Barahnaja
Barahnaja (lit. "twelve seeds") is an ancient traditional system of
ecological balance.[2] There are no pesticides or fertilizers involved in this method, and many crops in the barahnaja system have medicinal uses.[3] This sustainable and traditional farming method is climate-resilient and has been recognized as "organic by default".[4]
Types of crops
The twelve major crops that are grown under the barahnaja system include:[5]
1.Mandua/Ragi (finger millet)
2. Ramdana (amaranth)
3. Rajma (kidney bean)
4. Ogal (buckwheat)
5. Urad (
black gram
)6. Moong (
green gram
)7. Gahat/Kulath (
horsegram
)8. Bhat (
soyabean
)9. Lobiya (Cowpea)
10. Kheera/kakdi (cucumber)
11. Bhangjeera (hemp)
12. Jakhiya (
cleome
)
Although the term means "twelve seeds or food grains", this can change depending on the local
fertilizers.[6]
Benefits of the farming method
The traditional farming method of barahnaja has been widely studied, and is known to have the following advantages: suitable for ecologically fragile regions; sustainable and self-sufficient; preventing soil erosion; food security as threat of widespread crop failure is minimised; health benefits to consumers with its chemical-free approach; enhances soil health and fertility.[7]
References
- ^ "Cultural and Spiritual Values of Biodiversity - Programme des Nations Unies pour l'environnement, United Nations Environment Programme - Google Books". 2008-10-03. Retrieved 2022-02-20.
- ISBN 9788178353838. Retrieved 2022-02-20.
- ^ "Pathways: In Search of Exemplary Practices on Environment and Sustainable ... - Google Books". 2008-07-11. Retrieved 2022-02-20.
- PMID 33526962– via Springer Link.
- ISBN 9788170998983. Retrieved 2022-02-20.
- ^ "12 grain route to prosperity". Downtoearth.org.in. 2012-05-23. Retrieved 2022-02-20.
- PMID 33526962– via Springer Link.