JAIN , A and SUNDRIYAL , M and ROSHNIBALA , S and KOTOKY , R and KANJILAL , P B and SINGH , H B and SUNDRIYAL , R C
(2011)
Dietary use and conservation concern of edible wetland plants at indo-burma hotspot: A case study from northeast India.
Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine, 7 (29).
pp. 1-17.
Abstract
Abstract
Background: The wetlands of the North East India fall among the global hotspots of biodiversity. However, they
have received very little attention with relation to their intrinsic values to human kind; therefore their conservation
is hardly addressed. These wetlands are critical for the sustenance of the tribal communities.
Methods: Field research was conducted during 2003 to 2006 in seven major wetlands of four districts of Manipur
state, Northeast India (viz. Imphal-East, Imphal-West, Thoubal, and Bishnupur). A total of 224 wetland-plantcollectors
were interviewed for the use and economics of species using semi-structured questionnaires and
interview schedules. Imphal, Bishenpur and Thoubal markets were investigated in detail for influx and consumption
pattern of these plants. The collectors were also inquired for medicinal use of wetland species. Nutritive values of
21 species were analyzed in laboratory. The vouchers were collected for all the species and deposited in the CSIRNEIST
(Formerly Regional Research Laboratory), Substation, Lamphelpat, Imphal, Manipur, India.
Results: We recorded 51 edible wetland species used by indigenous people for food and medicinal purposes.
Thirty eight species had high medicinal values and used in the traditional system to treat over 22 diseases. At least
27 species were traded in three markets studied (i.e. Imphal, Thoubal and Bishenpur), involving an annual turnover
of 113 tons of wetland edible plants and a gross revenue of Rs. 907, 770/- (US$1 = Rs. 45/-). The Imphal market
alone supplies 60% of the total business. Eighty per cent of the above mentioned species are very often used by
the community. The community has a general opinion that the availability of 45% species has depleted in recent
times, 15 species need consideration for conservation while another 7 species deserved immediate protection
measures. The nutrient analysis showed that these species contribute to the dietary balance of tribal communities.
Conclusions: Considering the importance of wild wetland plants in local sustenance, it is suggested to protect
their habitats, develop domestication protocols of selected species, and build programs for the long-term
management of wetland areas by involving local people. Some medicinal plants may also be used to develop into
modern medicines.
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