Exploring Wild Edibles of Male Mahadeshwara Betta (MM Hills) and their potential for socio economic development of local people: A scientific and technological interventions approach

Abstract

Wild edibles refer to non-cultivated edible plants found in the natural forests, fallow lands, agricultural lands etc. A variety of wild edible plants used by indigenous and tribal communities contributes significantly towards the livelihoods and socio-ecology of a landscape. Our paper examines the wild edible plants available in Male Mahadeshwara (MM Hills) Chamrajnagra, Karnataka, their uses, and scope of value addition to increase economic benefit and ensure sustainable forest management. The Majority of the tribal people in the area, is dependent on collection of forest products followed by agriculture and allied activities in and around the Sanctuary. Detailed documentation has been carried out for wild edibles on their uses, price, availability, seasonality, quantities sold and communities involved in marketing them. A total of 80 wild edible plant species were documented from the study area on parameters like taxonomic family, local name, habit, feasibility and scale of use by the tribal communities. The main tribal people here are Soligas who have inhabited these areas for generations and have traditional hereditary knowledge of use of wild plants and their parts viz., shoots, leaves, rhizomes, bark, etc. as a source of food and medicine. Analysis of the field data has shown that the wild edible plants are an essential source of income as a subsidiary livelihood option for local farm families. It is suggested that value addition to these plants is not only a better livelihood option but can also be used as a tool to reduce overexploitation of other forest resources leading to sustainable use. It is suggested that policies need to  be formulated to conserve these plants in the wild habitats within the study area.