CHAPTER-3

RELEVANCE OF HERITAGE TO PRESENT

DAY AGRICULTURE
Dr. Rahul Kumar, Associate Professor, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences,
DAV University, sarmastpur, Jalandhar-Pathankot Highway Jalandhar,
Punjab, 144001
and
Mr. Neeraj Kumar, Research Scholar, MJP Rohilkhand University,
Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh

India today, stands first in the area of milk production at the world
level, with an annual growth rate of about 4% (Singh et al 2012).
The productive improvements among dairying animals can be made
through proper management, feeding and handling, etc (Singh et al
2013). Goat population of our country increased from 47.14 million
in the year 1951 to 124.5 million during 2005 (Singh and Sharma,
2013a). Improvement can be made through proper management,
feeding, handling and other environmental conditions which will
influence expression of characters but a limit of which is set by
heredity of individual (Singh et al 2013b). Goats are integer part of
livestock production and play a vital role in the socio-economic
structure of rural poor (Singh and Sharma, 2014). Various
government and non-government organization have also recognized
the importance of poultry farming as employment generating
enterprise and are engaged in motivating more and more
entrepreneurs to take up this enterprise (Singh et al 2014a). Goats
play a vital socio-economic role in Asian agriculture, particulately
for resource poor people living in harsh environment (Singh et. al.,
2014b). The global goat population currently stands at 921 million,
of which over 90% are found in developing countries (Singh et al
2014c). This benefit is often not shown in national statistics because
of informal trading and slaughtering (Singh et al 2014d). Goat milk
contains less lactose than cow’s milk, so is less likely to trigger
 Dr. Rahul Kumar and Mr. Neeraj Kumar, Relevance of Heritage to.......

lactose intolerance. The milk is naturally homogenized since it lacks

the protein agglutinin (Singh et al 2014e). The goat was
domesticated as early as 6-7 BC, as evidenced by archaeological
remains collected in western Asia (Singh et al 2014f). Major
population of India is primarily depends on agricultural based
system for their daily life including goat keeping that constitute an
important rural business of small marginal farmers and landless
labours (Singh et al 2014g). Reproductive management of an animal
is governed through a number of parameters, viz. age at first
conception, age at first calving and first gestation length etc (Singh
et al 2014h). Goat milk contains less lactose than cow’s milk, so is
less likely to trigger lactose intolerance (Singh and Sharma, 2015).
It has since played a significant socioeconomic role in the
evolvement of human civilization around the world (Singh and
Sharma, 2015a). Farmers preferred Deda over Kona because it has
more biomass (Singh and Sharma, 2015b). A very important aspect
in this regard is the awareness of risk by resource-poor farmers and
their emphasis on minimizing it (Singh and Sharma, 2016). The
country is endowed with large and biologically diverse population
of goats. (Singh and Sharma, 2016a). The nutritional value of milk
is closely related to its composition, which is affected by factors
such as breed, diet, stage of lactation, season etc (Singh and Sharma,
2016b). Livestock production is backbone of Indian agriculture
contributing 7% to national GDP and source of employment and
livelihood for 70% population in rural areas (Singh et al 2017).
Animals reared in intensive production systems consume a
considerable amount of protein and other nitrogen-containing
substances in their diets (Singh et al 2017a). Small ruminants have
a large impact on the economy and food supply of people in
subtropical and tropical countries (Singh and Sharma, 2017b). Goats
play a vital socio-economic role in Asian agriculture, particularly
for resource-poor people living in harsh environments (Singh et al.
35
 Dr. Rahul Kumar and Mr. Neeraj Kumar, Relevance of Heritage to.......

2025e). Non-cattle milk accounts for approximately 15% of the total

milk consumption by humans worldwide (Singh et al. 2025d). Asia
contributes approximately 59% to world goat milk production
(Singh et al 2018). Jamnapari (or Jamunapari) is a breed of goat
originating from Indian subcontinent. Since 1953 they have been
imported to Indonesia (popular as Etawa goat, and its mixture with a
local goat called "PE", peranakan Etawa or Etawa mix) where they
have been a great success. It is bred for both milk and meat (Singh et
al. 2025c). The name is derived from the rivers Yamuna, Jamuna
(West Bengal) and Jamuna (Bangaladesh) of India and Bangladesh
(Singh et al. 2025). There is a great variation in coat colour, but the
typical coat is white with small tan patches on head and neck (Singh
et al. 2024e). The typical character of the breed is a highly convex
nose line with a tuft of hair, yielding a parrot mouth appearance
(Singh et al 2017c). The consequence of domestication was a
change in the phenotypic characteristics of wild goats, which
resulted in the development of a multiplicity of goat breeds or types
(Singh et al. 2024d). These breeds or types were distributed across the
world as a result of the migration and translocation of humans,
usually due to changing climatic conditions and natural resources
(Singh and Sharma, 2017d). There is a large commercial chicken
industry that provides us with eggs and meat. A major constraint to
poultry production is the high value placed upon crop production
rather than livestock production. Over recent decades the poultry
industry has made tremendous adjustments to meet the increasing
demand for inexpensive and safe supply of meat and eggs (Singh,
G. 2019). Milk-secreting tissues and various ducts throughout the
udder can be damaged by bacterial toxins, and sometimes
permanent damage to the udder occurs (Singh et al. 2024c). Severe
acute cases can be fatal, but even in cows that recover there may be
consequences for the rest of the lactation and subsequent lactations
(Singh and Singh, 2020). Livestock has become an integral part of
36
 Dr. Rahul Kumar and Mr. Neeraj Kumar, Relevance of Heritage to.......

all interventions aimed at reducing rural poverty and enhancing food

and nutrition security (Singh et al. 2025a). The dairy livestock owners
who raise cattle and buffaloes are yet ignorant with scientific
management practices (Singh and Somvanshi, 2020a). India is
endowed with a significant share of the world's livestock population
growing steadily and continuously (Singh et al. 2025b). Buffalo is
predominantly animal of poor countries with very high density of
livestock and human population and with poor feed recourses (Singh
et al. 2024b). In tropical and subtropical regions dairy cattle usually
depend exclusively on native or introduced pastures as their only
source of nutrients, and in particular, during critical periods of the
year, such as the winter or dry season, the animals cannot fulfill
their nutrient requirements because forage is either scarce or of low
quality (Singh, G., 2019a). The goat is thought to have been the
earliest domesticated ruminant and of all the species of
domesticated animals except dog, has the widest ecological range
(Singh et al., 2024a). Originating in Asia, goats have spread over all
the continents and inhabit almost all -climatic zones from arctic -
circle to the equator (Singh, G., 2024).
Our heritage is unique than any other civilization. As a
citizen of India, we must feel proud about our rich cultural heritage.
Agriculture in India is not of recent origin, but has a long history
dating back to Neolithic age. It changed the life style of early man
from nomadic hunter of wild berries and roots to cultivator of land.
Agriculture is benefited from the wisdom and teachings of great
saints. The wisdom gained and practices adopted have been passed
down through generations. The traditional farmers have developed
the nature friendly farming systems and practices such as mixed
farming, mixed cropping, crop rotation etc. The great epics of
ancient India convey the depth of knowledge possessed by the older
generations of the farmers of India.

37
 Dr. Rahul Kumar and Mr. Neeraj Kumar, Relevance of Heritage to.......

Need and importance for studying Agricultural Heritage

The common world agricultural patrimony is recognized at
the national and international level and that the values of
agricultural heritage systems such as cultural, social, environmental
and economic assets are assessed properly. Agricultural Heritage
systems satisfy the expectations and demands for food, energy
health, culture and recreation of millions of people at the national
level but also provide global benefits. Such recognition can open a
new opportunities for generation of employment and income
through what may be called the “cultural economy” (ecotourism,
cultural identity products, local gastronomy and other products
pertaining to richness of local cultures and resources).
In many countries, conservation of the eco-cultural patrimony is still
threatened by the low value attributed to traditional products and
skills. Markets need to be developed and improved, although other
non-market mechanisms may be available and preferable to enhance
income and well-being. Likewise, the tourist industry must aim at
creating more awareness of the significance of this patrimony, and
support it by consuming local foods, promoting ecotourism of
natural areas and traditional agricultural landscapes, donating to
local projects that support community projects, and other initiatives.
Major drivers of traditional agricultural biodiversity loss include
land use changes, introduction of new crop varieties, over
exploitation of wild resources, over fishing, highly consumptive
food practices with considerable waste and perverse effects of trade
liberalization and agricultural subsidies. The consequences of these
losses disrupt the lifestyles of the poor farmers who depend upon
local ecosystems for their livelihoods especially in terms of food
security. Therefore, special attention should be given when
introducing modern agricultural varieties and inputs to avoid
upsetting the balance of traditional agro-ecosystems. In addition to

38
 Dr. Rahul Kumar and Mr. Neeraj Kumar, Relevance of Heritage to.......

conserving local production systems and compensating farmers for

their services should be considered with top priority.
The analysis of hundreds of farmer-centered projects around the
developing world shows convincingly that under agro-ecological
approaches, crop yields of most poor farmers can be increased
several-fold. This is achieved based on internal inputs through
reliance on their own labor and know-how and not on external
inputs such as the purchase of expensive inputs. Success in
agriculture will depend on the use of a variety of agro-ecological
improvements that, in addition to farm diversification, favor better
use of local resources, emphasize enhancement of human capital
and empower communities through training and consultative,
participatory methods. Finally, there has to be greater access to
equitable markets, credit and income generating activities with the
support of enabling policies, local farmers and rural areas.
Rich agricultural heritage of India
Our agriculture has lot of inherited sustainable practices
passed from one generation to other generation. And also agriculture
in India is not an occupation; it is a way of life for many Indian
populations. Hence the present day generation should be aware
about our ancient and traditional agricultural systems and practices.
This will enable us to build the future research strategy also.
India has made tremendous progress in agriculture and its
allied fields, but the emphasis on intensive use of inputs without
considering their adverse impact of long term basis has created
several problems related to sustainability of agriculture. Irrational
use of chemical fertilizers, insecticides and exploration of natural
resources is threatening the agro eco systems. Soil is getting
impoverished, water and air getting polluted and there is an
increasing erosion of plant and animal genetic resources. Therefore,
attention is now shifting to sustainable form of agriculture.

39
 Dr. Rahul Kumar and Mr. Neeraj Kumar, Relevance of Heritage to.......

The indigenous technological knowledge (ITK) provides insight

into the sustainable agriculture, because these innovations have been
carried on from one generation to another as a family technology.
There are several examples of valuable traditional technologies in
India but unfortunately these small local systems are dying out. It is
imperative that we collect, document and analyze these technologies
so that the scientific principle/basis behind them could be properly
understood. Once this done, it will be easier for us to further refine
and upgrade them by blending them with the modern scientific
technology.
The main objectives for studying Agricultural Heritage are:
To increase awareness of the rich heritage of Indian agriculture
which is unique than any other civilization
To implant a sense of pride amongst the people, particularly
agricultural students as our agriculture comprised of sustainable
practices for generations.
To stimulate scientific research based on traditional technology.
Question Bank
1. What is agricultural heritage? Why one should study the
agricultural heritage?
2. What are the different early ages of development of human
culture?
3. Match the following books and name of the authors.
a) Amarkosha i) Chanakya
b) Arthasastra ii) Amarsimha
c) Patanjali iii) Brihat-Samhita
d) Varahamihir iv) Mahabhashya
e) Surapala v) Manasollasa
f) Someshwardeva vi) Vrikshayurveda

40
 Dr. Rahul Kumar and Mr. Neeraj Kumar, Relevance of Heritage to.......

4. Fill in the blanks.

a) The famous book written by Chanakya is ……………….
b) The period of the Chalcolithic age ranges between ……........
To ……….. BCE.
c) The invention of the plough was noted in ………………..
age.
d) The people started using metals like ……… and ………….
During the Chalcolithic period.

References

1. Singh, G. Dutt, G., Sharma, R.B., Fatima, A., and Singh, R.P.
(2012). Study of first gestation length in Gir cows, The Journal
of Rural and Agricultural Research, 12(1): 64- 65.
2. Singh, G., Dutt, G., Sharma, R.B., Singh, S.K., Fatima, A. and
Chauhan, S.V.S. (2013). An Analytical Study of Reproductive
Performance in Gir Cows, Indian Research Journal of
Extension Education, Special Issue, (2): 203 – 206.
3. Singh, G. and Sharma, R.B. (2013a). Influence of breeds on
goat milk composition under field and farm rearing conditions,
Indian Research. Journal of Genetics & Biotechnology, 5(4):
258- 261.
4. Singh, G., Dutt, G., Rajput, S. and Chauhan, R.S. (2013b).
Study of age at first service period in Gir cows, Indian
Research. Journal of Genetics & Biotechnology, 5(4): 270- 273.
5. Singh, G. and Sharma, R.B. (2014). Effect of season on the milk
quality of Jamunapari goats under field and farm rearing
condition, Indian Research. Journal of Genetics &
Biotechnology, 6(1): 335- 339.
6. Singh, G., Thorat, G.N., Trivedi, M.S., Mishra, R. and Sharma,
S.K. (2014a). A test to measure knowledge about poultry
management practices, The Journal of Rural and Agricultural
Research, 14(2): 44- 47.

41
 Dr. Rahul Kumar and Mr. Neeraj Kumar, Relevance of Heritage to.......

7. Singh, G., Sharma, R.B., and Mishra, R. (2014b). Seasonal

variations in the milk minerals of Jakhrana goats under field and
farm rearing conditions, Journals of community mobilizations
and sustainable development, 9(2): 120 – 123.
8. Singh, G., Sharma, R.B., Mishra, R. and Rajput, S. (2014c).
Effect of multiple births on Jakhrana goat milk quality under
field and farm rearing conditions, Indian Research. Journal of
Genetics & Biotechnology, 6(4): 629- 635.
9. Singh, G., Sharma, R.B., and Mishra, R. (2014d). Effect of
season on the milk quality of Jakhrana goats under field and
farm rearing condition, Indian Research. Journal of Genetics &
Biotechnology, 6(3): 571- 577.
10. Singh, G., Sharma, R.B., Mishra, R. and Rajput, S. (2014e).
Effect of season on goat meat composition under field and farm
rearing conditions, Indian Research. Journal of Genetics &
Biotechnology, 6(3): 511- 517.
11. Singh, G., Sharma, R.B. and Mishra, R. (2014f). Effect of
multiple births on Jamunapari goat milk quality under field and
farm rearing conditions, Indian Research. Journal of Genetics
& Biotechnology, 6(2): 453- 458.
12. Singh, G., Sharma, R.B., Kumar, A. and Chauhan, A. (2014g).
Effect of Stages of Lactation on Goat Milk Composition under
Field and Farm Rearing Condition, Advances in Animal and
Veterinary Sciences, 2(5): 287 – 291.
13. Singh, G., Dutt, G. and Rajput, S. (2014h). Study of age at first
calving in Gir cows, Indian Research. Journal of Genetics &
Biotechnology, 6(1): 362- 365.
14. Singh, G. and Sharma, R.B. (2015). Effect of multiple births on
Jakhrana goat milk minerals under field and farm rearing
Conditions, Indian Research. Journal of Genetics &
Biotechnology, 7(2): 227 – 234.
15. Singh, G. and Sharma, R.B. (2015a). Influence of breed on goat
meat composition under field and farm rearing Conditions,
International conference on Emerging Trends in Biotechnology
and Science with Especial Reference to Climatic Change, 15 –
17 Feb., 2015 held at KVK Tonk Banasthali Vidyapith

42
 Dr. Rahul Kumar and Mr. Neeraj Kumar, Relevance of Heritage to.......

16. Singh, G. and Sharma, S.K. (2015b). On Farm Trial (OFT) of

pearl millet green fodder at Tonk district, The Journal of Rural
and Agricultural Research, 15(2): 28- 29.
17. Singh, G. and Sharma, R.B. (2016). Impact of stages of
lactation on the minerals of Jakhrana goat milk under field and
farm rearing condition, Research Journal of Animal Husbandry
and Dairy Science, 7(1): 28- 34.
18. Singh, G. and Sharma, R.B. (2016a). Effect of Goat Breeds on
the Milk Mineral Composition under Field and Farm Rearing
Conditions, The Bioscan, (2), 691– 694
19. Singh, G. and Sharma, R.B. (2016b). Effect of rearing systems
on mineral contents of milk during lactation in jamunapari
goats, Indian Journal of Small Ruminants, 22(2): 270- 271.
20. Singh, G., Sharma, R.B. and Singh, M. (2017). Green Fodder
Production Potential of Oat cv. Kent under Semi-arid Climatic
Conditions of Tonk-Rajasthan in Frontline Demonstration,
International Journal of Current microbiology and Applied
Sciences, 6(3): 2228- 2232.
21. Singh, G., Sharma, R.B. Singh, M. and Sharma, S.K. (2017a).
Utilisation of agricultural wastes in participatory poultry
farming with women under climatic conditions of Tonk district
of Rajasthan, Agric. Sci. Digest., 37(1): 60- 63.
22. Singh, G. and Sharma, R.B. (2017b). Effect of Field and Farm
Rearing Conditions on the Sensory Quality of Goat Meat,
Journal of Community Mobilization and Sustainable
Development, 11(2):188- 192.
23. Singh, G., Sharma, R.B., Singh, M. and Choudhary, R. (2017c).
Effect of Season on Jamunapari Goat Meat Composition under
Field and Farm Rearing Condition, Indian Journal of Pure &
Applied Biosciences. 5(2): 563-568. doi:
http://dx.doi.org/10.18782/2320-7051.2714
24. Singh, G. and Sharma, R.B. (2017d). Seasonal Impact on the
Minerals of Jamunapari Goat Milk Minerals under Field and
Farm Rearing Condition, International Journal of Current
microbiology and Applied Sciences, 6(9): 1298- 1303.
25. Singh, G., Sharma, R.B., Chahal, B.P., Singh, M. and Sharma,
S.K. (2018). Effect of multiple births on Jamunapari goat milk
43
 Dr. Rahul Kumar and Mr. Neeraj Kumar, Relevance of Heritage to.......

minerals under field and farm rearing conditions, Indian

Journal of Animal Research, 52 (4): 628- 631.
26. Singh, G. (2019). Analytical study of Front Line Demonstration
(FLD) of Kadaknath Poultry Farming under climatic conditions
of Tonk District of Rajasthan, The Journal of Rural and
Agricultural Research, 19(2): 49- 52.
27. Singh, G. (2019a). Effect of area specific mineral mixture on
productive performance of murrah buffaloes under climatic
conditions of tonk district, Indian Research. Journal of Genetics
& Biotechnology, 11(4): 277- 281.
28. Singh, G. and Singh, R.P. (2020). An Analytical Study on
Mastitis in Cows under Climatic Conditions of Tonk district,
The Journal of Rural and Agricultural Research, 20(1): 18- 21.
29. Singh, G. and Somvanshi, S.P.S. (2020a). Study on Animal
Rearing Practices by Dairy Owners of District Jaipur Rajasthan,
The Journal of Rural and Agricultural Research, 20(1): 61- 64.
30. Singh, G. (2024). Nutrition and feeding management of goats
for chevon production, International Journal of Science,
Environment and Technology, 13(5): 334 – 349.
31. Singh, G., Singh, S., Sharma, K., Sharma L.K. and Kumar, A.
(2024a). Effect of goat rearing on environment and rural
prosperity in India, International Journal of Science,
Environment and Technology, 13(6): 421 – 433.
32. Singh, G., Bhati, D.S., Sharma, K. and Kumar, N. (2024b).
Effect of Goat Breeds on the Milk Composition under Climatic
Conditions of Baijupara Tahsil of Dausa District Rajasthan,
Journal of Progressive Agriculture, 15(2): 49– 60.
33. Singh, G., Sharma, K., Sharma L.K., Kumar, A. and Parihar, K.
(2024c). OFT (On Farm Testing) on the Area Specific Mineral
Mixture on the Milk Production of Murrah Buffaloes under
Climatic Conditions of Tonk District, The Journal of Rural and
Agricultural Research, 24(2): 11- 17.
34. Singh, G., Sharma, K., Sharma L.K., Kumar, A. and Parihar, K.
(2024d). FLD (Front Line Demonstration) on the Area Specific
Mineral Mixture on the Milk Production of Murrah Buffaloes
under Climatic Conditions of Tonk District, The Journal of
Rural and Agricultural Research, 24(2): 51- 57.
44
 Dr. Rahul Kumar and Mr. Neeraj Kumar, Relevance of Heritage to.......

35. Singh, G., Sharma, K., Sharma L.K., Kumar, A. and Kumar, N.
(2024e). An Analytical Study on Bloat in buffaloes under
Climatic Conditions of Tonk district of Rajasthan, The Journal
of Rural and Agricultural Research, 24(2): 76- 81.
36. Singh, G., Sharma, K., Tandon, C., Pandya, P., Verma, A. and
Kumar, N. (2025). Effect of goat breeds on the milk
composition under climatic conditions of Bhandarej tahsil of
Dausa district Rajasthan, Asian Journal of Advances in
Agricultural Research, 25(1): 10- 18.
37. Singh, G., Sharma, K., Tandon, C., Pandya, P., Verma, A. and
Kumar, N. (2025a). Effect of goat breeds on the milk
composition under climatic conditions of Lalsot tahsil of Dausa
district Rajasthan, International Journal of Agriculture
Extension and Social Development, 8(1): 144- 149.
38. Singh, G., Chauhan, R.S., Kumar, A., Sharma, K., Kumar, N.,
Swarankar, P.K and Goura, R.S. (2025b). Influence of seasons
on the goat milk composition reared under conditions of Amber
tehsil of Jaipur district, International Journal of Geography,
Geology and Environment, 2025; 7(1): 21- 28.
39. Singh, G., Chauhan, R.S., Kumar, A., Sharma, L.K., Rodricks,
C.C., Kumar, D., Kumar, N., Singh A.P., Tandon C., Prince, K.
Pandya, P. and Kumawat, P. (2025c). Effect of goat breeds on
the milk composition under climatic conditions of dausa tehsil
of dausa district rajasthan, International Journal of Science,
Environment and Technology, 14(1), 1– 14.
40. Singh, G., Mahesh, M.S., Parkash, J., Somvanshi, S.P.S.,
Kumar, A., Singh, G., Kumar, A., Sharma, L.K., Shalini,
Purohit, H., Goura, R.S. (2025d). Influence of seasons on the
composition of goat milk reared under conditions of
mauzmabad tehsil, Jaipur district, International Journal of
Agriculture and Nutrition 2025; 7(2): 09-14.
41. Singh, G., Parkash, J., Somvanshi, S.P.S., Kumar, A., Singh, G.,
Kumar, A., and Goura, R.S. (2025e). An analytical study on
Foot and Mouth Disease under climatic conditions of Tonk
district, International Journal of Veterinary Sciences and
Animal Husbandry 2025; 10(2): 225-229

45