Genetic resources of wild edible plants and their uses among tribal communities of cold arid region of India

This paper analyzes the diversity, consumption and gathering patterns, and uses of wild edible plants among the tribal communities living in cold arid region of Indian Himalaya. Eco-geographically, extremely cold climate, open vegetation, strong afternoon winds and loose soils characterize the region. Wild edible plants have special significance in the livelihoods of tribal people particularly during harsh winters when nothing grows on field. We gathered information on 164 wild edible plant species belonging to 100 genera and 37 families sharing 14% of total plants species occurring here. Around 83% plant species were present in pure wild state while 17% were in semi wild state/cultivated occasionally. Wild plants are eaten more as vegetable and it was found that out of 101 plants used as vegetable, 57 are cooked and eaten and the rest (44) eaten raw. The species like Pinus gerardiana, Prunus armeniaca, Hippophae rhamnoides, Bunium persicum are harvested more for commerce in the downtown markets while Lepidium latifolium, Taraxacum officinale, Urtica hyperborea, Capparis spinosa, Fagopyrum tataricum, Malva verticillata, and Rhodiola heterodonta are preferred for their medicinal and nutritional properties locally. Infrastructure development, more tourists flow, agricultural intensification, more jobs and business opportunities have led to rapid changes in the life styles and food habits of the people. Consequently, the age-old tradition of gathering wild edible plants is fading particularly among younger generations. Nevertheless, people do realize the importance of wild edible plants, and therefore to harness the benefits of this unique diversity participatory management and conservation programs, investigations on nutritional and pharmacological attributes, and regulated market support for some important WEPs have taken up in the region.