Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Traditional Ecological Knowledge in Sustainable Conservation of Seeds and Food Grains in the Himalayas

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Addressing the Climate Crisis in the Indian Himalayas

  • 48 Accesses

Abstract

Himalayan region is one of the oldest agricultural civilization areas and treasure for the food and agricultural crops such as rice, wheat, maize, millets, pulses, oilseeds, fibers, and other economically potential crop species. This region considered for centre of origin for few crops and bestows trait specific valuable genetic resources include the cold tolerance, disease, pest resistant genotypes, plant populations and traditional crop varieties of inter and intra-specific, racial diversity in for future needs. These indigenous crops consists great dietary value and plays a vital role in the sustainable development of aboriginal people nutritional security. Indigenous people management the local crop varieties/landraces which take account of socio-cultural practices of seed selection, production, and traditional storage techniques with their ancestral knowledge systems. Farmer’s have developed many unique structures (made of bamboos, canes, mud, wood, etc.) which are relatively cheap, eco-friendly, climate resistant and impart lofty self-life for safe storage of food grains and seeds from pests/insects and rodents. The seeds are exchanged as gifts, bartered, and purchased from local markets. Conservation of these trait specific traditional landraces at a very low cost using in situ/on farm can be successfully achieved by providing special incentives to farmers/indigenous people, village communities may get the benefits through to identify collection priority areas, explored and unexplored areas with the establishment of community seed/gene banks, field genebanks etc. and also protect human and soil health need to be strengthened to tackle of climate change with the help of this natural wealth.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
eBook
USD 16.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
USD 129.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Adhikari, S., Kumari, J., Jacob, S. R., Prasad, P., Gangwar, O. P., Lata, C., Thakur, R., Singh, A. K., Bansal, R., Kumar, S., Bharadwaj, S. C., & Kumar, S. (2022). Landraces-potential treasure for sustainable wheat Improvement. Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution, 69, 499–523. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10722-021-01310-5volV)

  • Andualem, A., Legesse, T., Nebiyu, A., Dejen, A., Hailu, F., Asfaw, Z., Mcalvay, A. C., Power, A. G., & Tesfaye, A. (2022). Diversity of farmers’ varieties of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) in northeastern and southwestern Ethiopia. Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems, 46(5), 650–671. https://doi.org/10.1080/21683565.2022.2062634

  • Asiedu-Darko, E. (2014). A study of farmers seed selection methods in the Kpandai district of the northern region of Ghana. International Journal of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, 2(6), 86–90.

    Google Scholar 

  • Aswani S, Lemahieu A, Sauer WHH (2018) Global trends of local ecological knowledge and future implications. PLoS ONE. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0195440

  • Babu, P. K., & Rai, D. (2022). Traditional uses of multi-cob bearing Murlimakai primitive maize landrace from Sikkim state, India. Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge, 21, 186–190.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bezabih, M. (2008). Agrobiodiversity conservation under an imperfect seed system: The role of community seed banking schemes. Agricultural Economics, 38(1), 77–87.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bhatt, J. C., & Chauhan, V. S. (1999). Phasalon ki Sathiya Kisme avam namo ki wyutpatti. 233–248. In: P. C Pande, D. S. Pikhariya, & J. C Bhatt (Eds.), Ethanobotany of Kumaon Himalaya. Scientific Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bisht, I. S., Mehta, P. S., & Bhandari, D. C. (2007). Traditional crop diversity and its conservation on-farm for sustainable agricultural production in Kumaon Himalaya of Uttaranchal state: A case study. Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution, 54, 345–357.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bisht, I. S., Mehta, P. S., Negi, K. S., Rawat, R., & Singh, R. (2017). Wild plant food resources in agricultural systems of Uttarakhand hills in India and its potential role in combating malnutrition and enhancing human health. Journal of Food Science and Toxicology, 2(1), 3.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bisht, I. S., Mehta, P. S., Negi, K. S., Verma, S. K., Tyagi, R. K., & Garkoti, S. C. (2018). Farmers’ rights, local food systems, and sustainable household dietary diversification: A case of Uttarakhand Himalaya in north-western India. Agroecology for Sustainable Food Systems, 42, 77–113. https://doi.org/10.1080/21683565.2017.1363118

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Blakeney, M., Krishnankutty, J., Raju, R. K., & Siddique, K. H. M. (2020). Agricultural innovation and the protection of traditional rice varieties: Kerala a case study. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 3(116), 1–11.

    Google Scholar 

  • Canella, M., Ardenghi, N.M., Müller, J. V., Rossi, G., Guzzon, F. (2022). An updated checklist of plant agrobiodiversity of northern Italy. Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10722-022-01365-y

  • Casañas, F., Simó, J., Casals, J., & Prohens, J. (2017). Toward an evolved concept of landrace. Frontiers in Plant Science, 08, 145. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2017.00145

  • Chander, H., Kulkarni, S. G., & Berry, S. K. (1991). Effectiveness of turmeric powder and mustard oil as Protestants in stored milled rice against the rice weevil Sitophilus oryzae. International Pest Control, 33, 94–97.

    Google Scholar 

  • Channal, G., Nagnur, S., & Nanjayyanamath, C. (2004). Indigenous grain storage structures. Leisa India, 6–10.

    Google Scholar 

  • Chigoverah, A. A., & Mvumi, B. M. (2016). Efficacy of metal silos and hermetic bags against stored-maize insect pests under simulated smallholder farmer conditions. Journal of Stored Product Research, 69, 179–189.

    Google Scholar 

  • Conversa, G., Lazzizera, C., Bonasia, A., Cifarelli, S., Losavio, F., Sonnante, G., & Elia, A. (2020). Exploring on-farm agro-biodiversity: a study case of vegetable landraces from Puglia region (Italy). Biodiversity and Conserversation, 29, 747–770. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-019-01908-3

  • Coomes, T. O., McGuire, J. S., Garine, E., Caillon, S., Mckey, D., Demeulenaere, E., Jarvis, D., Aistara, G., Barnaud, A., Clouvel, P., Emperaire, L., Louafi, S., Martin, P., Massol, F., Pautasso, M., Violon, C., & Wencelius, J. (2015). Farmer seed networks make a limited contribution to agriculture? Four common misconceptions. Food Policy, 56, 41–50.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Costa, E. M. (2000). Sustainable development and traditional knowledge: A case study in a Brazilian fishermen’s community. Sustainable Development, 8(2), 89.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Croft, M., Bicksler, A., Manson, J., & Burnette, R. (2012). Comparison of appropriate tropical seed storage techniques for germplasm conservation in mountainous sub-tropical climates with resource constraints. Experimental Agriculture, 49, 279–294. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0014479712001251

  • Das, B., Sengupta, S., Parida, S. K., Roy, B., Ghosh, M., & Prasad, M. et al. (2013). Genetic diversity and population structure of rice landraces from Eastern and North Eastern States of India. BMC Genetics, 14, 71. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2156-14-71

  • Deka, M. K., Bhuyan, M., & Hazarika, L. K. (2006). Traditional pest management practices of Assam. Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge, 5(1), 75–78.

    Google Scholar 

  • di Falco, S., Bezabih, M., & Yesuf, M. (2010). Seeds for livelihoods: Crop biodiversity and food production in Ethiopia. Ecological Economics, 69, 1695–1702.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dutta, M., & Dutta, P. K. (2023). Community-based conservation in Eastern Himalayan biodiversity hotspot—A case study. Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge, 22, 220–229. https://doi.org/10.56042/ijtk.v22i1.33482

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Dwivedi, S. L., Ceccarelli, S., Blair, M. W., Upadhyaya, H. D., Are, A. K., & Ortiz, R. (2016). Landrace germplasm for improving yield and abiotic stress adaptation. Trends in Plant Science, 21, 31–42.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ebert. A.W., & Engels, J. M. M. (2020). Plant biodiversity and genetic resources matter! Plants, 9(12), 1706. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9121706

  • FAO, IFAD, UNICEF, WFP, WHO. (2021). The state of food security and nutrition in the world 2021. Transforming food systems for food security, improved nutrition and affordable healthy diets for all. Rome: FAO.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fatima, A., Farid, M., Safdar, K., Fayyaz, A., Ali, S. M., Adnan, S., Nawaz, M., Munir, H., Raza, N., Zubair, Z. (2020). Loss of agro-biodiversity and productivity due to climate change in continent Asia: a review. In M. Hasanuzzaman (Ed.), Plant ecophysiology and adaptation under climate change: mechanisms and perspectives, general consequences and plant responses. Springer.

    Google Scholar 

  • Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution, 52, 1129–1140.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gómez-Baggethun, E., Mingorria, S., Reyes- Garcia, V., Calvet, L., Montes, C. (2010). Traditional ecological knowledge trends in the transition to a market economy: empirical study in the Donana natural areas. Conservation Biology, 24, 721–729. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1523-1739.2009.01401.x

  • Hall, D. W. (1970). Handling and storage of food grains in tropical and subtropical areas. FAO Agricultural Development Paper No. 90.

    Google Scholar 

  • Harlan, J. R. (1992). Crops and man American society of agronomy, crop science society of America, Madison. Wisconsin, 16(2), 63–262.

    Google Scholar 

  • Husaini, A.M., Sofi, N.R. (2018). Rice biodiversity in Cold Hill Zones of Kashmir Himalayas and conservation of its landraces. In Rediscovery of landraces as a resource for the future (pp 39–58). https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.74591

  • Jain, D., Satapathy, K. K., & Wahlang, E. L. (2004). Traditional post harvest technology of North Eastern Hill region. ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jana, S. (1988). Collecting crop germplasm during exploration: Bulk samples or individual plants? PGRC Newsletter, 24, 5–7.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jaradat, A. A. (2013). Wheat Landraces: A mini review. Emirates Journal of Food and Agriculture, 25, 20–29. https://doi.org/10.9755/ejfa.v25i1.15376

  • Jarvis, D. I, Myer, L., Klemick, H., Guarino, L., Smale, M., & Brown, A. H. D., Sadiki, M., Sthapit, B., & Hodgkin, T. (2000). A training guide for conservation on-farm. International Plant Genetic Resources Institute, Version 1.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jensen, R. H., Belqadi, L., De Santis, P., Sadiki, M., Jarvis, I. D., & Schoen, J. D. (2013). A case study of seed exchange networks and gene flow for barley (Hordeum vulgare subsp. vulgare) in Morocco. Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution, 60, 1119–1138.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Johns, T., & Sthapit, B. R. (2004). Bio-cultural diversity in the sustainability of developing country food systems. Food and Nutrition Bulletin, 25(2), 143–155.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kapoor, C., Avasthe, R. K., Chettri, P. K., Gopi, R., & Kalita, H. (2017). On-farm status and collection of rice (Oryza sativa L.) genetic resources of Sikkim Himalayas. Indian Journal of Plant Genetic Resources, 30, 48–54. https://doi.org/10.5958/0976-1926.2017.00005.5

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Karthikeyan, C., Veeraragavathatham, D., Karpagam, D., & Ayisha, F. S. (2009). Traditional storage practices. Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge, 8(4), 564–568.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kays, S. J., & Paull, R. E. (2004). Postharvest biology. Athens, GA: Exon Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Khalid, N., Badshah, L., Shah, A. A., Ullah, A., Khan, N., Aziz, M. A., Sõukand, R., & Pieroni, A. (2023). Wild food plants gathered by four cultural groups in North Waziristan, Pakistan. Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution, 70, 1243–1276. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10722-022-01500-9

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Khoury, C. K., Brush, S., Costich, D.E., Curry, H.A., Haan, S., Engels, J. M., Guarino, L., Hoban, S., Mercer, K. L., Miller, J. A., Nabhan, P. G., Perales, H. R., Richards, C., Riggins, C., & Thormann, I. (2022). Crop genetic erosion: Understanding and responding to loss of crop diversity. New Phytologist, 233(1), 84–118. https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.17733

  • Kiruba, S., Jeeva, S., Kanagappan, M., Stalin, S. I., & Das, S. S. M. (2008). Ethnic storage strategies adopted by farmers of Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu, Southern Peninsular India. Journal of Agricultural Technologies, 4, 1–10.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kiruba, S., Manohar Das, S. S., & Papadopoulou, S. (2006). Prospects of traditional seed storage strategies against insect infestation adopted by two ethnic communities of Tamil Nadu, southern peninsular India. Bulletin of Insectology, 59, 129–134.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kotu, B. H., Abass, A. B., Hoeschle-Zeledon, I., Mbwambo, H., & Bekunda, M. (2019). Exploring the profitability of improved storage technologies and their potential impacts on food security and income of smallholder farm households in Tanzania. Journal of Stored Products Research, 82, 98–109. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jspr.2019.04.003

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kumar, S., & Singh, A. K. (2013). Traditional agricultural knowledge followed by tribal farmers of Uttar Pradesh, India. Search and Research, 4(3), 43–47.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kumar, A., Shukla, R., Singh, P., Singh, A. K., & Dubey, N. K. (2009). Use of essential oil from Mentha arvensis L. to control storage moulds and insects in stored chickpea. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, 89, 2643–2649.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kumari, N., Choudhary, S. S., Amrapali, S., Jha, B. K., Sharma, H. K., Kumar, C. B., Singh, O. N. (2023). Status, changing landscape and farmers’ criteria for the continuity of paddy (Oryza sativa) landraces in the upland ecosystem of Jharkhand, India: a conservation perspective. Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10722-023-01605-9

  • Kuniyal, C. P., & Negi, B. S. (2018). Cultivation of the Himalayan seasoning Allium in a remote village of Uttarakhand, India. Journal of Threatened Taxa, 10(11), 12614–12617.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kwasi Opoku, B., Samuel Kofi, T., Michael Akrofi, A. (2011). Production of natural insecticide from neem leaves (Azadirachta indica). Asian Journal of Plant Science and Research, 1(4), 33–38.

    Google Scholar 

  • Laghetti, G., Padulosi, S., Hammer, K., Cifarelli, S., & Perrino, P. (1990). Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) germplasm collection in southern Italy and preliminary evaluation. In N. Q. Ng & L. M. Monti (Eds.), Cowpea genetic resources. Ibadan, Nigeria: IITA.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lamichaney, A., Chettri, P. K., Mukherjee, A., Maity, A., & Kumari, S. (2019). Indigenous methods of grain storage followed by the Lepcha and Limbo tribes in the Himalayan tract of Sikkim. Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge, 18(4), 769–774.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lata, S., Yadav, A., Kumar, P., & Yadav, M. (2023). Biodiversity of underutilized fruits of the Himalayas. Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution, 70, 71–94. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10722-022-01476-6

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lustosa-Silva, J. D., Ferreira-Gomes, R. L., Martínez-Castillo, J., Carvalho, L. C. B., de Oliveira, L. F., Ortiz-García, M. M., Sosa-Sánchez, A. G., Silva, G. R., Costa, M. F., Silva, V. B., Lopes, A. C. A. (2022). Genetic diversity and erosion in lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.) in Northeast Brazil. Genetics Resources and Crop Evolution. 10. 1007/s10722-022-01402-w

    Google Scholar 

  • Mabhaudhi, T., Grace, V., Chimonyo, P., Hlahla, S., & Massawe, F. (2019). Prospects of orphan crops in climate change. Planta, 250, 695–708. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00425-019-03129-y

  • Madhumathy, A. P., Aivazi, A., Vijayan, V. A. (2007). Larvicidal efficacy of Capsicum annum against Anopheles stephensi and Culex quinquefasciatus. Journal of Vector Borne Diseases, 44, 223–226.

    Google Scholar 

  • Malik, S. S., Dikshit, N., Dash, A. B., Lodh, S. B. (1994). Studies on agromorphological and physicochemical characteristics of local scented rice varieties. Oryza, 31, 106–110.

    Google Scholar 

  • Maxted, N., Veteläinen, M., Negri, V. (2009). Landraces inventories: Needs and methodologies. In: M. Veteläinen, V. Negri, & N. Maxted (Eds.), European landraces on–farm conservation, management and use. Biodiversity Technical Bulletin No. 15. Rome, Italy: Biodiversity International.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mburu, S. W., Koskey, G., Kimiti, J. M., Ombori, O., Maingi, J. M., Njeru, E. M. (2016) Agrobiodiversity conservation enhances food security in subsistence-based farming systems of Eastern Kenya. Agriculture & Food Security, 5(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40066-016-0068-2

  • Mehta, P. S., Arya, M., Singh, R., Rawat, R., & Bisht, I. S. (2019). Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) landrace diversity in traditional production landscapes of Uttarakhand Himalaya in North-Western India. Indian Journal of Plant Genetic Resources, 32, 181–191. https://doi.org/10.5958/0976-1926.2019.00023.8

  • Mehta, P. S., Negi, K. S., & Ojha, S. N. (2010). Native plant genetic resources and traditional foods of Uttarakhand Himalaya for sustainable food security and livelihood. Indian Journal of Natural Products and Resources, 1, 89–96.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mishra, R. C., & Pandey, K. R. (2014). Comparative evaluation of different insecticides against damage caused by Sitophilus oryzae L. in stored wheat seed. International Journal of Bio-resource and Stress Management, 5(3), 404–408.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mishra, S., Maikhuri, R. K., Kala, C. P., Rao, K. S., & Saxena, K. G. (2008). Wild leafy vegetables: A study of their subsistence dietetic support to the inhabitants of Nanda Devi biosphere reserve, India. Journal Ethnobiology Ethnomedicine, 4, 15. https://doi.org/10.1186/1746-4269-4-15

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Moreno, L. L., Tuxill, J., Moo, E. Y., Reyes, L. A., Alejo, J. C., & Jarvis, D. I. (2006). Traditional maize storage methods of Mayan farmers in Yucatan, Mexico: Implications for seed selection and crop diversity. Biodiversity and Conservation, 15, 1771–1795.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mukerjee, P., Sogani, R., Gurung, N., Rastogi, A., & Swiderska, K. (2018). Smallholder farming systems in the Indian Himalayas: Key trends and innovations for resilience. In IIED Country Report (pp. 1–68) IIED. http://pubs.iied.org/17618IIED

  • Murdock, L., Shade, R. E., Kitch, L. W., Ntoukam, G., Lowenberg-DeBoer, J., et al.: (1997). Postharvest storage of cowpea in sub-Saharan Africa. In B. B. Singh (Ed.), Advances in cowpea research (pp. 302–312). International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA).

    Google Scholar 

  • Mustafa, M. A., Mayes, S., & Massawe, F. (2019). Crop diversification through a wider use of underutilised crops: a strategy to ensure food and nutrition security in the face of climate change. In A. Sarkar, S. Sensarma, & G. vanLoon (Eds.), Sustainable solutions for food security (pp. 125–149). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-77878-5_7

  • Nabuuma, D., Reimers, C., Hoang, K. T., Stomph, T. J., Swaans, K., & Raneri, J. E. (2022). Impact of seed system interventions on food and nutrition security in low and middle-income countries: A scoping review. Global Food Security, 33(100638), 1–12.

    Google Scholar 

  • Naveenaa, N. L., Subramanyab, S., Settyc, S., & Palanimuthub, V. (2017). Grain storage losses in the traditional tribal settlements of Biligirirangana Hills, Karnataka, India. Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology, 20, 678–685.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nazco, R., Villegas, D., Ammar, K., Pena, R. J., Moragues, M., & Royo, C. (2012). Can Mediterranean durum wheat landraces contribute to improved grain quality attributes in modern cultivars? Euphytica, 185(1), 1–7.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Newton, A., Aker, T., Baresel, J. P., & Bebeli, P. (2010). Cereal landraces for sustainable agriculture: A review. Agronomy for Sustainable Development, 30, 237–269.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Niekerk, J. V., & Wynberg, R. (2017). Traditional seed and exchange systems cement social relations and provide a safety net: A case study from Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa. Agroecology and Sustainable Food Systems, 41, 1099–1123.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nurgi, N., Tana, T., Dechassa, N., Alemayehu, Y., & Tesso, B. (2023). On‑farm diversity of faba bean (Vicia faba L.) farmers’ varieties in Eastern Hararghe Zone, Ethiopia. Genetics Resources and Crop Evolition, 70, 549–570 https://doi.org/10.1007/s10722-022-01446-y

  • Oguntade, T. O., & Adekunle, A. A. (2010). Preservation of seeds against fungi using wood-ash of some tropical forest trees in Nigeria. African Journal of Microbiology Research, 4, 279–288.

    Google Scholar 

  • Padulosi, S., Hodgkin, T., Williams, J. T, & Haq, N. (2002). Underutilized crops: trends, challenges and opportunities in 21st century. In J. M. M. (Eds.), Managing plant genetic diversity.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pandey, A., Bisht, I. S., Bhat, K. V., & Mehta, P. S. (2011). Role of informal seed system in promoting landrace diversity and their on-farm conservation: A case study of rice in Indian Himalaya. Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution, 58, 1213–1224.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pande, P. C., Awasthi, P., Bargali, K., & Bargali, S. S. (2016). Agro-Biodiversity of Kumaun Himalaya, India: A review. Current Agriculture Research Journal, 4, 16–34.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pandey, A., Malav, P. K., Rai, M. K., & Ahlawat, S. P. (2021). ‘Neodomesticates’ of the Himalayan allium spices (Allium species) in Uttarakhand, India and studies on eco-geography and morphology. Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution, 68, 2167–2179. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10722-021-01164-x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Phogat, B. S., Kumar, S., Kumari, J., Kumar, N., Pandey, A. C., Singh, T. P., Kumar, S., Tyagi, R. K., Jacob, S. R., Singh, A. K., Srinivasan, K., Jalli, R., Bisht, I. S., Archak, S., Karale, M., Sharma, P., Yadav, M., Mishra, P., Kumari, G., … Bansal, K. C. (2021). Characterization of wheat germplasm conserved in the Indian National Genebank and establishment of a composite core collection. Crop Science, 61, 604–620.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pieroni, A., & Soukand, R. (2018). Forest as stronghold of local ecological practice: currently used wild food plants in Polesia, Northern Ukraine. Economic Botany, 72, 311–331. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12231-018-9425-3

  • Pilling, D., Bélanger, J., & Hoffmann, I. (2020). Declining biodiversity for food and agriculture needs urgent global action. Natural Food, 1(3), 144–147. https://doi.org/10.1038/s43016-020-0040-y

  • Poudel, D., Sthapit, B., & Shrestha, P. (2015). An analysis of social seed network and its contribution to on-farm conservation of crop genetic diversity in Nepal. International Journal of Biodiversity, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/312621

  • Prakash, B. G., Raghavendra, K. V., & Gowthami, R. (2016). Indigenous practices for eco-friendly storage of food grains and seeds. Advances in Plants & Agriculture Research, 3(4), 101–107.

    Google Scholar 

  • Prasanna, B. M. (2012). Diversity in global maize germplasm: Characterization and utilization. Journal of Biosciences, 37(5), 843–855.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Prowse, G. M., Galloway, T. S., & Foggo, A. (2006). Insecticidal activity of garlic juice in two dipteran pests. Agricultural and Forest Entomology, 8(1), 1–6.

    Google Scholar 

  • Quave, C.L., & Pieroni, A.: (2015). A reservoir of ethnobotanical knowledge informs resilient food security and health strategies in the Balkans. Nature Plants, 1, 14021. https://doi.org/10.1038/nplants.2014.21

  • Radhika, A. M., Thomas, K. J., Kuruvila, A., & Raju, R. K. (2018). Assessing the impact of geographical indications on the well-being of Rice farmers in Kerala. International Journal of Intellectual Property Rights, 9(2), 1–11.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rahim, M. (1998). Biological activity of Azadirachtin-enriched neem kernel extracts against Rhyzopertha dominica (F.) (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) in stored wheat. The Journal of Stored Products Research, 34(2–3), 123–128.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ramirez-Villegas, J., Khoury, C. K., Achicanoy, H. A. et al. (2022). State of ex situ conservation of landrace groups of 25 major crops. Nature Plants, 8, 491–499. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41477-022-01144-8

  • Rana, J. C., Negi, K. S., Wani, S. A., Saxena, S., Pradheep, K., Kak, A., & Pareek, S. K. (2008). Genetic resources of rice in the western Himalayan region of India—Current status. Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution, 65, 963–973.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rana, J. C., Dutta, M., & Rathi, R. S. (2012a). Plant genetic resources of the Indian Himalayan region—An overview. Indian Journal of Genetics, 72, 115–129.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rana, J. C., Negi, K. S., Wani, S. A., Saxena, S., Pradheep, K., Kak, A., Pareek, S. K., & Sofi, P. A. (2009). Genetic resources of rice in the Western Himalayan region of India: Current status. Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution, 56(7), 963–973.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rana, J. C., Pradheep, K., Chaurasia, O. P., Sood, S., Sharma, R. M., Singh, A., & Negi, R. (2012b). Genetic resources of wild edible plants and their uses among tribal communities of cold arid region of India. Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution, 59, 135–149. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10722-011-9765-7

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rana, V. S., Sharma, S., Rana, N., Kumar, V., Sharma, U., Modgill, V., & Prasad, H. (2023). Underutilized fruit crops in North-Western Himalayan region under changing climatic scenario. Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution, 70, 37–69. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10722-022-01470-y

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rao, K. S., & Pant, R. (2001). Land use dynamics and landscape change pattern in a typical micro watershed in the mid elevation zone of central Himalaya, India. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, 86, 113–123.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rekha, B. K., & Padmakar, C. K. (2014). Indigenous food grain storage practices followed by tribal farmers of nandurbar district. Golden Research Thoughts, 4(4), 2–4.

    Google Scholar 

  • Roy, S., Banerjee, A., Mawkhlieng, B., Misra, A. K., Pattanayak, A., & Harish, G. D. et al. (2015). Genetic diversity and population structure in aromatic and quality rice (Oryza sativa L.) landraces from North-Eastern India. PLoS ONE, 10, e0141405. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0129607

  • Samberg, H. L., Shennan, C., & Zavaleta, E. (2013). Farmer seed exchange and crop diversity in a changing agricultural landscape in the southern highlands of Ethiopia. Human Ecology, 41(3), 477–485.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sannegowda, U. B. M., & Garkoti, S. C. (2022). Traditional community‑led seed system for maintaining crop vigour, diversity and socio‑cultural network in view of the changing climate: a case study from western Himalaya, India. Climate Action. 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44168-022-00020-7

  • Sharma, B. C., Slathia, P. S., Kumar, R., & Paul, N. (2022). Indigenous storage of foodgrains and seeds in mid-hills of Jammu division, Jammu & Kashmir. Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge, 22, 890–894. https://doi.org/10.56042/ijtk.v21i4.37678

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sharma, S., Upadhyaya, H. D., Varshney, R. K., & Gowda, C. L. (2013). Pre-breeding for diversification of primary gene pool and genetic enhancement of grain legumes. Frontiers in Plant Science, 4, 309.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shrestha, P., Subedi, A., Rijal, D., Singh, D., Sthapit, B., & Upadhyay, M. (2004). Enhancing local seed security and on farm conservation through Community Seed Bank in Bara District of Nepal.

    Google Scholar 

  • Siddiq, E. A. (1992). Rice in India––potential areas for research and development. Oryza, 29, 1–6.

    Google Scholar 

  • Singh, AR., Singh, S.B., Dutta, S.K., Boopathi, T., Lungmuana, et al. (2016). Multi cob-bearing popcorn (Puakzo) maize: a unique landrace of Mizoram, North East, India, Current Science, 110(8), 1392–1393.

    Google Scholar 

  • Singh, R. K., & Singh, U. S. (2003). A treatise on the scented rices of India. Kalyani Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Singh, R. K., Sreenivasulu, N., & Prasad, M. (2022). Potential of underutilized crops to introduce the nutritional diversity and achieve zero hunger. Functional & Integrative Genomics, 22, 1459–1465. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10142-022-00898-w

  • Singh, R. K. P., & Satapathy, K. K. (2003). Zero Energy Cool Chamber: A low cost storage structure. Journal of the North Eastern Council, 23, 27–30.

    Google Scholar 

  • Singode, A., & Prasanna, B. M. (2010). Analysis of genetic diversity in the North Eastern Himalayan (NEH) maize landraces of India using microsatellite markers. Journal of Plant Biochemistry and Biotechnology, 19, 33–41.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Smale, M. (2006). Valuing crop biodiversity: On-farm genetic resources and economic change. CABI Publishing.

    Google Scholar 

  • Snowden, A. L. (2010). Post-harvest diseases and disorders of fruits and vegetables (Vol. 2: Vegetables, pp. 416). CRC Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Soni, J. K., Kumar, L. A., Navik, O., Sailo, L. L., & Doley, S. (2023). Coix: An underutilized functional food crop of Mizoram. Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10722-023-01587-8

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sulaiman. N., Pieroni, A., Soukand, R., Polesny, Z. (2022). Food behavior in emergency time: Wild plant use for human nutrition during the conflict in Syria. Foods, 11, 177. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11020177

  • Sundriyal, M., & Sharma, B. (2016). Status of biodiversity in Central Himalaya. Applied Ecology and Environmental Sciences, 4(2), 37–43.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sundriyal, M., & Sundriyal, R. C. (2003). Under-utilized edible plants of the Sikkim Himalaya: Need for domestication. Current Science, 85, 731–736.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tesfaye, W., & Tirivayi, N. (2018). The impacts of postharvest storage innovations on food security and welfare in Ethiopia. Food Policy, 75, 52–67.

    Google Scholar 

  • Thomas, M., Dawson, J. C., Goldringer, I., & Bonneuil, C. (2011). Seed exchanges, a key to analyze crop diversity dynamics in farmer-led on-farm conservation. Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution, 58, 321–338. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10722-011-9662-0

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Turner, N.J., Łuczaj, Ł. J., Migliorini, P., Pieroni, A., Dreon, A. L., Sacchetti, L. E., Paoletti, M. G. (2011). Edible and tended wild plants, traditional ecological knowledge and agroecology. Critical Reviews in Plant Sciences, 30, 198–225. https://doi.org/10.1080/07352689.22011.55449

  • Uguru, M. I. (1998). Traditional conservation of vegetable cowpea in Nigeria. Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution, 45, 135–138.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vernooy, R., Sthapit, B., Galluzzi, G., Shrestha, P. (2014). The multiple functions and services of community seedbanks. Resources, 3, 636–656. https://doi.org/10.3390/resources3040636.

  • Vernooy, R., Sthapit, B., Otieno, G., Shrestha, P., & Gupta, A. (2017). The roles of community seed banks in climate change adaption. Development in Practice, 27, 316–327.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wambugu, P. W., Mathenge, P. W., Auma, E. O., & van Rheenen, H. A. (2009). Efficacy of traditional maize (Zea mays L.) seed storage methods in western Kenya. African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, 9, 1110–1128.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang, S. (2020). Agrobiodiversity and agroecosystem stability. In Introduction to agroecology. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-15-8836-5_10

  • Williams, J. T., & Haq, N. (2002). Global research on underutilized crops. An assessment of current activities and proposals for enhanced cooperation (469 p). ICUC.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wolfson, J. L., Shade, R. E., Mentzer, P. E., & Murdock, L. L. (1991). Efficacy of ash for controlling infestations of Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) in stored cowpeas. Journal of Stored Products Research, 27, 239–243.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zimmerer, K. S., Haan, S. (Eds.). (2019). Agrobiodiversity: Integrating knowledge for a sustainable future. Cambridge: The Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. ICAR—Indian Institute of Oil Palm Research, Pedavegi, Andhra Pradesh, India

    P. Kiran Babu

  2. ICAR—National Research Centre for Orchids, Pakyong, Sikkim, India

    Rampal

Authors
  1. P. Kiran Babu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Rampal
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to P. Kiran Babu .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium

    Anwesha Borthakur

  2. Department of Environmental Studies, PGDAV College of Delhi, New Delhi, India

    Pardeep Singh

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2024 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Kiran Babu, P., Rampal (2024). Traditional Ecological Knowledge in Sustainable Conservation of Seeds and Food Grains in the Himalayas. In: Borthakur, A., Singh, P. (eds) Addressing the Climate Crisis in the Indian Himalayas. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-50097-8_3

Download citation

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation