Centre For Indian Knowledge Systems

CIKS actively develops practical organic farming programs rooted in indigenous knowledge, promoting eco-friendly techniques for sustainable agriculture. Strengthening faith in traditional practices, CIKS fosters the shift towards organic farming, targeting diverse areas:

Validating plant and animal products for pest protection.
Enhancing soil fertility using compost, vermicompost, etc.
Adapting traditional wisdom for organic crop cultivation.
Innovating biopesticide storage based on Vrkshayurveda.
Establishing small-scale units for bioinputs production.
Offering training on organic certification procedures.
Facilitating certified seed production and SRI techniques.
CIKS's initiatives have successfully transitioned numerous farmers to effective organic practices, highlighting the viability of sustainable agriculture.

CIKS executed this project to aid cyclone Nivar, Burevi, and heavy rainfall-affected farmers (Nov 2020 - Jan 2021). Donations funded this endeavor, successfully concluded in Dec 2021. CIKS undertook diverse initiatives, including:

Distributing bio inputs, plant protection materials, and traditional paddy seeds.
Assisting flood-affected farmers in Nagapattinam, Kancheepuram, Tiruvannamalai, and Ramanathapuram Districts to access government support.
Prioritizing small, marginal, severely impacted farmers without government compensation or assistance.

Vrkshayurveda, the ancient Indian plant science, offers remarkably relevant solutions to modern agricultural challenges. Existing information highlights its significance in ayurveda, agriculture, horticulture, and life sciences. It encompasses valuable insights into seed treatment, soil testing, yield enhancement methods, land categorization, and cultivation techniques. Topics like disease causation, identification, treatment, and utilization of plants for water and mineral exploration are also covered. Understanding the historical processes that allowed ancient Indians to acquire plant-related knowledge and its practical application for improving life conditions can offer insights for contemporary issues. CIKS endeavors to integrate Vrkshayurveda principles across its diverse endeavors.

The Sourcebook of Vrkshayurveda project had a specific goal of compiling comprehensive knowledge. Initiated by CIKS in March 2021 and successfully concluded in October 2021. Importantly, the approach focused on the current relevance and practical applications of Vrkshayurveda. The Sourcebook encompasses a general introduction, a thorough examination of source materials, recent validation efforts, present significance, and future potential. It also provides a valuable bibliography of diverse source materials related to the subject.

In October 2016, CIKS streamlined its efforts in conserving indigenous rice varieties through the inception of the "Namma Nellu" initiative, meaning "Our Rice" in Tamil. This initiative aimed at crowd funding, where CIKS invited contributions from individuals and organizations to support the conservation of diverse indigenous rice varieties for the common good. Unlike the cold storage seed banks maintained by research institutions and agricultural universities, indigenous varieties are limited in availability and not accessible to farmers. Their access is typically reserved for researchers and scientists. The objective of multiplying and providing rare indigenous varieties to farmers and the broader public aligns with the need to ensure their preservation and availability.