Basu Dev Kaphle¹*, Madhu Maya Paudel² and Padma Nath Atreya^3
1Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Kathmandu, Nepal
²Bharatpur Hospital Nursing College, Bharatpur, Chitwan, Nepal
³Temperate Horticulture Development Center, Marpha, Mustang, Nepal
*Corresponding author's email: kaphlebasu@gm

Abstract

The Vedas, meaning knowledge in Sanskrit, are universally acknowledged as the earliest literature of universe
which basically includes wisdom and laws of nature. This paper simply tries to present the agricultural wisdom
expressed in different vedic literatures and its relevancy in the present context with reference to horticultural
biodiversity conservation. Going by the vedic literature, it is quite evident that agriculture sector was the key source
for livelihoods of the people (कृिषमूलं िह जीवनम् । ऋμवेद) (Vaidik Sukta Sangraha, 2020). Agriculture, animal husbandry
and fruit based agroforestry are the major components of integrated farming system in vedic civilization as
mentioned in the different literatures. Vedic civilization inspires to use local knowledge and skills derived from
experienced practices from generation to generation such as maintenance of home garden in their yard having
different fruits, vegetables and medicinal plants with watershed management practices. Nepal is considered one of
the most biologically diverse and culturally rich countries in the world. Almost all Nepalese cultures have
something to offer to conserve bio-diversity. Vedic culture has respect for biodiversity which is reflected in several
of its scriptures, texts and followed through daily rituals and practices. The vedic wisdom of respecting the nature
with due consideration of horticulture biodiversity conservation is well relevant even in modern agricultural
farming system. Due attention needs to be given to follow, replicate and extend the best agriculture biodiversity
conservation practices described in vedic