Ficus trees in rainfed agricultural systems of Karnataka, southern India: An analysis of structure, benefits, and farmers’ perceptions

Ficus trees in rainfed agricultural systems of Karnataka, southern India: An analysis of structure, benefits, and farmers’ perceptions

Authors

  • B. Dhanya College of Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences, PB No.329, Raichur, Karnataka 584102
  • Syam Viswanath Tree improvement and Propagation Division, Institute of Wood Science and Technology, Malleswaram, Bangalore, Karnataka 560003
  • Seema Purushothaman Centre for Environment and Development,Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment, Royal Enclave, Srirampura, Jakkur, Bangalore, Karnataka 560064

Keywords:

Traditional system, Ecological services, Cultural services.

Abstract

Ficus spp. are abundant in the rainfed agricultural areas of southern Karnataka, especially in Mandya district, often in association with field crops. We describe here the structure of this less documented traditional agroforestry system and elicit the farmers’ perceptions. Farmer interviews, village level group discussions, and field-walks were conducted to garner information on various aspects of Ficus planting in 18 villages of Mandya district. In the rainfed agricultural systems of the study area, Ficus trees provide fodder, shade, and fuelwood, besides performing environmental service functions such as supporting soil fertility and biodiversity conservation. The paper highlights the indigenous knowledge base and skills of farmers and the mutualistic linkages between components contributing to sustainability of the system.

Author Biographies

B. Dhanya, College of Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences, PB No.329, Raichur, Karnataka 584102

Assistant Professor (Environmental Science)

Syam Viswanath, Tree improvement and Propagation Division, Institute of Wood Science and Technology, Malleswaram, Bangalore, Karnataka 560003

Scientist E and Head, Tree improvement and Propagation Division

Seema Purushothaman, Centre for Environment and Development,Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment, Royal Enclave, Srirampura, Jakkur, Bangalore, Karnataka 560064

Fellow, Ecological Economics Center for Environment and Development

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Published

17-10-2012

How to Cite

Dhanya, B., Viswanath, S., & Purushothaman, S. (2012). Ficus trees in rainfed agricultural systems of Karnataka, southern India: An analysis of structure, benefits, and farmers’ perceptions. Journal of Tropical Agriculture, 50(1), 59–62. Retrieved from https://jtropag.kau.in/index.php/ojs2/article/view/268

Issue

Vol. 50 No. 1 (2012)

Section

Short communications

License

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