Title : Harnessing the potential of wild edibles for sustainable agriculture, livelihood and food security
Abstract:
Wild edible plants, long recognized by indigenous communities for their nutritional and medicinal value, offer untapped potential to enhance food security and promote sustainable agriculture. In the face of climate change, biodiversity loss, and declining soil fertility, these resilient species can serve as a viable alternative to conventional crops. Therefore, the present study aimed to document the diversity, use pattern and livelihood linkage of WEPs in Western Himalaya. Study explores the role of wild edibles in diversifying food systems, enriching diets, and supporting ecological balance. Extensive field survey was conducted in different areas of Western Himalaya covering an altitudinal range from 500 to 4000 m. Following the collection of plant species, detailed information about habits, habitat altitudinal range, harvesting techniques, seasons of availability, and ethnobotanical uses were documented through photographs, semi-structured interviews/group discussions with local tribal peoples, rural peoples, self-help groups, farmers, priests, local sellers, and traditional healers. This study documented and analysed 240 Wild edible plants which includes 137 Herbs; 44 Shrubs; 46 Trees; 5 Fern; 8 Mushrooms species belonging to 92 families, 184 genera, and 240 Species. Fabaceae is the most dominant family represented by 17 genera followed by Rosaceae, Asteraceae and Lamiaceae represented by 14 and 11 genera. Among genera Dioscorea and Ficus were found to be the most dominant genera represented by 5 spp. each followed by Amaranthus, Arisaema, Lepidium, Euphorbia, Indigophera, Rumex, and Prunus represented by 3 spp. each. By integrating traditional knowledge with modern agricultural practices, communities can revive underutilized species, reduce dependency on chemical inputs, and foster local self-reliance. The study also highlights successful models of wild food domestication, value addition, and community-based conservation efforts. To enhance the palatability and economic value of these wild food plants, value-added cuisines have been developed, tested in the lab, and introduced to the market. A key component of this study was mass awareness. Global access to this knowledge is made possible via the website www.himalayanwildfoodplants.com, which hosts a digitized collection of 240 wild edible plants. Additionally, outreach through YouTube, social media, and print media has expanded the reach of this critical work. The integration of these age-old traditions into modern sustainable practices offers a pathway to enhance food security, support ecological balance, and preserve cultural heritage in an increasingly globalized world. Emphasizing policy support, awareness, and research, this work advocates for the mainstreaming of wild edibles as a sustainable solution for achieving nutritional security and resilient farming systems.
Key Words: Wild Food Heritage, Nutritional Diversity, Climate Resilience, Sustainable Agriculture, Value-added Cuisines, Mass Awareness
