The present study aims to document detail information of some of the selected wild edible having enormous potential for livelihood enhancement and socio-economic development by making a variety of value added products. To this end, some of the wild edibles of central Himalaya were selected and prioritized for harnessing their economic potential along with their detail information in terms of distribution, ethnobiology, phenophases and appropriate time of harvesting so as to make communities well aware about the resource availability and their harvesting period round the year. The cost-benefit analysis of each value added product prepared from selected wild edibles was worked out in detail and these analyses revealed that total monetary output, as well as the net return, is very high for all value added products prepared. Since wild edible fruits or other edible parts can be collected from wild free of cost except labour is involved in collection of these wild edibles bio-resources. In addition, information on a participatory action research framework & approaches for promoting participatory conservation of these wild edible species were also highlighted for appropriate management of these resources. The present attempt provides a practical example of sustainable utilization of wild edibles, their potential in livelihood improvement of local people, distribution and phenophases and availability in natural conditions, participatory conservation of these wild edibles may help policy planners at the regional and national levels to link livelihood/socio-economic development with conservation.
A study of the medicinal plants and knowledge of diseases was conducted in Bhotiya tribal communities in the Niti valley of Alaknanda catchment in Central Himalaya. Indigenous knowledge of local traditional healers about plants used for medicinal purposes was collected through questionnaire and interviews. Eighty-six plant species were identified as being used for treatment of 37 common ailments. The methods and application of uses of these plants varies and was based on the nature of disease.
This paper presents the results of a study on the indigenous knowledge of local medicinal practitioners known as Vaidhyas and other knowledgeable people of Govind Pashu Vihar Wildlife Sanctuary. The purpose was to document indigenous knowledge of medicinal plants and develop strategies for their cultivation to sustain the traditional healthcare system and livelihood of the rural inhabitants. Since knowledge of uses of various medicinal plants is confined to mostly traditional herbal healers, it is of utmost importance to document this knowledge for future generations. We have documented 33 plant species belonging to 32 genera and 28 families used traditionally to cure 28 diseases. The paper also analyses the linkages of various institutions working for medicinal plant cultivation, along with opportunities and constraints in this sector. A survey was conducted to collect information regarding medicinal plant cultivation and the possibilities of cultivating species in the area. The perception of local people on illegal harvesting and cultivation options of medicinal plants in the area is also discussed.
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