Definition of traditional agriculture

Traditional farming is an agricultural system passed down through generations, relying on manual methods and local resources. It is characterized by the use of traditional seeds, natural fertilizers, and manual labor for tasks like tillage, planting, and harvesting. In traditional agriculture, the farming community is deeply connected to their cultural heritage and ecosystems.

Key aspects of traditional farming include:

1. Dependence on Local Resources: Use of locally sourced seeds and natural fertilizers.

2. Manual Labor: Reliance on human effort for tillage, planting, and harvesting.

3. Crop Diversification: Cultivating multiple crops together to improve productivity.

4. Ecosystem Dependency: Utilization of natural agricultural cycles and pest control.

5. Cultural Heritage: Farming methods and techniques passed down through generations.

Soil Fertilization and Tillage: In September, farmers begin fertilizing the soil with organic matter to enrich it with humus for better production. Tilling, either traditionally or with modern methods, aerates the soil and integrates the fertilizer, preparing it for planting.

Plowing and Planting: The plowing process starts in October and continues until January, coinciding with early sowing. Farmers select seeds and decide whether to use traditional or modern plowing methods, based on the terrain and available resources.

Traditional Tillage and Planting: Traditional plowing uses wooden plows and draft animals. Farmers must be skilled and experienced, particularly when "sprinkling seeds" during the sowing process. Each step, from plowing to planting, requires careful planning and expertise. This process is labor-intensive, and if the landowner can't manage it, they often hire help.

Plowing and Sowing Grains: For crops like wheat and barley, plowing is done across small plots of land. Farmers scatter seeds and plow the soil using draft animals, making sure the lines are straight and consistent. Regular breaks are needed to feed the animals for optimal performance. Transverse plowing is used to prevent soil erosion during rainfall.

Traditional farming methods remain an essential part of agricultural heritage, preserving time-honored practices while contributing to sustainable farming systems.