http://nopr.niscair.res.in/handle/123456789/733 Search the Channel search http://nopr.niscair.res.in/simple-search http://nopr.niscair.res.in/handle/123456789/912 Title: Prioritization of cultivated and wild edibles by local people in the Uttaranchal hills of Indian Himalaya <br/> <br/>Authors: Kala, Chandra Prakash <br/> <br/>Abstract: The paper deals with the preferences of local communities on the cultivated and wild edible plant species in an Indian Himalayan state, Uttaranchal. The state is comprised of 13 districts, which have 5 major tribal communities (i.e. Bhotiya, Jaunsari, Boksha, Tharu and Raji). The preferences of local people on the cultivated and wild edible plant species varied across the different localities. A total 23 cultivated food crop species and 15 wild edible fruit species were prioritized as the most preferred species by the local people in the study area. Of the prioritized food crops, Triticum aestivum, Oriza sativa, Eluesine coracana, Hordium vulgare and Brassica campestris were common preferences of local people, whereas of the wild edible fruits Myrica esculenta, Berberis asiatica, Rubus ellipticus and Ficus auriculata were the common preferences of local people in Uttaranchal. The preferences for different food plants by the local people are further discussed in the changing socio-cultural and socio-economic context. <br/> <br/>Page(s): 239-244 Fri, 29 Dec 2006 22:58:59 GMT http://nopr.niscair.res.in/handle/123456789/911 Title: Medicinal and food value of Capparis—a harsh terrain plant <br/> <br/>Authors: Mishra, S N; Tomar, P C; Lakra, N <br/> <br/>Abstract: Capparis is a dominating genus of the family Capparidaceae. Capparis spp. are xerophytic, growing in a broad range of climatic conditions, such as dry deserts to cooler terrains of mountain either as shrubs, trees or creepers. The female flowers of some of the Capparis species are used as vegetable and fruits are used in pickle production because of their high nutritive ingredients like proteins, carbohydrate, minerals and vitamins. Whole plant or parts are used for curing asthma, rheumatism, diabetes, paralysis, toothache, as antihelmintic, antiallergic, snakebite antidote, etc. Out of the many Capparis species, a few are of specific interest for curing particular ailments, like tuberculosis, cancer, rheumatism or diabetes, which still requires extensive study. Simultaneously, it will be valuable to evaluate utility potential of flowers/fruits in cancer patients due to high titre of spermidin containing alkaloids, which are implicated in tumorogenesis. The review highlights medicinal importance of the Capparis products and unnoticed threatened status in their respective niches for sustainable use and long lasting conservation. Being harsh terrain species, plant needs to be considered for strategic planning for greening deserts hilltops. <br/> <br/>Page(s): 230-238 Fri, 29 Dec 2006 22:58:59 GMT http://nopr.niscair.res.in/handle/123456789/910 Title: Traditional knowledge on wild food plants in Andhra Pradesh <br/> <br/>Authors: Reddy, K N; Pattanaik, Chiranjibi; Reddy, C S; Raju, V S <br/> <br/>Abstract: The purpose of the study was to document the traditional wild food plants used by tribal people in Andhra Pradesh. A total of 156 species were documented as wild plants used for food purposes. Among those species, 56 species are herbs followed by 55 trees, 27 shrubs and 18 climbers. Mostly, herbs are used as leafy vegetables. It has been observed that the traditional knowledge on wild food plants is on sharp decline. Unless efforts are made to educate the younger generations about their importance, it may be lost in near future. This type of study could contribute significantly in Government policies to improve food security in tribal areas, and in the improvement of wild vegetable status, whose potential as sources of nutrition is currently undervalued. <br/> <br/>Page(s): 223-229 Fri, 29 Dec 2006 22:58:59 GMT http://nopr.niscair.res.in/handle/123456789/909 Title: Edible weeds of tribals of Jharkhand, Orissa and West Bengal <br/> <br/>Authors: Sinha, Rekha; Lakra, Valeria <br/> <br/>Abstract: An extensive survey was carried out among ten ethnic groups in Jharkhand, Orissa and West Bengal of eastern India to document edible plants, which grow as weeds in their agricultural and non-agricultural fields. Data were collected through PRA exercises and interview schedules covering 8 districts, 10 community development blocks and 12 villages. The study identifies 43 species of weeds belonging to 36 genera and 26 families that are commonly consumed by the tribal population as per their availability. The habit, season as well as place of procurement and edible part of these plants have been discussed. <br/> <br/>Page(s): 217-222 Fri, 29 Dec 2006 22:58:59 GMT