Exploring the history and contemporary causes of the erosion of indigenous food systems
Indigenous food systems are an important thread in India's rich culture and heritage. These systems have been in place for thousands of years, are connected to local ecosystems, and provide nutrient-rich biodiversity. Unfortunately, in recent decades, these systems have seen a worrying decline. In this chapter, we will explore the history and contemporary causes of the erosion of indigenous food systems.
Historical factors:
- Colonial rule: During British rule in India, emphasis was placed on cash crops such as tea, coffee, and cotton, which led to the neglect of traditional agricultural practices. This reduced diversity in food production and weakened local food security.
- Green revolution: The Green Revolution in India in the 1960s introduced modern agricultural technologies such as high-yielding varieties (HYVs) and the use of chemical fertilizers. While this led to an increase in food production in the short term, it marginalized traditional knowledge systems and promoted monoculture farming, which led to a decline in soil fertility and reduced biodiversity.
Contemporary factors:
- Increase in non-agricultural employment: With the migration of people from rural to urban areas in search of new employment opportunities, traditional agricultural practices have been left to struggle with labor shortages. This has led to a decline in traditional knowledge and skills in the fields.
Other contemporary factors that have contributed to the erosion of indigenous food systems include:
- Globalization: The globalization of food markets has led to increased competition from imported foods, which are often cheaper and more convenient than locally grown foods. This has made it more difficult for indigenous farmers to compete and has led to a decline in the demand for traditional foods.
- Climate change: Climate change is already having a significant impact on agriculture, making it more difficult to grow crops and raise livestock. This is likely to have a disproportionate impact on indigenous communities, who are often more reliant on agriculture for their livelihoods.
