Traditional tools in agricultural practices.

Abstract

The study was undertaken to identify various traditional tools used for agricultural operations by the farmers of Tamil Nadu. Agricultural tools are as old as Stone Age. Traditional agricultural tools were economical in terms of labour, money and time saving. These tools were made up of locally available materials like stones, wood, etc. Traditional tools are operated easily without any special skills. The study was conducted in Coimbatore, Erode, Salem, Krishnagiri, Villupuram, Dindigal, Madurai, Kovilpatty, Aruppukottai and Virudhunagar districts of Tamil Nadu. Information was documented by using Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) techniques like observation and discussion. In the study, 21 traditional agricultural tools were identified and described. IPC Int. Cl. 8 : A01B, A01D, A01F The mechanization of Indian agriculture is in its early stages. Human power still predominates, although it is often augmented by animal and/or mechanical power. Indigenous tools and weapons were basic but well designed to suit farmers needs. Traditionally farmers have been using a variety of tools and weapons in their everyday life, often for agricultural operations and household purpose. Prior to the recorded evidence of Bakhar, the Hindu epic Ramayana has mentioned the use of plough. A fresh development in new designs of implements and tools was noticed around independence. During this period, the traditional tools experienced improvement in design and metallurgy. A large number of traditional tools have appeared in a survey report 1 . Most of the wooden tools, implements and weapons use local materials - different timbers for particular tools and strings for various uses come from different plants. Most of the implements and tools which were developed and is being produced by local artisans were made from stone, wood, bone, shell, teeth, plant fibre or animal. Farmers can quickly adapt it on the spot to change its purpose. While both men and women use some tools, there are tools that are used exclusively by women. New tools and equipments were developed with the discovery of the metals starting with copper, brass, bronze and finally iron; some of which have been developed in combination of hard cutting tool with wooden and bamboo handle for ease and lightness. Many of the iron traditional tools have been modified and are being mass produced using modern techniques of production to affordable price and higher life. This abundant store of knowledge in the area of traditional hand tools, their craftsmanship, technique of production and metallurgy are still in practice and of great value. It is our duty to develop, preserve and protect them 2 . Village artisans are the main source of