Gau Vansh Par Adharit Swadeshi Krushi - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Gau Vansh par Adharit Swadeshi Krushi" (Indigenous Agriculture Based on the Cow and Cattle Lineage) by Rajiv Dixit:

Central Theme: The book advocates for a return to indigenous, cow-based agricultural practices in India, emphasizing their superiority over modern, chemical-intensive methods and Westernized economic models. It highlights the detrimental effects of British colonial policies and ongoing global economic trends on Indian agriculture and the farmer's well-being.

Author's Vision & Inspiration:

The book is dedicated to Rajiv Dixit, a prominent figure who championed the cause of "Swadeshi" (indigenous products and practices). It speaks to his deep-seated belief in restoring Indian systems based on Indian principles, criticizing the lingering colonial mindset and laws that continue to influence India's economy, education, health, justice, and administration.
Rajiv Dixit's untimely demise is mourned, but the commitment to fulfilling his incomplete vision is strongly expressed. The establishment of a 23-acre "Swadeshi Research Center" in Sevagram, Wardha, dedicated to organic farming and cow-based research, is a testament to this commitment.

Critique of Modern Agriculture and Foreign Influence:

Degradation of Soil: The indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers and toxic pesticides is blamed for the degradation of soil fertility, increased farming costs, and ultimately, farmer distress.
Economic Exploitation: The book details how British policies systematically destroyed Indian agriculture and industries. This includes:
- Imposition of Taxes (Lagana): The British imposed heavy land taxes, often 50% of the total produce, leading to severe hardship and violence against farmers who couldn't comply.
- Land Acquisition Acts: The British enacted laws like the "Land Acquisition Act" to forcibly seize farmers' land, leading to displacement and economic ruin. The example of the town of Dalhousie being named after a corrupt British officer who took over village lands illustrates this point.
- Destruction of Cattle Wealth: The systematic slaughter of cows and bulls under British rule is highlighted as a major blow to Indian agriculture. Cows were central to the indigenous farming system, providing manure, urine (for pest control), milk, and draft power. Their destruction crippled traditional farming.
- Disruption of Traditional Water Management: British policies led to the neglect and destruction of traditional water bodies like ponds and wells, disrupting irrigation systems.
- Forced Cultivation of Cash Crops: Farmers were coerced into growing crops like indigo and opium, which were beneficial to British trade but detrimental to soil health and food security in India.
- Price Control and Trade Restrictions: The British controlled the prices of agricultural produce and imposed restrictions on farmers' ability to sell their goods freely, further deepening their economic woes.
- The GATT Agreement (now WTO): The book strongly criticizes the GATT agreement (signed by India in 1994) as a continuation of colonial exploitation. It argues that GATT undermines India's sovereignty by dictating agricultural and trade policies, forcing the import of surplus food grains, mandating patenting of seeds, and leading to the decline of domestic agricultural markets. The author argues that while earlier exploitation was by white foreigners, now it's by "black foreigners" (Indian policymakers) who continue the same anti-farmer policies.

The Superiority of Indigenous, Cow-Based Agriculture:

Soil Health and Fertility: Traditional methods, emphasizing the use of cow dung, cow urine, and other organic materials, are presented as the key to restoring and enhancing soil fertility. These methods nourish the soil and support beneficial microorganisms.
Biodiversity and Seed Preservation: The book stresses the importance of native seeds, lamenting the loss of thousands of indigenous varieties of rice, millets, and other grains due to the promotion of hybrid seeds. It advocates for preserving and reviving indigenous seed banks.
Economic Self-Sufficiency: Indigenous practices promote self-reliance for farmers. They reduce dependence on external chemical inputs and foreign companies, keeping wealth within the village economy.
Health Benefits: Food produced through organic, cow-based methods is deemed healthier, more nutritious, and free from toxic chemicals, which are linked to various diseases like cancer.
Environmental Harmony: Traditional methods are presented as being in harmony with nature, promoting biodiversity, soil health, and water conservation, in stark contrast to the destructive impact of chemical agriculture.
The "Cow as the Centerpiece": The cow is depicted as the "centerpiece" of Indian agriculture, providing not just manure and urine for fertilization and pest control, but also milk, butter, and a sustainable livelihood. The book promotes animal husbandry as integral to a thriving agricultural system.
Simple and Effective Techniques: The book elaborates on various methods for creating organic fertilizers and natural pest repellents using readily available village resources like cow dung, cow urine, neem leaves, buttermilk, jaggery, and plant extracts. It provides detailed instructions for preparing compost, vermicompost, and natural sprays.
Reviving Traditional Knowledge: The author emphasizes that the knowledge for such sustainable agriculture is not new but has been passed down through generations and needs to be revived and implemented.
Agni Hotra and Mulching: The text also touches upon the benefits of Agni Hotra (a Vedic fire ritual) for environmental purification and crop growth, and mulching for soil moisture retention and fertility.

Call to Action:

Reject Chemical Agriculture: Farmers are urged to boycott chemical fertilizers and pesticides and return to organic, cow-based farming.
Promote Indigenous Seeds: Efforts should be made to collect, preserve, and cultivate indigenous seeds.
Community Action: The book calls for collective action, organizing farmers, workshops, and creating seed banks at the village level to revive traditional practices.
Government Reform: There's a strong demand for the repeal of British-era laws that continue to harm farmers and for the government to actively support indigenous agriculture. The book specifically calls for the cancellation of the GATT/WTO agreement.
Personal Transformation: The book encourages individuals to make conscious choices towards swadeshi products and practices, viewing it as a national duty and a path to true self-reliance and national pride.

In essence, "Gau Vansh par Adharit Swadeshi Krushi" is a powerful treatise advocating for a complete overhaul of India's agricultural system, urging a return to the wisdom of the past, rooted in the cow and indigenous practices, to achieve economic self-sufficiency, environmental sustainability, and national well-being. It serves as a manifesto for a complete transformation from a dependent, chemically-driven agricultural model to a self-reliant, organic, and holistic approach.