Plant Diversity in Traditional Agroforestry Systems: Case Study from Reang Tribe of Uttar Debipur, Tripura, India

Abstract

The tribal communities of north eastern region of India have long depended on the forest-agriculture interface for their livelihoods. Agroforestry systems continue to play a vital role in conserving plant genetic resources and sustaining ecological functions. The Reang (or Bru) tribal community of Uttar Debipur, Tripura is one of the most socio-culturally distinct communities in the region. The Reang people have developed and maintained lesser-known traditional agroforestry systems that reflect a deep understanding of local ecology, phenophasic seasonal cycles, food security and income generation. The traditional agroforestry systems of the area studied remain under-documented and undervalued in formal conservation and development strategies. Present study investigates the plant diversity within traditional agroforestry systems practiced by the Reang tribe of Tripura, aiming at documenting species richness, identifying key functional plant groups, and exploring the role of traditional ecological knowledge in sustaining these complex systems. The present study revealed the presence of three distinct agroforestry systems practiced by the community such as i. improved shifting cultivation (Jhum), ii. homegarden, and iii. aquaculture integrated with trees. These systems reflect the adaptive strategies of the community in response to local ecological conditions, subsistence needs, and cultural values. Small proportion of households practise agroforestry—15.62% each for homegarden and aquaculture, and 9.38% for Jhum—these systems collectively represent a valuable approach to land use that integrates food production, resource conservation, and biodiversity management. Among the 59 plant species documented there are 25 trees, 6 shrubs, 8 climbers, 14 herbs, 1 fern and 5 grass species. The highest diversity was found in homegarden with 55% of plant species followed by shifting cultivation (50%) whereas only 10 % plant species of study area were associated with aquaculture. Plants were used for various purposes like fuel, vegetable, fodder, fruit, timber, medicine.