Role of Landrace Varieties in Promoting Sustainable Agriculture in the Upper Kosi Watershed in the Mid-Himalayan Region

Abstract

In recent decades, the rapidly growing population, increasing food demand, and modernization of agriculture have put pressure on landrace varieties, leading to the adoption of new crop varieties. Preservation of landraces is essential from the perspective of climate change and environmental sustainability in the region. In the Upper Kosi Watershed, a total of 323 villages were identified, of which 10 percent were selected as the sample for the study. For the sample selection, stratified or random sampling was used. This study is based on questionnaires, interviews, and observation methods. Therefore, becomes more important to identify and study landrace varieties at the local level, as they are crucial for the Himalayan agro-ecosystems. The market value of traditional crops is high due to their organic cultivation. They contribute to economic growth and are more nutritious than high-yielding varieties. These crops are in high demand, because of their unique taste. The present study aims to identify landraces in the region. Primary data were collected through field surveys, and all local varieties were identified with the help of local respondents. This study includes identification of local landrace varieties across different altitude zones and the role of new varieties are replacing and mixing with landrace crops in the fields. Such observations raise concern about the ongoing erosion of landraces.