Vol. 10, Special Issue 1, Part A (2025)

Author(s): S Usha, T Mahesh and K Chitrambigai

Abstract: A study was conducted to identify the various indigenous weather forecasting methods practiced by the local ethnic people and farmers at Salem and Kanchipuram districts of Tamil Nadu. Biotic indicators are used by the farmers and fishermen for weather prediction in local farming communities. They are holistic, providing farmers with the ability to decide and prepare psychologically for the coming agricultural year. Indigenous knowledge's covering various beliefs and customs, social and religious taboos, communication patterns, music, ecology, vegetation, climate etc. The bioindicator are mainly focused in this study based on the behaviour of animals, birds, insects and flowering and foliage of tree species as indicators of weather forecasting. The farmers were selected using simple random sampling. The data was collected through a pre-tested interview schedule by employing personal interview technique. The percentage analysis was used to analyze the data. The present study revealed that 11 animals, 25 bird species, 17 insect species, and 8 plant species were used as biotic factors in weather prediction. These were time tested to facilitate farmers to make their farming decisions in different seasons and cropping patterns.