Journal ID : AMA-17-06-2025-13570
[This article belongs to Volume - 56, Issue - 06]
Total View : 391

Title : Consumption of Wild Edible Fruits and Vegetables: A Case Study of Khirsu Block of Pauri Garhwal District, Uttarakhand

Abstract :

Wild edible plants (WEPs) refer to non-domesticated species that grow naturally without human cultivation. It plays a crucial role in enhancing nutrition, poverty eradication and ensuring food security, particularly in rural regions, yet they remain largely underutilized and understudied. The present study explores the diversity and consumption of wild edible fruits and vegetables among the local community of Khirsu Block in Pauri Garhwal District, Uttarakhand, India. Ethnobotanical data were collected through structured interviews with local inhabitants across different age groups, and plant specimens were identified using regional floras and standard monographs. A total of 46 wild plant species representing 26 botanical families were recorded as edible and phytofoods in the current study. Species diversity of wild edible species was highest for fruits (32 species) followed by vegetables (14 species). These 32 edible fruit species belong to 16 families and 14 edible vegetable species from 10 families. Among fruits, Rosaceae was the most prominent family, while Polygonaceae dominated among vegetables. Leaves were identified as the most commonly consumed plant part in wild edible vegetables. The research highlights the significance of WEPs in sustaining local diets and emphasizes the urgent need for conservation strategies and awareness programs to safeguard traditional knowledge and promote the sustainable use of these valuable resources.

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