NISCAIR Online Periodicals Repository Collection: IJTK Vol.03(3) [July 2004]

Characterization of some traditional fermented foods and beverages of Himachal Pradesh

Title: Characterization of some traditional fermented foods and beverages of Himachal Pradesh

Authors: Thakur, Navdeep; Savitri; Bhalla, Tek Chand

Abstract: Traditional fermented foods and beverages are very popular in the tribal and rural areas of Himachal Pradesh. A number of fermented foods and beverages were identified and the traditional fermentation processes were studied. Some of the popular fermented foods and beverages were analysed for their microbiological characteristics. The fermented products that are unique to the tribal and rural belts of Himachal are Bhaturu, Siddu, Chilra, Manna, Marchu, Bagpinni, Seera, Dosha, Sepubari, Sura, Chhang, Lugri, Daru, Angoori and Behmi. Besides source of nutrition, these fermented foods e.g. Bhaturu, constitute staple food in larger part of rural areas of Kullu, Kangra, Mandi and Lahaul & Spiti districts of the state while others are consumed during local festivals, marriages and special occasions. Traditional starter cultures like ‘Phab’ (dehydrated yeast formulations), ‘Treh’ (previously fermented wheat flour slurry) and ‘Malera’ (previously fermented wheat flour dough) are the inocula used in preparing fermented products. Microbiological studies revealed that species of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a dominant microorganism in fermentation along with species of Candida, Leuconostoc and Lactobacillus. The ethanol content of some of the fermented beverages was also analysed.

Page(s): 325-335

Common wild vegetables of Aka tribe of Arunachal Pradesh

Title: Common wild vegetables of Aka tribe of Arunachal Pradesh

Authors: Kar, A

Abstract: Arunachal Pradesh is considered as one of the biodiversity “hot spots” in the world. The Aka (Hrusso) tribe in Arunachal Pradesh utilizes many wild plants as food, fodder, medicine, etc. The present paper deals with some of the common wild vegetables used by the tribe. 25 plant species are listed here giving their scientific name, family, local name, diagnostic description, habitat, parts used and uses.

Page(s): 305-313

Indigenous knowledge on some medicinal plants among the Nicobari Tribe of Car Nicobar Island

Title: Indigenous knowledge on some medicinal plants among the Nicobari Tribe of Car Nicobar Island

Authors: Gupta, Stutee; Porwal, M C; Roy, P S

Abstract: The Nicobari tribe of Car Nicobar Island is endowed with vast knowledge of medicinal plants. They cultivate some of these plants for the treatment of various diseases. An attempt has been made to document some of the medicinal plants commonly used by these tribes. A note on the exact usage along with the local name and photographs are also provided.

Page(s): 287-293

Farming proverbs: analysis of their dynamics and farmers’ knowledge

Title: Farming proverbs: analysis of their dynamics and farmers’ knowledge

Authors: Singh, Ranjay K; Dorjey, A

Abstract: Proverbs are backed with profound wisdom and ideas of great practical utility. The present study was designed to explore and document different farming proverbs, used by Yadav community for their agricultural use. The study was conducted in three villages of Jahanaganj Developmental block of Azamgarh district of eastern Uttar Pradesh. Using the focus group discussions with the farmers, data were collected and inference has been drawn with the help of descriptive statistics. Proverbs are most popular source of indigenous communication method in vogue among the Yadav community, which plays vital role in the exchanging the agricultural technological knowledge and to combat the particular problem. Of total 28 proverbs, 50 per cent were related with the rainfall prediction, within which 64 per cent fell under commonly used, followed by often used (21.42%) and rarely used (14.29%). Out of 25 per cent proverbs related to field operations, 57.14 per cent were found to be under the category of commonly used, followed by often used (28.57%) and rarely used (14.29%). Regarding the seed and transplantation, commonly used and often used were observed to be equal (50.0%). The major ways and centers of agricultural proverbs transmission were Choupal, Charagah and Kantiya Samuh, from where proverbs effectively diffused among the social system. Though the usefulness of farming proverbs validated by the group of farmers was found to be >80 per cent, usefulness of proverbs related to rainfall, field operations, seeds and transplanting was found to be > 40 per cent.

Page(s): 276-286