Author: Lakhimai Chetry
DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.70798/Bijmrd/04040011
Abstract: Commercial dairy farming in Assam began during the British period, particularly after the Treaty of Segowali (1816), which facilitated the migration of Gorkha families from Nepal to Assam and other regions of India. Historically, the Gorkha community has been characterized by its unique pastoral systems and livestock management strategies, which have evolved over centuries. The indigenous knowledge systems that govern these practices are crucial for understanding how local communities interact with their environment, particularly concerning the sustainable management of dairy resources. By employing historical, analytical, and descriptive methodologies, this study elucidates the intricate relationships between cultural identity and ecological governance.
At the core of Gorkha cattle culture is a profound respect for biodiversity and an understanding of ecosystem dynamics. The traditional practices associated with Gorkha cattle such as selective breeding, rotational grazing, and integrated crop-livestock systems demonstrate an sharp awareness of ecological stability, while significantly contributing to Assam’s overall dairy production.
The study highlight the Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) embedded within the Gorkha cattle culture presents a compelling narrative that intersects cultural heritage with contemporary sustainability practices in dairy development. The findings also reveal that the Gorkhas’ cattle culture not only preserves ecological balance but also strengthens the socio- economic foundation of dairy farming in the state. These indigenous methods can be further incorporated to increase productivity and guarantee the dairy industry in Assam develops sustainably with the right kind of policy backing and scientific training.
Keywords: Traditional Ecological Knowledge, Gorkhas, Sustainable Management, Dairy Farming, SocioCulture Practice, Farming.
Page No: 78-84