ORGANIC FARMING AND SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE HARMONIZING ECOLOGICAL CONSERVATION: THE LEPCHA INDIGENOUS PERSPECTIVE

Organic farming and sustainable agriculture have increased in the Himalayan region of West Bengal over the last decade due to the rise in eco-consciousness among the people. The mountain ecology which has been the sustainer and provider of resources has been under the immense pressure of increased consumeristic demands. This demand led to increasing the supply which was achieved using chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and the introduction of multiple high-yielding varieties of seeds. These though met the rising demands contributed to the degradation of soil and its fertility in the hills. The alternative to mitigate this concern was undertaking organic farming and promoting sustainable agriculture. This research paper seeks to explore how the Lepcha indigenous communities of the hills are utilizing their indigenous knowledge in organic farming and maintaining sustainable agricultural practices to contribute to ecological conservation.