers from India as well as from abroad, especially through consultancy and research contracts. It is possible that several other research institutions in the state also should be involved in this task. The enterprise may involve a wide range of activities.

1. A systematic exploration of soil fungi and microbes, their isolation and characterization and exploring the possibilities of producing useful enzymes and antibiotics. 2. Kerala has a 600 km long coastal area and the study of marine plants and organisms for development of new pharmaceutical products can be a thrust area.

3. Several beautiful ornamental plants such as balsams are endemic to the Western Ghats and their potential as garden plants is not fully exploited. TBGRI should be entrusted with the collection of new ornamental plants and their multiplication and distribution.

44 4. IK based utilization of Biodiversity for new enterprises.

In the 10th Plan period the Government may set up Biotechnology parks in a manner similar to the technology parks established during the 8th and 9th Plan. Biodiversity based enterprises that can be undertaken in these parks, are listed below.

i) Drugs and Pharmaceuticals from microorganisms, plants and animals. ii) Food flavours from spices and aromatic plants. iii) Food colours from natural pigments obtained from plants. iv) Perfumery and aroma chemicals from aromatic plants as well as from animals such as civet cat. v) Natural dye -stuffs and pigments for textiles and for painting. vi) Phytoalexins and auxins. vii) Biopesticides for pest and insect control. viii) Oleoresins and Oleochemicals for flavours, cosmetics etc. ix) Industrial enzymes from plants, microorganisms and animals.

For these enterprises creation of basic facilities in Biotechnology parks, such as buildings, electricity and water supply facilities for single window clearing, storage facilities, transportation, common instrumentation facilities etc may be undertaken during the 10th Plan period. The project may cost about Rs.75 crores. However such an effort from the part of the Government may attract global investors, generating new wealth and employment opportunities to the state without much burden to the State Government.

5. IK based Herbal Drug Industries Scientifically validated and standardized herbal drugs have a global market of more than 50 billion US dollars. The contribution of India to the global herbal drug market is negligible. Kerala with its living tradition of Ayurveda and other oral health-care traditions can cash on this opportunity by establishing production centers for herbal health care products, confirming to specifications prescribed by WHO and other European Pharmacopoeas. Ideally such centers should involve Experts in Traditional Medicine, Ayurvedic Physicians, Sanskrit Scholars, Natural Product

45 Chemists, Biochemists, Pharmacologists, Pharmacists, Chemical Engineers, Biotechnologists and Business Managers.

An investment of Rs.30 crores is envisaged for such a project.

5 (i) Short-term progrmmes:

Recommendations for immediate implementation in the 10 th Five Year Plan.

1. Establishment of Decentralised Indigenous Knowledge Data Bank at Local Self Government Level.

Implementing Agency : Local Self Governments. Participants : Students of Secondary/Higher Secondary Schools and subject experts

Duration : 3 years. Budgetary Provision : Rs.1,000 lakhs for the entire plan period (Rs.1.lakh for each Panchayat)

2. Community Based biodiversity Register at Local Self Government Level

Implementing Agency : Local Self Governments Participants : Students, Teachers of Secondary/Higher Secondary Schools/ NGOs and subject experts

Duration : 5 years

Budgetary Provision : Rs.2,000 lakhs

46 5 (ii) Long-term programmes

1.Establishment of a Nodal Agency Implementing Agency : Science, Technology and Environment Department

Participants : TBGRI and other Research Establishments such as KFRI, Agricultural Universities etc.

Duration : 5 years Budget Provision : Rs.500 lakhs

2.IK based enterprises for sustainable utilization of Biodiversity. Implementing Agency : Industries Department Participants : Biotechnology Park Duration : Long Term Programme Budget Provision : Rs.75 crores

3.IK Based Herbal Drug Industries Implementing Agency : Health and Family Welfare Department. Participants : Department of ISM, R&D Organisations such as TBGRI, Private Entreprenuers.

Duration : Long term programme

Budget allocation in the : Rs.30 crores. 10th Plan

PART VI

MODEL CASE STUDIES

Case Study – I

Practice Title : Traditional method of healing jaundice

Country : Kerala, India Domain : Healthcare Technology : Tribal medicine Bearers of knowledge : Kurumba Tribe of Attappadi, Kerala

Summary: The traditional system of medicine and treatment for jaundice among the ‘Kurumbas’ of Attappadi is given below

The Kurumbas use the entire parts of a plant for the treatment of infective hepatitis. They grind the whole plant and mix it with goat’s milk and administer internally. The formulation is effective in curing jaundice and the constituent plant is now utilized for the preparation of a herbal drug in commercial scale.

Source: Secretary, Ananthakrishna Iyer International Centre for Anthropological Studies, Palakkad, Kerala.

Case Study – II

Practice Title : Indigenous Knowledge of wind movement for fishing

Country : Kerala, India Domain : Fishing Technology : Indigenous Bearers of knowledge : Mappilas of Tanur and Mukkuvar of Blannad, Thrissur (Dist.)

Summary: The wind blowing during the southwest monsoon from west to east is known as ‘puramkattu’ among the Mappilas of Thanur. The blowing of the puramkattu during the monsoon makes the waves and the sea violent. The puramkattu generally starts blowing from January- May and continues throughout the monsoon. The Mukkuvar of Blannad in Thrissur District hold that the puramkattu blows in the month of February- March and March – April in an indiscriminate manner. The Mappilas say when there is puramkattu catfish, prawns, soles, jewfish etc. migrate from the deep sea to the coastal waters at a depth of 6-7 fathoms. As a matter of fact the fishermen get good catches when the puramkattu blows.

Source: Dr. P.R.G.Mathur, Ananthakrishna Iyer International Centre for Anthropological Studies, Palakkad, Kerala.

Case Study – III

Practice Title : Ethno veterinary medicine for Mastitis in cattle.

Country : Kerala, India Domain : Veterinary medicine Technology : Ethnoveterinary medicine Bearers of knowledge : Chempan Anthoni Lazar/ Local community

Summary: Mastitis is a common disease in milk cow. Dry ginger, a product from the Aloe vera (chenninayakam) along with another ingredient are ground with Aloe juice and is applied on the udder. For milking cattle this can be applied with honey. The cow has to be milked frequently. Cold water can be sprinkled on the udders. Psidium leaves are made into paste and applied. Application of sesame oil is also good. The preparation gives good results and cure the inflammation. This is widely practiced in rural areas of Thrissur district.

Source: C.R. Rajagopalan, Centre for Folklore Studies, Thrissur - 27.

Case Study – IV

Practice Title : A method for curing hoof disease in cattle

Country : Kerala, India Domain : Ethnoveterinary medicine Technology : Indigenous knowledge Bearers of knowledge : Indigenous community- Chemban Anthony Lazar

Summary: Hoof disease in cattle is common in Kerala. For controlling the disease pig fat is applied on hoofs and mouth. 30g of the pig fat is made into paste in coconut toddy and is administered orally twice a day for six days. Legs are washed in salt water and latex obtained from a tree is applied on the hoofs. This procedure is effective in hoof disease in cattle.

Source: C.R. Raja gopalan, Centre for Folklore Studies, Thrissur - 27.

Case Study – V

Practice Title : Methods for control of rodents in agricultural fields.

Country : Kerala, India Domain : Agriculture, pest control Technology : Indigenous Bearers of knowledge : Village folk

Summary: Rats are common menace to cultivated crops and in storehouses. For control of rats, following practices are used. 1. Prepare baits with a mixture of dried prawn powder and cement. Make it into balls and place near the rat holes.

2. Prepare baits with cotton wool and jaggery and place near the rat holes.

50 3. Cook rice with leaves and seeds of ‘Seemakonna’ (Glyricidia) and place the rice balls near the rat holes.

All the above methods are effective in killing rats in the fields and storehouses.

Source: Manju S.P., Indigenous Practices in Coconut Farming in Thrissur District, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur.

Case Study – VI

Practice Title : A method for control of root wilt in coconut palms.

Country : Kerala, India Domain : Agriculture- Disease Management Technology : Indigenous Bearers of knowledge : Local communities in Thrissur District

Summary: Root wilt is a common disease in coconut plantations. For the control of the disease the following indigenous techniques are applied by the farmers in Thrissur district, Kerala.

1. 3kg crushed small onion or its market waste is mixed with 1 kg common salt and applied thrice an year around the coconut palm. 2. Mulch with leaves of ‘kanjiram’ (Strychnos nux-vomica), ‘marotti’ (Hydnocarpus) or mango (Mangifera indica ) and add river silt or cow dung around the roots. Both the treatments are found effective in controlling root wilt disease in coconut palm.

Source: Manju S.P., Indigenous Practices in Coconut Farming in Thrissur District, Kerala Agricultural University, Thrissur.

Case Study – VII

Practice Title : Pre -treatment of banana suckers before planting.

Country : Kerala, India Domain : Agriculture Technology : Indigenous Bearers of knowledge : Traditional farmers

Summary: Banana is a common crop, widely cultivated in Kerala. Selected healthy suckers are used as planting material. Before planting the basal portion of healthy suckers are dipped in cow dung slurry supplemented with 1% common salt and dried under shade prior to planting.

Source: Panicker G.P., 2001, ‘Jaivavalakrishi’, Idingar, Thiruvananthapuram

Case Study – VIII

Practice Title : Medicated steam bath

Country : Thiruvananthapuram (Dist.), Kerala, India Domain : Health Technology : Tribal Bearers of knowledge : Kani Tribes

Summary: Kanis are one of the forest dwelling tribes of Kerala, mostly found in the Travancore region of the Western Ghats. For dermatological disorders the Kani physicians popularly called ‘Plathi’ prescribe a medicated steam bath. According to the kani physicians steam bath helps to purify the impure blood and thus the patient completely recovers from illness. For preparation of the steam raw drugs numbering

52 68 in total are cleaned, pounded well and taken in an earthen pot with water (One part medicine and 4 parts water). A uniform heat is provided in the ground chamber to produce steam. The patient is seated on a platform and is covered with a cylindrical basket, which is covered with a thick blanket. During the treatment the patient perspires thoroughly because of steam. The patient is kept in the covered condition for a period of 15-40 minutes. The treatment is continued for 5-7 days towards the end of which the patient gets good relief from various dermatological conditions.

Source: Dr. S. Rajasekharan, TBGRI, Thiruvananthapuram

Case Study – IX

Practice Title : A drug for treatment of peptic ulcer and cancer-like afflictions.

Country : Kerala, India Domain : Health Technology : Tribal Bearers of knowledge : Kani Tribes

Summary: A rare and endemic plant species found in the southern forest of Western Ghat region of Kerala is used by the Kani tribe as an effective remedy for peptic ulcer, cancer-like afflictions and as a rejuvenating tonic. Expressed juice obtained from the fresh tuberous roots is mixed with equal quantity of coconut milk and the mixture is gently boiled to obtain a semisolid product. This preparation is administered twice daily for a period of 15-30 days for peptic ulcer and cancer-like afflictions.

Source: Dr. S. Rajasekharan, TBGRI, Thiruvananthapuram

Case Study – X

Practice Title : A herbal drug with anti-fatigue properties

Country : Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India Domain : Health Technology : Tribal Bearers of knowledge : Kani Tribe

Summary: The tender fruits of a herbaceous perennial plant found in the Agastyar Hills are consumed by the Kanis for getting energy and strength. The anti-fatigue properties of this plant is scientifically proved and a drug has been designed using the leaves of this plant as one of the ingredients. The drug is now sold in the market through herbal drug stores, and is used by hundreds of patients as an adaptogenic drug. 50% of the proceeds obtained by te chnology transfer of this drug and 50% of the annual royalty are shared with the tribes who were the original informates. This benefit sharing has been widely acclaimed and in the recently concluded World Summit on Sustainable Development, at Johannesburg, this model of benefit sharing won the ‘Equator Initiative Award’.

Source: TBGRI, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

Case Study – XI

Practice Title : A herbal plaster for fracture

Country : Kerala, India Domain : Health Technology : Tribal Bearers of knowledge : Malavedans

Summary: The Malavedans are a tribal community inhabiting the forests of the Western Ghats of Kerala. For management of fractures and dislocations they use a paste prepared out of the white of the egg and fresh juice of four plants. After correcting the fracture and dislocations they apply the medicated paste over the affected portion and bandage with cotton cloth.

Source: Dr. S. Rajasekharan, TBGRI, Thiruvananthapuram

Case Study – XII

Practice Title : A preparation fo r healing burns

Country : Kerala, India Domain : Health Technology : Folk medicine Bearers of knowledge : Folk healers of Kozhikkode

Summary: An oil preparation made out of the juice of ‘Akkivalli’ (Pothos scandens) along with the juice of two other plants in coconut oil is applied on the affected area to cure burns. This is a very effective remedy for first degree burns.

Source: Dr. S. Rajasekharan, TBGRI, Thiruvananthapuram

Case Study – XIII

Practice Title : Folk medicine for curing jaundice

Country : Kerala, India

55 Domain : Healthcare Technology : Folk medicine Bearers of knowledge : Folk healers of Pathanamthitta

Summary: Jaundice is one of the health problems of the rural areas of Kerala. A popular herbal medicine administered by the folk healers of Pathanamthitta district is given below.

Tender leaves of a plant along with cuminum in the form of paste (5 – 10 grams) is administered internally in empty stomach for three to five days to cure jaundice. Fish, meat, salt, sour and cold items are avoided during the intake of the drug. This single drug remedy has been practiced by many folk healers of Kerala.

Source: Dr. S. Rajasekharan, TBGRI, Thiruvananthapuram

Case Study – XIV

Practice Title : Folk medicine for diarrhoea and dysentery

Country : Kerala, India Domain : Health Technology : Folk medicine Bearers of knowledge : Folk healers of Pathanamthitta

Summary: Diarrhoea and dysentery are the common health problems in the rural /c oastal area of Kerala especially during the rainy season. This herbal formulation practiced by folk healers have two ingredients. The ingredients, 15g and 30g respectively are boiled in water till the volume reduces to 1/4th. The decoction is administered internally along with sugar for a period of 3-5 days.

Source: Dr. S. Rajasekharan, TBGRI, Thiruvananthapuram

Case Study – XV

Practice Title : A herbal drug for treatment of asthma in children

Country : Kerala, India Domain : Healthcare Technology : Folk medicine Bearers of knowledge : Folk healers of Alappuzha

Summary: Asthma is common disease among children in the coastal regions of Kerala. Folk healers of Alppuzha have an effective remedy for asthma in children. The remedy consists of the leaves of two medicinal plants.

Pounded mass of Ocimum leaves are covered with leaves of Coleus and roasted over gentle fire. The expressed juice obtained from the roasted leaves is administered internally one teaspoon thrice daily for treatment of Asthma.

Source: Dr. S. Rajasekharan, TBGRI, Thiruvananthapuram

Case Study – XVI

Practice Title : Folk medicine for diabetes

Country : Kerala, India Domain : Healthcare

Technology : Folk medicine Bearers of knowledge : Folk healers of Kasargod

Summary: Diabetes is a common health problem affecting about 10% of the total population of Kerala. There are a number of effective herbal remedies for control of diabetes. One of the herbal formulation used by the folk healers of Kasargod district is given below.

57 The herbal formulation consists of three ingredients in which ‘Pavakka’ (Momordica charantia) is one of the ingredients. The decoction of the three ingredients is prepared and administered internally 60ml twice a day for a period of two months.

Source: Dr. S. Rajasekharan, TBGRI, Thiruvananthapuram

Case Study – XVII

Practice Title : Folk medicine for malaria

Country : Kerala, India Domain : Healthcare

Technology : Folk medicine Bearers of knowledge : Folk healers of Thiruvananthapuram

Summary: Malaria is one of the health problems among the people living in the forest/hilly areas of Kerala. There is a simple effective herbal formulation widely practiced by the folk healers of Thiruvananthapuram District of Kerala to cure malaria. It consists two ingredients in which ‘kiriath’ (Andrographis paniculata ) is one of the ingredients. The decoction made out of these two plants is taken internally 16ml thrice a day for a period of 5-7 days.

Source: Dr. S. Rajasekharan, TBGRI, Thiruvananthapuram

Case Study – XVIII

Practice Title : Folk medicine for conjunctivitis

Country : Kerala, India

58 Domain : Healthcare Technology : Folk medicine Bearers of knowledge : Folk healers of Kerala

Summary: Conjunctivitis is an inf ectious eye disease commonly occurring after the rainy season. Juice of tender leaves of a tree along with honey applied as eye drops for 3-5 days to cure conjunctivitis. It is an effective remedy not only for curing conjunctivitis but also used as a preventive remedy.

Source: Dr. S. Rajasekharan, TBGRI, Thiruvananthapuram

Case Study – XIX

Practice Title : A fish poison for catching fish

Country : Kerala, India Domain : Fishing Technology : Tribal Bearers of knowledge : Malapandaram Tribe

Summary: This is an indigenous practice of Malapandaram tribes settled in Kollam district of Kerala for catching fish. For this purpose they use the leaves of a tree popularly known as ‘Karimaram’ (Diospyros Sp.). The leaves are pounded with soil and broadcasted in pond or river for fish poisoning.

Source: Dr. S. Rajasekharan, TBGRI, Thiruvananthapuram

59 Case Study – XX

Practice Title : Medicine for curing piles/ bleeding piles

Country : Kerala, India Domain : Healthcare Technology : Folk medicine Bearers of knowledge : Folk healers of Kerala

Summary: Piles is one of the common health problem among the middle aged and old aged group of people of Kerala. Main causative factors of this disease is linked with the high intake of hot spices, chillies and high consumption of chicken. There is a single drug remedy effectively practiced by the folk healers of Kerala to cure piles. Tender leaves of a medium sized tree, collected during the spring are roasted in ghee and ta ken internally at 15-20g/ day. During the treatment one should avoid spicy food and reduce salt.

Source: Dr. S. Rajasekharan, TBGRI, Thiruvananthapuram

Dr. G.M. Nair, Director, TBGRI, welcomes the guests

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