Traditional knowledge of phoomdi - A neglected aspect

Maibam Dhanaraj Meitei *

Phumdi at Loktak :: Pix by Sushil Khomdram

Wetlands are among the most important ecosystems on earth. They act as receptors of waste from natural and human sources, cleanse polluted water, recharge groundwater aquifers, and support rich diversity of flora and fauna. North-East India, a biodiversity hotspot in the Indo-Burma region harbors unique wetlands. Manipur river basin is blessed with enormously rich and diverse heritage of wetlands, locally known as pats. There are more than 155 pats in Manipur, with an area of 47,020 ha, representing 2.1% of the total geographical area of the state. Loktak lake (93°46'-93°55' E, 24°22'-24°42' N), a Ramsar site, is the largest freshwater lake in Manipur state and the region. It is a floodplain wetland of Manipur river.

Presence of floating vegetation known as phoomdi is a unique feature of the lake. Phoomdi is a huge heterogenous mass of soil, vegetation and organic matter in different stages of decay, floating in the lake. They occur in various sizes and thicknesses, occupying almost half of the lake surface.

At present, phoomdi is considered as a nuisance to the lake due to its uncontrolled proliferation. Construction of Ithai barrage on Manipur river for power generation (Loktak Multipurpose Project - 1983), pollution and degradation of catchment areas has threatened the fragile freshwater ecosystem of the lake, resulting into its inclusion in Montreux records (1993) by the Ramsar Convention. In order to control and manage the proliferating phoomdi manually, dredgers are used by governing body (Loktak Development Authority) to pull out the biomass from the lake and its disposal without addressing its applicability. It has destroyed the habitat of many plant species which are edible, medicinal, used as fodder or fuel and has cultural significances. In addition, it has threatened the sustenance of the communities dependent on collection of wild edibles for trade as their means of livelihood.

Phoomdi supplies a wide variety of bioresources, viz. wild edible, medicine, fodder, fuel and handicrafts. Communities depend on phoomdi for socio-economic purposes for generations. Common staple diet of the local people is rice. Locals normally have their meal with a vegetable prepared from phoomdi edibles. Local dishes, viz. iromba, kangsoi, kangsu, shak, singju and utti, thus form an important part of the traditional meal. Collection of the wild edibles from phoomdi is mainly done by womenfolk of the local communities. Alocasia cucullata, Centella asiatica, Hedychium coronarium, Neptunia oleracea, Oenanthe javanica, and Polygonum barbatum are commonly consumed.

Many of phoomdi species have multiple usage, viz. wild edibles used in medicinal purpose. The phenomenon can be interpretated as an optimization of natural resources due to a tight connection of the people with the local environment. Local maiba have treated, cured and saved lives of many people using the wetland plants. Common practices for the use of these species were in the form of paste, extracts, powder or to eat raw. The ways of preparation and applications for a phoomdi species differ from the other: Argyreia nervosa root extract is used in treating rheumatism and nervous disorders; Cynodon dactylon shoot paste is applied on cut, wounds and treating dropsy and epilepsy; and Zizania latifolia inflorescence extract is used in treating indigestion.

But, phoomdi medicinal plants are not commercially exploited and traded in the local bazaars. However, they served as the most effective means of curing various diseases by the communities for generations.

Phoomdi species are closely related to the custom and tradition of Manipur society. Echinochloa stagnina shoots are used during Govardhan puja, a Hindu festival. During the ritual, shoots are collected and fed to the cows, a Holy animal for the Hindus. Tender shoots of Oenanthe javanica are offered to deities during Cheirauba or Imoinu puja, Manipuri festivals.

Phoomdi of Loktak lake provides luxuriant fodder for domestic animals. As a common practice, animals, viz. cows, buffaloes and goats are let free to graze in the phoomdi. Preferred fodders for the animals include Echinochloa stagnina, Enhydra fluctuans, Imperata cylindrica, Oenanthe javanica, and Zizania latifolia. Pigs are fed with cooked rice or fresh vegetables, viz. Alocasia cucullata or Alternanthera philoxeroides. Culms of Arundo donax, Narenga porphyrocoma and Phragmites karka, and shoots of Scirpus lacustris are commonly used as fuel in local households.

As a commercial item, handicrafts made from Scirpus lacustris are in great demand. Handicrafts made from kouna helps in shaping the economy of many households devoted to the industry. The plant material is used to make cushions, pillows and floor mats. It is used to make baskets of various sizes and shapes, different carrying capacities, depending on the applications. People normally use baskets every day, either for gathering wild edibles, fish, ornamentals, fodders, and fruits. In addition, kouna is used to make decorative items such as flower pots, hanging mats for walls, and bags of various shapes and sizes.

Dependency of the communities on the phoomdi species suggests the need for conservation measures. Conservation measures such as cultivation of the important traded species and their harvest from phoomdi keeping in mind their regeneration capacity in nature should be taken up. Sustainable management practices such as, providing education to local communities and proposing income generation options for the locals need to be investigated in detailed.

At the same time, measures are needed to control and manage the proliferating phoomdi by physical methods to a level where the lake can sustain its presence without degrading the ecosystem. However, total removal of phoomdi from the lake, neglecting the role it plays in the socio-economy and traditional life of the local people will be an unwise decision of the governing bodies.