Agro-Biodiversity of Kumaun Himalaya, India: A Review

Abstract

Kumaun Himalaya is one of the unique systems rich in indigenous traditional knowledge and culturally strong. In the present study, qualitative and quantitative data were on agro-biodiversity through field and literature survey. Altogether, 160 plant species belonging to 117 genera and 57 families were recorded. In addition, a large number of land races, varieties and wild relatives are also being used. Cultivation of these crops is mainly of subsistence in nature rather than for commercial purposes. Due to a number of reasons, the area under traditional crops is declining in Kumaun Himalayan region but many of the crop varieties are still conserved because of their socio-cultural and religious values. The human population has increased over time forcing farmers to change their cropping patterns, for example, replacement of mixed cropping to mono-cropping and switching over to cash crops. This has adverse implications on traditional agro-biodiversity of the region. There are both local and global advantages in supporting a dynamic traditional system of agro-biodiversity management. Therefore, promotion and conservation of agro-biodiversity should be done through sustainable use and on- farm and off- farm management.

Socio-economic Analysis Based on Energy Input and Output of Mixed Cropping Systems of Bhabhar Region (Shiwalik Range of Kumaun Himalaya, India)

“…Some patterns of mixed cropping, which are commonly adopted by the farmers in the studied area are given: (Table 4). In the present study, total numbers of cultivated crops were listed comparatively low in the earlier study for entire Kumaun Himalayan region 21 and higher as reported by many researchers 14,35,36 . List of some most frequently used improved varieties of different crops and fruit trees are given in table 5.…”

“…Various studies conducted in the Central Himalayan region revealed that the agriculture practices require massive consumption of forest resources 17,18,19,20,21 . In plain district of the state, agriculture turns up as the major source of the economy and revenue.…”

Changing pattern of plant species utilization in relation to altitude and their relative prevalence in homegardens of Kumaun Himalaya, India

“…For phytosociology analysis, quadrat method was used and random quadrats of 10m × 10m size were laid for trees, 5m × 5m quadrat for shrubs and 1m × 1m quadrats for herbs in the selected sites (Curtis & Mcintosh, 1950). Plant species were identified with the help of vernacular name, flora, some relevant literatures and research papers (Gupta, 1968;Pande et al, 2016;Samant & Palni, 2000). Information regarding use of plants was collected through semi-structured questionnaire/interview from homegarden owners (Supplementary file 1, Appendix A ).…”

Bees support farming. Does farming support bees?

“…Numerous local citrus varieties and vegetables are grown seasonally in the valley for household consumption [70]. Based on the increasing demands and economic benefits, crops such as wheat and sugarcane are taking over the diverse cropping system in the Himalayas [73]. One can find many monocultures and polycultures in the valley based on the type and scale of farming.…”