Ancient Cultivaion and Crop Protection practices
Ayurveda is a ‘Sastra’ different from modern medicine dealing with physical, mental and spiritual aspects of the life system as a whole in our planet, supported by the non-living components like air, soil, water etc. The word ‘Ayu’ denotes ‘life’ and ‘Veda’ means ‘knowledge’. Hence it is called ‘Science of life’. The term ‘Ayurveda’ pertains to human beings. In case of knowledge pertaining to plants or animals, the term ‘Vrikshayurveda’ (for maintaining the health, healing and productivity of plants) and ‘Mrigayurveda’ (Ayurvedic veterinary medicine) are used respectively. Ayurveda identifies man as an integral part of nature and stresses the necessity of maintaining complete harmony with all biotic and abiotic components of the surroundings (environment).
Vrikshayurveda is the ancient Indian science on plant life which has not been studied much in modern times. This section provides a comprehensive insight into plants and animals widely used in Vrikshayurveda. Intensive farming practices aims to maximize yields from agricultural fields by providing chemical fertilizers and pesticides but such farming practices had resulted in erosion of agricultural biodiversity. The world is waking up to the necessity of adopting sustainable food production approaches maintaining the soil biota, pollinators and natural predators in the field. The practices adopted in Vrikshayurveda, the traditional knowledge for maintaining the health and productivity of plants through natural methods is crucial in this context. Protection and treatment practices recommended in ‘Vrikshayurveda’ are followed by very few people nowadays mainly due to lack of awareness of this ancient wisdom.
Today, we are on the anvil of organic revolution in farming sector, the prescriptions and practices mentioned in Vrikshayurveda can be made useful in the farming sector for the production of pure organic as well as therapeutic products. In this section of the website we have covered different aspects of Vrikshayurveda right from the oral tradition to the written tradition including information available in Vedic literature, Puranas and Ayurvedic literature.
Vrikshayurveda
Commercially important plant species
We all intuitively know that being in nature makes us feel connected, alive, joyful, part of something greater, and more and more research is showing just how important having access to the natural world is for our health and wellbeing. But despite our reverence for nature, there is a reality that we all must face: that the natural world is in jeopardy.Each of us has an individual and collective responsibility to reforest our planet: to protect our one and only home and all that we know to be sacred. Strategic tree planting takes carbon out of the atmosphere and helps mitigate the impacts of climate change, and we are calling all of you to stand with us. Together we can find our true power, strength, and unique expressions of feminine nature-based leadership. We are the ones who can leave a better world for future generations.
Before you get started you should investigate options for planting sites and types of trees you need. You will need to know all about the best tree species for your area; optimal planting times; and how to care for your trees. To identify appropriate local native tree species, we recommend you connect with your local forest service, or nursery and ask for a list of local tree species that are appropriate for your planting purpose. We have a variety of resources listed later in this website.
What kinds of trees should I plant?
Whether you are full-scale reforesting or simply greening your neighborhood, the first question many of us ask when we think about planting is, what kind of trees should I plant? You will need to find the best trees for your local area. Here are some resources in our website that will help you find this information. Many plant species in India are of good economic use. In Kerala state itself there are 117 species used for soft wood purposes, 146 species for extraction of tannin, 29 species for latex, 111 species for gum, 65 species for resin and 284 species for oil. 1170 species are used medicinally. About 1,000 species are used basketry, green manure and other uses. We encourage you to review the information about the plant species mentioned in our website.
We are supporting agro-forestry initiatives that transforms lives of farmers and their landscapes, through intercropping or growing a grove. We encourage the farmers to plant ecologically and economically beneficial, native or naturalized trees. Trees can provide timber once they have reached a certain height, or, farmers can harvest their fruits, or else tree may serve as fodder for livestock. This method will help to increase soil fertility, biodiversity, and groundwater retention while providing income that reduces malnutrition and risk of loses to farmer. The additional income from the trees and secondary crops can offset the farmer's loss of income from the reduction in his main crop.
We've listed details of many commercially important plant species in our website. You could also check out existing tree planting groups in your area who may be happy to share their expertise and knowledge. If you have other resources that you would like to add to this list, please leave a comment below on Pages, or visit our forums.