The present study documents the traditional fish drying techniques used by the fisher folk communities of Bhadrak district, Odisha, India. Information on local knowledge and the use of different fish drying methods within the study area was collected from 72 fisher folk through semi-structured questionnaires, free interviews, informal conversations and direct observations. The results showed that sun drying was the most extensively used method for fish preservation. About 19.4% of the informants preferred to spread the fishes directly on earth, 34.8% on the mat, 5.5% on palm leaves, 29.2 % over bamboo bars and 11.2% followed interlocking of snouts/jaws on bamboo sticks. Almost all the fish drying devices are handmade with bamboo, wooden pole and sometimes nylon threads following traditional technologies. The quality of the dry fish could be improved by educating fishermen on hygiene, sanitation, use of good water quality and raw materials for processing. In this context, the low-cost solar dryer can be constructed by using locally available materials, thus preventing contamination and dependence on weather conditions. The dry fish production can play a crucial role in socio-economic upliftment, employment generation and poverty alleviation particularly to women as they depend on it directly for their livelihoods.
The present study (April 2015 to March 2018) is carried out to document and enlist the indigenous utilization pattern of Palmyra palm (Borassus flabellifer L.) in coastal districts of Odisha, India. The purpose of the research is to explore multipurpose use of Palmyra palm with the aim to suggest for proper marketing of the products which provides livelihood support to the rural people of Odisha. Exploratory assessment is made through field survey, literature consultations and key informant interviews. Various plant parts such as root, stem, leaves, inflorescence, seed, and fruit are used for various purposes including food, beverage, fiber, medicinal, and timber. This plant has been instrumental for indigenous people in providing a substantial livelihood through their own indigenous wisdom from collection to the processing of products. Certain measures for its better utility are suggested.
The weed flora associated with field crop of rice in Bhadrak district of Odisha, India is studied for a period of 2 years (June 2016 to May 2018) based on data obtained from field exploration and literature consultations. Data are collected using standard procedures. The weed association is comprised of 149 species related to 41 angiosperm families and one pteridophytic family. Angiosperms are distributed in 8 superorders and 19 orders. 36.5% of the species are recorded from the superorder Commelinids, 18.9% from Malvids, 14.9% from Lamids, 13.5% from Fabids and 10.1% from Companulids as per APG III classification. Order Poales (48), Gentianales and Asterales ( 14) each, Caryophyllales (13) and Fabales ( 11) accounts for about 67.6% of the species in the district. The predominant families are Poaceae and Cyperaceae. The dominant species are Ammannia baccifera, Alternanthera sessilis, Argemone mexicana, Croton sparsiflorus, Cyperus alopecuroides, Echinochloa crusgalli, Eleocharis dulcis, Fimbristylis miliacea, Hygrophila auriculata, Ludwigia hyssopifolia and Oryza rufipogon. Forty eight of the identified species are perennial and 101 annual species. The therophytes are represented by 45.6% of the life form spectrum. Habitat wise distribution analysis shows forbs share 88 species followed by grasses (29 species) and sedges (18 species) respectively. Of the reported species 37.6% are used for animal fodder, 29.5% for the treatment of various diseases and 7.4% for edible purposes. Considering the importance of weed flora in the rice fields, this research will hopefully improve the monitoring and management of weed flora in the study area and highlight their importance in maintaining ecosystem services which could be a valuable tool for its conservation, preservation and addition of the local biodiversity.
Background: Marketplaces serve as valuable sources of information regarding the interactions and relationships between people and plants. In India, the significance of marketplaces remains largely unexplored, despite the country's remarkable biocultural diversity. To address this research gap, we conducted a study focusing on the diversity of edible wild and cultivated fruits and vegetables available in both rural and urban markets within the Bhadrak district of Odisha, India.Methods: We conducted a comprehensive survey of rural and urban marketplaces in the Bhadrak district of Odisha, India, covering three seasons. Data were collected from 91 informants through semi-structured interviews, key informant discussions, and direct observations. During field visits, voucher specimens were collected and photographs of marketplaces as well as the fruits and vegetables being traded were taken.Results: A total of 93 species, including one species of Pteridophyte, belonging to 37 families and 74 genera, were documented from the markets in the district. Among these species, 53% were native and 47% were non-native. The families Cucurbitaceae and Fabaceae were particularly well-represented. Out of the recorded species, 22 (23.7%) were wild species. Habit analysis revealed that herbs constituted the highest proportion 41.9%, followed by trees 35.5%, Climbers 18.3%, and shrubs 4.3%. According to the majority of informants, wild fruits and vegetables were valued for both their food and medicinal properties. Commonly reported species used for both dietary and medicinal purposes included Glinus oppositifolius (L.) A. DC., Ipomoea aquatica Forrsk., Marsilea minuta L., Moringa oleifera Lam., Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels, and Tamarindus indica L. When it came to vegetables, leaves, and stems were commonly consumed, while fruits were typically eaten raw. Conclusion:The markets in the Bhadrak district offer a variety of plants, including a wide range of fruits and vegetables. Through analysis of the collected data, it has been revealed that wild fruits and vegetables play a crucial role in generating income and have the potential to become a significant supplementary livelihood option for local farming communities. It is worth noting the dual role of many plant species, serving as dietary components while also contributing to preventive healthcare practices. Market surveys serve as valuable tools for assessing food environments, and the documented food heritage holds great importance in promoting bio-conservation, environmental sustainability, and food security.
Despite becoming one of the most valuable resources, the role of bamboo in livelihoods and rural development is poorly understood. The present study documents the indigenous utilization pattern of bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris Schrad ex Wendl.) and its significance in the social, cultural and religious life of the people of Bhadrak district, Odisha, India. An exploratory assessment was made from 71 informants through field surveys, literature consultations and key informant interviews. Plant parts such as culms are used for various purposes including construction, handicraft, fencing, musical instruments, as well as in rituals and ceremonies. Leaves are mostly used as fodder. This plant has been instrumental for indigenous people by providing them substantial livelihood through their own indigenous wisdom, from collection to the processing of products. Proper training with modern technology, financial assistance to develop infrastructure, as well as proper marketing of products will encourage more earning opportunities among rural people of the said district.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.