Barahnaja (lit. "twelve seeds") is an ancient traditional system of multiple cropping that is practised in the Indian mountainous state of Uttarakhand.[1] The term literally means "twelve seeds or food grains" in Garhwali, and refers to the twelve types of crops that are grown together in a single field to enhance soil fertility, food security, and 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]
- ^ Cultural and Spiritual Values of Biodiversity - Programme des Nations Unies pour l'environnement, United Nations Environment Programme - Google Books. Intermediate Technology. 2008-10-03. ISBN 978-1-85339-397-6. Retrieved 2022-02-20.
- ^ Bhatt, Shankarlal C. (2006). Land and People of Indian States and Union Territories: In 36 Volumes ... - Google Books. Gyan Publishing House. ISBN 9788178353838. Retrieved 2022-02-20.
- ^ Pathways: In Search of Exemplary Practices on Environment and Sustainable ... - Google Books. Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement for the International Conference of Asian Foundations and Organizations. 2008-07-11. ISBN 978-971-8817-18-6. Retrieved 2022-02-20.
- ^ Gururani, Kavita; Sood, Salej; Kumar, Anil; Joshi, Dinesh C.; Pandey, Dinesh; Sharma, A. R. (March 1, 2021). "Mainstreaming Barahnaja cultivation for food and nutritional security in the Himalayan region". Biodiversity and Conservation. 30 (3): 551–574. Bibcode:2021BiCon..30..551G. doi:10.1007/s10531-021-02123-9. PMC 7838019. PMID 33526962 – via Springer Link.