Indigenous Knowledge and Practices in Agriculture under the Purview of Folklore: An Intensive Study among the Khasi Community, Meghalaya

This research explores the intersection of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS), agricultural practices, and folklore among the Khasi community in Meghalaya. Rooted in centuries-old traditions, Khasi agricultural practices reflect a symbiotic relationship with nature, where ecological wisdom is transmitted through oral traditions, rituals, myths, and community customs. The study employs a qualitative research methodology, including ethnographic fieldwork, interviews, and participatory observation, to document and analyse how folklore functions as a repository and vehicle for agricultural knowledge. By critically examining traditional practices such as shifting cultivation (Jhum), organic farming, sacred groves preservation, and rain forecasting through folklore, the research highlights the resilience, adaptability, and relevance of Indigenous Knowledge in addressing contemporary environmental and agricultural challenges. The study also sheds light on the threats posed by modernization and policy neglect, calling for the recognition and integration of indigenous practices in sustainable development frameworks. The findings underscore the urgent need to preserve and revitalize indigenous agricultural folklore as both a cultural heritage and a resource for ecological sustainability.