Wild edible plants of the Sikkim Himalaya: Marketing, value addition and implications for management |
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Authors: | Manju Sundriyal R C Sundriyal |
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Institution: | 1. G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment & Development North East Unit, Vivek Vihar, Itanagar-791 113, Arunachal Pradesh, India
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Abstract: | This paper presents data on marketing, value addition and management concerns of the wild edible plants of the Sikkim Himalaya.
At least 23 weekly markets, locally called ‘ Hats ’, have been identified in the state, and three markets, viz. Gangtok, Namchi
and Singtam, were studied in detail, for one year, with reference to the availability, quantity sold and retailers involved
with the marketing of wild edible species. A total of 44 wild edible species have been recorded to be sold annually in the
three markets. Among all the species,Spondias axillaris was sold in highest quantity and more retailers were involved in its business than for any other wild edible plant. Other
important species wereMachilus edulis, Diplazium esculentum, Eleagnus latifolia,Dendrocalamus hamiltonii, Agaricus and Baccaurea sapida. The rural economics of wild edible plants is estimated to be some 140 tons per annum, and the prices for various species
have increased over the years. At Gangtok, prices increased 3 to 6 times from 1981 to 1996–1997. Analysis of the field data
showed that the wild edible plants were an important source of income to the plant dwellers and subsistence for farm families.
Value addition was done to a few wild edible species, and cost-benefit analysis showed that the income from the fruits could
be increased by at least 3–5 times after making pickles, squash and jam. It was recorded that plant dwellers have open access
for the collection of these plant resources, which often leads to their over exploitation, and the local state government
at present lacks policies and strategies for protecting and promoting wild edible plants in any of its programs. It is suggested
that suitable conservation practices and policies need to be formulated to conserve these plants in the wild habitats within
the state. |
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