A Review of wild edible plants in Manipur: Enhancing sustainable livelihoods and economic development in the Indo-Myanmar Hotspot Region

Authors

  • Maisnam Milochka Leisembi Laboratory for Ethnoforestry and Tree Systematics, Department of Forestry and Environmental Science, Manipur University, Indo-Myanmar road, 795003
  • Robert Panmei Forest Systematic & Ethnobiology Laboratory, Department of Forestry, North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology, Nirjuli 791109, Arunachal Pradesh, India
  • Pinaki Adhikary Forest Systematic & Ethnobiology Laboratory, Department of Forestry, North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology, Nirjuli 791109, Arunachal Pradesh, India
  • Dilip Salam Laboratory for Ethnoforestry and Tree Systematics, Department of Forestry and Environmental Science, Manipur University, Indo-Myanmar road, 795003
  • RS Loushambam Laboratory for Ethnoforestry and Tree Systematics, Department of Forestry and Environmental Science, Manipur University, Indo-Myanmar road, 795003

Abstract

Background: Wild edible plants immensely benefit the livelihood, culture, and the economy of people mostly residing near forests and remote areas. The study aims to present taxonomic diversity and utilization patterns of the WEPs in Manipur state as well as to identify the commonly used WEPs among different ethnic groups, that could be prioritized for enhancing economic and livelihoods.

Methods: A total of 44 research articles of primary field studies emphasizing on wild edible plants are scrutinized. Market surveys are conducted to gain insight into the market values of the WEPs. Relative Frequency of Citation and market value are determined to identify potential species for economic and sustainable livelihood ventures.

Results: The study identified 408 WEPs distributed across 93 families and 248 genera.  Among the various edible categories, the use of leaves in cooked vegetable form is the most prevalent. The inflorescence of Wendlandia glabrata (120-150 INR/kg), dried fruits of Rhus chinensis (100-150 INR/kg), fruits of Litsea cubeba (100-120 INR/kg), shoot of Cycas pectinata (80-100 INR/kg), and leaves of Zanthoxylum acanthopodium (40-50 INR/kg) shows higher RFCs and market value, indicating higher market potential that could significantly improve the livelihood of local communities.

Conclusion: The study present opportunities for future bioprospecting and domestication of these promising species for livelihood and economic enhancement. By promoting and valuing WEPs, we can diversify our food sources, alleviate pressure on agriculture, improve socio-economic conditions, understand local ecosystems, and preserve cultural heritage.

Keywords: Wild edibles, economic plants, livelihood, Ethnobotany, Indo-Myanmar biodiversity hotspot

Author Biographies

Maisnam Milochka Leisembi, Laboratory for Ethnoforestry and Tree Systematics, Department of Forestry and Environmental Science, Manipur University, Indo-Myanmar road, 795003

Research scholar in department of forestry, Manipur University. she help in drafting the manuscript and collaborated to compile and analyze the data

Robert Panmei, Forest Systematic & Ethnobiology Laboratory, Department of Forestry, North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology, Nirjuli 791109, Arunachal Pradesh, India

I'm working as a guest faculty in department of forestry, Manipur University India.I'm skilled in collection, identification, taxonomic enumeration and nomenclatural verifications of plants and forest resources; collection and maintenance of germplasm; documentation of ethnobiological and TKS north east India. My area of research interest are Forest products utilization & management, Angiospermic Taxonomy, Biodiversity conservation, Ethnobotany and Forest Legislation

Pinaki Adhikary, Forest Systematic & Ethnobiology Laboratory, Department of Forestry, North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology, Nirjuli 791109, Arunachal Pradesh, India

He is a Ph.D. scholar in department of forestry, NERIST, Arunachal Pradesh. In the present work, he verified the taxonomic identity and nomenclature of the species. also contributed in correcting in MS

Dilip Salam, Laboratory for Ethnoforestry and Tree Systematics, Department of Forestry and Environmental Science, Manipur University, Indo-Myanmar road, 795003

working as guest faculty department of forestry, Manipur University

RS Loushambam, Laboratory for Ethnoforestry and Tree Systematics, Department of Forestry and Environmental Science, Manipur University, Indo-Myanmar road, 795003

working as a guest faculty in department of forestry, Manipur University

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Published

2024-11-12

How to Cite

Leisembi, M. M., Panmei, R., Adhikary, P., Salam, D., & Loushambam, R. (2024). A Review of wild edible plants in Manipur: Enhancing sustainable livelihoods and economic development in the Indo-Myanmar Hotspot Region. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 29, 1–50. Retrieved from https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/6409

Issue

Vol. 29 (2024)

Section

Reviews

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