Traditional methods for storage of vegetables in cold arid region of Ladakh, India

Abstract

The indigenous knowledge of the people in Ladakh for storage of selected vegetables is unique. Vegetable cultivation in Ladakh during winter is not practiced due to sub-zero temperature. To meet the vegetable needs during winter, tribal people in the region has gained wisdom in storage of selected crops like cabbage, potato, onion, radish and carrot, which comply well with the ecological and socioeconomic conditions of the region. Cabbage is stored in basement of house, tuber and root crops in underground pits and onion by hanging from the ceiling of the storehouse. Under sub-zero temperature, vegetables are stored in good conditions for 5-6 months. With the advancement of technology the cumbersome traditional method is undergoing changes and declining. However, the traditional method is time tested, zero-energy based and still being preferred due to low cost. This paper describes the ancient traditional method of vegetable storage still being practiced in Ladakh.