Wild edible plants for sustainable livelihood and eco development in Manipur

Lanrilu Dangmei / Dr Robert Panmei *

Lamlong Keithel as seen on September 11 2016 :: Pix - Shankar Khangembam

Wild edible plants (WEPs) are native or naturalized non-domesticated plants that grow in their natural habitats like forests, wetlands, and other non-agricultural areas without the intervention of humans.

WEPs offer us a connection to the land, a taste of the wild, and a sustainable source of nourishment and livelihood. For centuries, indigenous communities worldwide have embraced wild edible plants as an integral part of their diet.

Globally, only nearly thirty domesticated plant species contribute significantly to the diets of humans, while only three principal cereal grains -rice, wheat, and maize - account for over half of the world’s calorie intake (FAO 2010). This highlights the importance of exploring and utilizing the vast array of WEPs available to us for a more diverse and sustainable food system.

Cultural and nutraceutical importance of WEPs

The culture of consumption of wild edible plants as food and medicine has been widely exercised by the tribal and non-tribal communities living in rural and semi-urban areas world-wide.

For instance, consumption of inflorescence and peduncles inside pseudostem of Musa spp. (Laphu tharo) to improve overall health conditions has been also a year-long traditional practice among the various communities of Manipur.

In another instance, fruits of certain species like Aegle marmelos (Heiri-khagok), Baccaurea ramiflora (Motok Hei), Docynia indica (Heitup), Phyllanthus emblica (Heikru), Spondias pinnata (Heining), Terminalia chebula (Manahei), Zizi-phus mauritiana (Boroi) use in preparation of ‘Heiramtaret’.

‘Heiram’ meaning different types of fruits and taret means seven in the Meitei dialect in short, a combination of seven types of fruits, hold significant importance in various ritual ceremonies of the Meitei community. These examples highlight the rich traditional knowledge and relationship of the communities with natural resources.

In Manipur, the livelihoods of the residents in the hill districts heavily rely on wild plants and shifting cultivation (Jhum). These WEPs are crucial for meet-ing nutritional needs and generating income for those living near forests and remote areas.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, when conventional agricultural food supplies are scarce, people living near the forest depend mostly on wild food, highlighting the importance of WEPs in food security and as nutraceutical. Some studies further highlight the nutritional benefits of WEPs, showcasing their richness in minerals, vitamins, carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and fiber.

Studies proved that the nutritional value of some wild edible plants surpasses that of domesticated varieties, emphasizing their potential contribution to combating malnutrition and related health issues. Quantifying WEPs in Manipur

Recent studies by Leishembi et al (2024), identified 408 WEPs which are regularly collected from the natural habitats like forests, trees outside the forests and wetlands. It is worth noting that out of the total 22214 angiosperm species recorded from India, the WEPs from the Manipur State contributed about 1.83 % o$ the country’s angiosperm floras.

And from the approximately 2500 flowering plants found in Manipur State, the WEPs makes up about 16.32 % of the state’s flora, making it a noteworthy record due to the significant contribution made solely by wild edibles. The richness in WEPs flora in Manipur can be attributed to the abundance of wetland ecosystems, including the famous Loktak Lake (a Ramsar site), and 15 other wetlands in valley districts.

These ecosystems provide a thriving habitat for a diverse array of wild aquatic herbs like Euryale ferox (Thangjing), Ipomoea aquatica (Kollamni), Nelumbo nuci-fera (Thambal), Neptunia oleracea (Eshing- Ikaithabi), Sagittaria sagittifolia (Koukha), Trapa natans (Heikak), etc. that are utilized in various culinary, either cooked or consumed raw.

Moreover, a significant portion of Manipur’s forests (around 75%) are categorized as Unclassed Forest types, i.e. neither Reserved nor Protected (FSI 2021), thereby enabling locals to harvest WEPs for their sustenance and income generation.

Threat to the WEPs population in Manipur

The rapid depletion of forests and forest resources due to road expansions, developmental projects, railways, wetland contamination, etc. poses a significant threat to the survival of WEPs in the State.

Distributional study and reassessment of these species can also facilitate mass propagation in suitable habitats, promoting sustainable harvesting and trade of wild edible species. Public awareness about wild edibles must be raised, and conservation efforts should be prioritized to ensure their sustainable utilization.

Potential WEPs for sustainable livelihood and economic development

Among the various WEPs found in the State, Wendlandia glabrata (Pheija), Rhus chinensis (Hei-mang), Zanthoxylum acanthopodium (Mukthru bi), Litsea cubeba (Ngai-rong), and Cycas pectinata (Yendang) are some paradigm species which are commonly utilized among various communities and possess higher market value in the State.

These species may be considered as the highly potential and profitable WEPs that can improve the livelihood and economy of locals engaged in their collection and sale.

Additionally, Trevesia palmata (Laang) inflorescences (500 INR/kg), Antidesma acidurn (Ching yensil) leaves (400-500 INR/kg), Garcinia pedunculata (Heibung) fruits (500 INR/kg), Oroxylum indicum (Shaamba) tender pods (250-350 INR/kg) are some of the high priced WEPs though they are not commonly consumed among various communities.

By domesticating, mass propagation and introduction in suitable agroforestry system will promote sustainable harvesting and trade practices of the potential WEPs. Additionally, properly processing these products with value-added aspects, will improve the livelihood of locals, skill development, women empowerment, and the overall economic status of the society.

By promoting and valuing wild edibles, we can diversify our food sources, alleviate pressure on agriculture, improve socioeconomic conditions, understand local ecosystems, and preserve cultural heritage.