Exploring the Value and Potential to Commercialize Underutilized Leafy Vegetables Found in Karbi Anglong District, Assam, India

Abstract

The present paper deals with the identification, documentation and exploration of diverse underutilized leafy vegetables consumed by the Karbi tribes of Karbi Anglong District, Assam. The NE region of India is the Gateway to India’s richest biodiversity zones important for the genetic resources’ world over. Genetic diversity of such underutilized leafy vegetables is concentrated or common in Northeast India more particularly in Karbi Anglong Hill District of Assam, which is considered to be one of the hotspots of the biodiversity in the world. The Indigenous and underutilized leafy vegetables are a source of livelihood for the local/ethnic communities of the district.  In addition to food security these are also a part of culture and tradition for most of the hill tribes. These underutilized leafy vegetables are mostly found in wild forms as non-timber forest products and other natural habitats though some are domesticated and cultivated. The richness of plant diversity is largely due to ecological diversity superimposed with tribal and ethnic diversification, plant usage and religious rituals. The present paper deals with some of the common underutilized leafy vegetables used by the karbi communities. From the survey conducted in different local markets/weekly markets altogether 30 species belonging to 23 families were reported from the study area. These plant species were found to be morphologically different from each other and were found to important in the Karbi Anglong District of Assam because of their medicinal values and provide economic benefit for the rural poor people. Tabulation has been done according to their Scientific name with families, vernacular name(karbi), plant parts used, common uses, mode of propagation, ITK’s. etc. These plant species are used as vegetables which are having higher nutritional properties than commonly cultivated vegetables. Underutilized leafy vegetables and wild edible plants constitute an essential part in variation of diet and bring nutritional security and act as cheap source of healthcare component among ethnic communities. Therefore, there is a need for conducting systematic studies and research-based information on these plant species so as to establish them as economically viable crop. Domestication and bringing into cultivation is the need of the hour for promotion of these herbs beyond their confined locality. Studies on adaptability of these plant species in different environment are also important for their promotion as commercial crop.