Indigenous knowledge Applied in Paddy Cultivation in Kurunagagala District: Study Based on Maspotha Divisional Secretarial Division

Abstract

It seems that more attention today has been given for the concept and the application of indigenous knowledge. The indigenous knowledge field that is confined to particular community or folk or area which fulfils the very needs such community or communities by way from their living environment, utilization of their own way of native systems or requirements. The main objective of this paper is to study the indigenous knowledge available and use in a particular area. The other objective was to identify different types of indigenous knowledge system and practice in paddy cultivation. Population of the study was total Gramaniladhari divisions in Kurunagala district and four Gramaniladhari division used a sample selecting Maspotha Divisional Secretarial Division. Primary data collected using interviews with rural communities who cultivate paddy. The main sources of income in the area was the traditional knowledge in farming rice, however it is used at a minimal level. They used Kem method, chanting, worship, certain customs. The main hindrance was the application modern farming methods and they were very hectic owing to the preset day living system hence they pay lesser attention use indigenous knowledge.