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Life Sciences Leaflets ISSN 2277-4297(Print) FREE DOWNLOAD 0976–1098(Online) NON TIMBER FOREST PRODUCTS UTILIZATION DURING ADVERSE CLIMATIC CONDITIONS : A CASE OF SAORA TRIBES OF GANJAM DISTRICT, ODISHA MANISH MISHRA, P A JADHAV1 AND MUKTA SHRIVASTAVA2 RESEARCH ASSOCIATE, SENIOR GRADE, 1PROFESSOR, FACULTY AREA OF FORESTRY, INDIAN INSTITUTE OF FOREST MANAGEMENT, BHOPAL (MP), 3 ASSOCIATE PROF. MLB COLLEGE, BHOPAL - 462 003 (MP), INDIA. Corresponding author’s e-mail: [email protected] Received on: 2nd May 2014 ABSTRACT: Revised on: 20th May 2014 and classics are also expert climbers and hunters. Saoras of Ganjam district Saoras are one of the most ancient tribes in Odisha mentioned in Hindu myths mostly depend on forest for their livelihood and the area is rich in biodiversity and also have rare medicinal flora. They eat several NTFPs, wild roots, Accepted on: 10th June 2014 rhizome, seeds, fruits and mushrooms during harsh climatic conditions like Published on: 1st August 2014 (Dioscorea bulbifera L.), Bonda, Chun aru (D. daemona Roxb.), Karondi aru Volume No. Online & Print 54 (2014) severe drought. They use stored wild tubers mostly Dioscoreas like Bowla (D.bellophylla L.), Pani aru (D. oppositifolia L.) and Arguna (Cycas spp.) to fulfill their food, medicinal and nutritional requirements particularly in harsh climatic conditions. They eat various wild leafy vegetables like Kolod (Lathyrus Page No. 68 to 77 sativa L.),Bilo (Pisum sativum L.), Kulthi (Microtylum uniflorumLam.), Banana stem (Musa superba L.) Ban poi (Basella alba L.). They also utilize NTFPs like Bamboo karda (Bambusa vulgaris Schrad exJC Life Sciences Leaflets is an international open access print & e journal, peer reviewed, worldwide abstract listed, published every month with ISSN, RNI Freemembership, downloads and access. Wendl.), Moha (Madhuca indica J.F Gmel.), Amla (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.), fruits. Some wild mushrooms like Banschattu, Ambachattu (Agaricus spp.) after drying and crushing were eaten by them. Indigenous practices of Saora tribes to cope up extreme environmental conditions and utilization of forest products during drought were discussed in the paper. KEY WORDS: Indigenous, Tribal, Vegetables, Tubers, Drought, Environment. http://lifesciencesleaflets.ning.com/ PEER-REVIEWED Page | 68 Life Sciences Leaflets FREE DOWNLOAD ISSN 2277-4297(Print) 0976–1098(Online) INTRODUCTION: Saoras,Sura,Sauras tribes are called by various names in the region and men are marathon walkers with a habit of carrying axe on one shoulder. The Saora are one of the oldest and most numerous of the 62 scheduled tribes of Orissa in southeastern India. The so-called Hill Saoras reside mainly in the remote district of Ganjam and Koraput in the hilly region of the Eastern Ghats, near the border with Andhra Pradesh. The Saoras maintain permanent settlements in pastoral villages surrounded by steep hills which are terraced for paddy and vegetable cultivation. They supplement their food supply with forest-produce gathering. They mostly use cereals of different types in their food. Their main occupation is agriculture as well as forest based livelihood. They use traditional methods and seeds for crop cultivation.s. Indigenous people in the world have used various strategies to respond and adapt to environmental change. Change in crop varieties and species and change in the timing of activities like crop harvests, wild plant gathering, fishing, changes in resources resorting to wild foods in the case of emergency situations such as droughts and floods are their coping strategies to combat adverse climatic condition (Salick and Byg 2007). Plants are used as emergency food by the tribal’s of Rajasthan desert during periods of famine (Bhandari 1974; Singhi and Joshi,2010). The utilization of little known foods in times of acute crises is recognized as a form of resilience (Pareek and Trivedi 2011). Kulkarni and Kumbhojkar (2000) while working in western Maharashtra reported 25 wild edibles used by Mahadeo koli tribes. Later in 2003, they reported 86 wild edibles, out of which19 are leafy vegetables,13 tuberous plants and 45 fruits utilized by the tribes. Similarly Palekar (2004) while working in Raigad, Maharashtra also reported 80 wild NTFPs out of which 10 are tuber plants, 22 are fruits, 22 are leafy vegetables and mushrooms. Local communities have always aimed to adopt variations in their climate. They posses’ enough knowledge about wild varieties of Agricultural crops, edible food, tubers, rhizomes, vegetable etc. Traditionally they are storing and utilizing wild tubers, yams, medicinal plants etc. efficiently during the harsh climatic conditions (Mishra, 2010; Mishra et al., 2011). Similarly Mishra et al., (2012a) and Mishra et al., (2012b) documented traditional knowledge of Baiga and Gond tribes of Central India and reported their coping strategies to fight adverse environmental conditions such as drought, famine and floods. They also reported few wild tubers, NTFPs, Agri. Crops utilized during drought and famine conditions. They concluded that the selected tribes have their own strategy to cope up natural calamities by utilizing NTFPs, yams, fruits etc. g in drought situations. Recently, Mishra (2013) and Mishra et al., (2013) also documented traditional knowledge of Baiga of Madhya Pradesh and Mahadeo koli tribes of Maharashtra and their indigenous practices to combat adverse climatic conditions while using stored wild leafy vegetables and forest products. They reported 07 traditional wild Agriculture crop seeds, 12 yams species and 08 forest plants utilized as staple food by the tribes, to cope up extreme environmental conditions. http://lifesciencesleaflets.ning.com/ PEER-REVIEWED Page | 69 Life Sciences Leaflets FREE DOWNLOAD ISSN 2277-4297(Print) 0976–1098(Online) METHOD: Saora tribes of the District Ganjam were surveyed thoroughly along with forest officials. Ganjam district lies between latitude and longitude 19° 22'' North, 85° 06'' East. Five forest ranges were selected for the field survey, conducted in the year 2013 in all the three seasons. This period of study has helped the team to record the indigenous knowledge of the Saora tribe from a variety of contexts, such as community food gathering activities, community farming activities etc. Each range was visited 2-3 times, and old aged persons were interviewed for collecting information. Four villages in each range were in the Ganjam district having dense population of selected tribe. Random questionnaire based survey of 15% households was done on selected forest ranges of Ganjam. Information’s on wild plant parts (tubers, seeds, leaves, fruits etc) used to fight human ailments and their curing methods were also collected. Focus group discussions along with forest department officials, villagers, Vaidyas were organized at field level to confirm various indigenous practices adopted by the tribes. Old aged persons (Gunias) of above fifty years of age in each village were interviewed separately to get idea about traditional climate change coping strategies during harsh conditions utilizing wild products and their mode of applications. Social practices of using local plants as the famine foods have been observed as a regular practice. Different herbs, shrubs and trees are being consumed in their different preparations and incorporated in their diet during famine and drought conditions. Some of the traditional methods were described. RESULTS: Wild yams, tubers used as food supplement in famine and drought conditions by the Saora tribes of Ganjam district is listed in the Table.1. During the crucial months, the tribals collect tubers to supplement their meager food available at home. Tubers of certain species are eaten as curries. Some tubers are boiled and eaten, while some are cut, dried and made into flour and cooked. Tubers like Bonda (Dioscorea spp.) flowers used as vegetables at the time of food shortage, crop failure and consecutive droughts. Karondi aru (D. bellophylla ) tubers were sliced and sundried, boiled and cooked and eaten as curries. Pani aru (D. oppositifolia) tubers are eaten for the treatment of various infection diseases and applied to ulcers, boils etc. Its dried tubers act as solid food during lean months. Arguna (Cycas spp.) dried stem pith were crushed and dried. For edible purposes it is used as Idli and petha and served as soup for children, crushed fruits were also used after drying. Various leafy vegetables utilized in the harsh climatic conditions by the tribe are depicted in Table 2. Variety of leafy vegetables are collected in different seasons, cooked and eaten along with boiled rice. These leafy vegetables are either collected from the forest or found as weed in their cultivated or in open village fields. Some of vegetables like Bilo (Pisum sativum) matured seeds are used as vegetable or mixed in other food articles like pulav, mixed vegetables etc, Pumpkin red (Cucurbita maxima) fresh http://lifesciencesleaflets.ning.com/ PEER-REVIEWED Page | 70 Life Sciences Leaflets FREE DOWNLOAD ISSN 2277-4297(Print) 0976–1098(Online) fruits are cooked as vegetable. Ban poi (Basella alba) leaves are cooked as vegetable. Young banana stems were cooked as vegetables whereas Kulthi (D. biflorus) seeds were boiled and cooked. Karda bans (B. vulgaris) young shoots were eaten as vegetable and sometimes prickled. Forest products used by the tribes during famine conditions were shown in Table 3. Tribals utilize these in different forms directly or after processing, for their livelihood to cope up from the environmental disasters. NTFPs like Amla fruits are being eaten as raw, Moha (Madhuca indica) flowers are useful in making drink called ‘pej. Sometimes moha flowers are eaten as raw during scarcity of food. They are also medicinal. Kia (Pandanus fascicularis) flowers oil are used in perfume industries and leaves are useful in making mats and baskets. Edible mushroom (chattu) were largely used to make pickles and after sun drying, crushing, utilized in food shortages and also in drought. DISCUSSION: Wild yams like Bonda (Dioscorea spp.), Bowla (D.bulbifera), Karondi aru (D. bellophylla), Pani aru (D. oppositifolia) tubers were sliced and sundried, boiled, cooked and eaten as curries during lean months. Traditionally these tubers are also utilized by tribes for curing various infectious diseases. Largely these tubers are used as food material after processing, thorough washing and boiling. After processing these products made out of raw tubers were consumed during harsh climatic conditions. During floods and crop failure most of the wild tuberous plants are available locally and were used to cope up extreme environmental conditions. Tribal people through their traditional knowledge infer what to eat and what not to eat. They are thoroughly acquainted with the methods of excluding the harmful substances from wild plants and preparing acceptable recipes for their meager meals. Corms and aerial bulbs of wild Dioscorea eaten raw cause a terrible itching sensation, hence they will be peeled, boiled in tamarind water and smeared with turmeric paste. Tubers like kanta aru, pani aru etc. act as a solid food during lean months (Vidyarthi, 1987). According to Sahu et al., (2013) Saora community is familiar and dependent on wild tubers (chiefly Dioscoreas) during monsoon and scarce period. They mostly use pit kanda (D. oppositifolia), sika kanda (D. hamiltoni) etc. for their sweet taste and large size. Wild leafy vegetables were utilized by the Saora tribes after processing. They collect vegetables after rainfall and sundried material is utilized in absence of routinely available vegetables. Some of the commonly found wild vegetables are-Kolod, Bilo, Kulthi, Ban poi etc. and are used as food in harsh climatic conditions like drought, famine etc. Wild leaves are among the most widely consumed wild foods. Most of the leafy wild foods plants are locally referred to and classified as weeds, sprouting, and flourishing after rains. Tribes use them in soups, stews and relishes that add flavor to staples. Misra et al., (2008) reported diversity of wild leafy vegetables of Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserves, being used by local inhabitants was around 21 species belonging to 14 genera and 11 families. They also describe http://lifesciencesleaflets.ning.com/ PEER-REVIEWED Page | 71 Life Sciences Leaflets FREE DOWNLOAD ISSN 2277-4297(Print) 0976–1098(Online) availability, use period and associated traditional knowledge. Sasi et al., (2011) studied the Nilgiri Biospere Reserve and concluded that leafy vegetables are a good resource for the upliftment of the economy of rural people. Mishra et al. (2012); Mishra et al., (2013) also reported several wild leafy vegetables utilized during famine and consecutive crop failures by the tribes of Maharashtra and Odisha. They also reported different ways of processing of leaves, storage and consumption during extreme weather conditions by the tribes. Traditional utilization of leafy vegetables like Kolubhaji (Chlorophytum spp.), Taklu (Cassia tora), Mokha (Schrebera swetinoides) etc. were fulfilling their food requirements during consecutive droughts and frost. Saora tribes of Ganjam district also utilize few NTFPs as food material in extreme climatic conditions. They use either directly or after processing. Harra (T.chebula), Bahera (T. bellerica) fruits are edible and after sun drying can be stored for long duration. Bamboo (B. vulgaris) culms, seeds and flowers are eaten in famine conditions. Mushrooms after processing can be stored for long duration and were used during food shortages, during severe drought conditions etc. NTFPs play a vital role in the economy of a tribal both in terms of sustenance and source of income. Similar observations were also reported by Bhandari (1974), while working in Rajasthan. He reported many plants used as famine foods in the Rajasthan desert. Some are of great importance as emergency foods others are of minor value i.e. used only or rarely when better famine foods are not available. During food deficit periods, the tribal livelihood depends largely on forest species for food to be consumed either raw or cooked. Rajasab and Ishaq (2004) documented 51 forest plants out of which 27 produce edible fruits, eaten as raw during famine conditions by the tribes of North Karnataka. Sinha and lakra (2005) studied wild tribal foods of Orissa and reported around 50 leafy vegetables, 46 NTFPs, flowers and tubers in Dhenkanal, Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj districts. Sahu et al., (2013) reported Mango kernels and Jackfruit seeds help the tribal communities to get food during severe food shortages. Similarly, Mishra et al. (2012a); Mishra and Gupta (2013) also reported traditional knowledge of stored yams, tubers and their utilization during harsh climatic conditions in the tribes of central India. They reported several NTFP species which were utilized after simple processing and stored for longer duration by the Gond and Baiga tribes. These NTFPs were utilized during natural calamities like floods, frost, drought etc. and fulfilling their nutritional requirements. In a study Mishra et al., (2013) found that during food shortages and famine situations, tribes of Maharashtra and Odisha utilized various stored and processed forest products i.e. Kokam (Garcinia indica), Valkal (Antiaris taxicana), Kosam (Schliechera oleosa), Alambi chhattu (Mushroom). These wild species were largely exploited to meet nutritional as well as medicinal requirements of the local community. http://lifesciencesleaflets.ning.com/ PEER-REVIEWED Page | 72 Life Sciences Leaflets FREE DOWNLOAD ISSN 2277-4297(Print) 0976–1098(Online) CONCLUSIONS: The study shows that wide ranges of uncultivated species are used by the majority of Saora community as leafy vegetables, tubers, yams, fruits, mushrooms etc. These herbs are harvested and used directly by the households and often without any form of trade especially because the majority of the households often engage in the harvesting within their local environments. Value addition through storage and commercialization could probably widen the livelihood base and thus draw attention of planners. The methods of NTFP utilization during extreme environmental conditions indicate their coping strategy to combat adverse effects of climate change. Such strategies have been effectively used to combat vitamin and micro nutrient deficiencies and thus should be replicated in all other regions. In the above study it is seen that several NTFPs, leafy vegetables, roots are used by Saora tribes in adverse climatic conditions and or in famine situations. Wild tubers and yams are also used as food by the Saora tribe i.e. Bowla, Bonda, Chun aru, Pani aru etc. particularly in stressed conditions. Wild vegetables like Kolod, Bilo, Lau, Kulthi, Banana etc. utilized after drying, processing, particularly in severe drought conditions and in absence of routinely available vegetables. They are equally rich and nutritious like normal crops and help the tribals to cope up from scarcity of food. These wild food plants are not only dietary staples but more generally provide nutritionally valuable supplements as they are rich in proteins, sugars, starch, vitamins , minerals etc. Some edible products are highly prized for their delicacies, medicinal values and industrial uses. As such these are in great demand in the urban centers also. Scientists and policy makers who want to address the impacts of global climate change can derive important lessons from tribal communities, locals and pastoralists' strategies for addressing weatherrelated risks although indigenous strategies have been affected by various internal and external factors. It is important to incorporate indigenous knowledge and perceptions into the climate change forum in the country. It would always be useful to involve local communities in the design and implementation of climate coping strategies. Gathering traditional knowledge about plant used during famine, severe drought and flood situation will helpful in coping extreme environmental conditions by the locals. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: Authors are thankful to Director, IIFM for his kind inspiration and Research Cell of IIFM, Bhopal for providing financial support. Authors are also thankful to Dr. Madhu Verma and Dr. Suprava Patnaik for their guidance and constant encouragement. We are extremely thankful to the Saora tribal community and the State Forest Department of Ganjam, Odisha, for providing valuable informations and field work. We are especially thankful to Divisional forest officer Berhampur and his field staff for necessary assistance. http://lifesciencesleaflets.ning.com/ PEER-REVIEWED Page | 73 Life Sciences Leaflets FREE DOWNLOAD ISSN 2277-4297(Print) 0976–1098(Online) REFERENCES: Bhandari, M. M. 1974. Famine foods in the Rajasthan desert. Economic Botany. 28(7): 73-81. Kulkarni, D.K. and Kumbhojkar, M.S. 2000.Plant conservation in Maharashtra during 17 sanctuary. Ethnobotany. 12:29-38. Kulkarni, D.K. and Kumbhojkar, M.S. 2003. Ethnobotanical studies of Mahadeo koli tribes in western Maharashtra Part-3. Non conventional wild edible fruits. Jour. of Economic and Taxonomic Botany. Addl. series no.10, PP:151-158. Mishra, M. 2010. Climate change and its impact on forest and dependent local communities: A case of two Tribal communities of central India. Proceedings of the National Seminar on Management of Natural Resources and Environment in India – MNRE, 2010.Guru Arjan Dev Development Institute, Amritsar, Punjab.PP:217-221. Mishra, M., Gupta, H.S. and Bhangre, M. 2012a. Climate change mitigation through participation of tribal communities: a case of central India, In Proceed. Natl. Conf. on Recent advances in plant sciences. NCRAPS. Ed. Dr. P Shrivastava. PP: 189-194. Mishra, M., Gupta H S and Shrivastava, M. 2012b. Documentation of Traditional Knowledge of Baigas of Dindori District, Madhya Pradesh with special reference to their strategies in coping climate change. Life Science Leaflets. 11: 61-72. Mishra, M. 2013. Utilization of wild tuberous plants in extreme environmental conditions: a case of Baiga tribe of central India. The Journal of Ethnobiology and Traditional Medicine. Photon 118: 366-372. Mishra, M .,Jadhav,P.A. and Sinha, R. 2013. Ethnobotanical knowledge of Mahadeo Koli tribes of Raigad district of Maharashtra state: plant used during famine. International jour. of integrative sciences, innovation and technology. 2 (5): 27-32. Mishra, M. and Gupta, H.S. 2013. Traditional knowledge of Gond tribes of Mandla district, Madhya Pradesh with special reference to their climate change coping strategies. PP: 48-68.Miracles in ethnobotany: socio-economic aspects. Ed. P.A Hosamani and K Sandeepkumar.Bio science prakshan, Dharwad, Karnataka. Misra, S., Maikhuri, R. K., Kala, C.P, Rao K.S and Saxena, K.G. 2008. Wild leafy Vegetables: A study of their subsistence dietetic support to the inhabitants of Nanda Devi Biosphere reserves, India. Journ. of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine. 4 :15. Narayan, R.M.K. and Kumar, A.N. 2007. Gendered knowledge and changing trends in utilization of wild edible greens in Western Ghats, India. Indian Jour. of Traditional Knowledge. 6 (1) : 204-216. Palekar, R P. 2004. Aspects in forest conservation and utilization in Karjat taluka. Focus on sacred grooves and ethnobotany. Prism publishers, Mumbai. PP: 196-201. Pareek, A and Trivedi P.C. 2011. Cultural values and indigenous knowledge of Climate Change and Disaster prediction in Rajasthan, India. Indian Jour. of Traditional Knowledge. 10(1):183-189. Rajasab, A.H. and Mahamad, I. 2004. Documentation of folk knowledge on edible wild plants of north Karnataka. Indian Jour. of Traditional Knowledge. 3(4): 419-429. Sahu,C.R., Nayak,R.K. and Dhal, N. K. 2013. The plant wealth of Boudh district of Odisha, India with reference to Ethnobotany. International journal of current biotechnology. 1 (6):4-10. http://lifesciencesleaflets.ning.com/ PEER-REVIEWED Page | 74 Life Sciences Leaflets FREE DOWNLOAD ISSN 2277-4297(Print) 0976–1098(Online) Salick, Jan and Byg Anja 2007. Indigenous Peoples and Climate Change, 2007.Websource http: //tyndall webapp .uea.ac.uk/publications/Indigenouspeoples.pdf. Website viewed on 12/4/13. Sasi, R., Rajendran, A. and Sivalingam, R. 2011. Diversity of Leafy Vegetables in Nilgiris, Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, Southern India. International Jour. of Biology and Technology. 2: 1-7. Singhi, M. and Joshi, R. 2010. Famine food of arid Rajasthan: Utilization, Perceptions and need to integrate social practices by Bio-resolutions. Ethnomedicine. 4(2): 121-124. Sinha, R. and Lakra, V. 2005. Wild tribal food plants of Orissa. Indian Jour. of Traditional Knowledge. 4(3): 246-252. Vidyarthi,L.P. 1987. Role of forests in tribal life. In Tribal and forests. By Sinha, S.P. Bihar Tribal Welfare Institute, Ranchi.PP:323. Table:1. Wild yams, plant parts utilization in harsh climatic conditions by the Saora tribes of Ganjam S. N o. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Local name of Yams/plant species Bowla (Dioscorea bulbifera ) Edible /vegetable Use Medicinal uses by tribes Tuber powder mix with butter is given to check diarrhoea. The roasted tuber mix with ghee and sugar candy is reputed remedy for piles Bonda Tubers are eaten baked, Tuber powder mix with (Dioscorea spp.) boiled, or fried like butter is given to check potatoes. After boiling diarrhoea. The roasted used as vegetable. tuber mix with ghee and sugar candy is reputed remedy for piles. Chun aru Tubers are eaten as Not used as medicine (Dioscorea spp.) curries. Tubers are by tribes cut into pieces Karondi aru Tubers were sliced Not used as medicine (D. bellophylla ) and sundried, boiled by tribes and cooked and eaten as curries. Baiom- sanga (D. Tubers are eaten Not used medicinally pentaphylla ) by tribes 6. Pani aru (D. oppositifolia ) Tubers are eaten baked, boiled, or fried like potatoes. After boiling used as vegetable. Tubers are edible http://lifesciencesleaflets.ning.com/ The tuber has been eaten for the treatment of chronic diarrhea, asthma, dry coughs, frequent or uncontrollable urination, diabetes, and applied to ulcers, boils and abscesses PEER-REVIEWED Utilization in drought/ extreme conditions Flowers used as vegetables. At the time of food shortage, crop failure and consecutive droughts. Flowers used as vegetables. At the time of food shortage, crop failure and consecutive droughts. Tubers are cut into pieces sundried and made into flour and cooked. Dried tubers act as solid food during lean months. During food shortage, lack of nutrition. Not used. Page | 75 Life Sciences Leaflets ISSN 2277-4297(Print) FREE DOWNLOAD 7. Tunga kand (D. wallichii) Edible Tuber juice used in jaundice 8. Arguna (Cycas spp.) Soup for children’s , For curing piles, child food, crushed fruits were used after drying 0976–1098(Online) Tuber used in time of food shortage. Dried stem pith were crushed and dried. Idli and petha (sweet and sour) were made. Table: 2. Wild edible leafy vegetable plants utilized in harsh climatic conditions by Saora tribe S.No. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Name of wild Vegetable/ Bhaji Kolod (Lathyrus sativa ) Part used Pods Habit Bilo (wild variety of pea) (Pisum sativum) Chana (field pea) (Cicer arientinum) Pumpkin red (Cucurbita maxima) Kakudi (Cucumber spp.) Pods Herb Pods Herb Fruit Climber Fruit Climber Lau (Bottle guard) Fruit (Lagenaria siceraria) Climber Kulthi Seed (Dolichos biflorus) karda Young 8. Bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris) shoots Leaves 9. Ban poi (Basella alba) 10. Mathbhaji (Amaranthus Leaves spinosus) 11. Banana stem (Musa Young superba) stem 12. Mati kanda (Tappioca Tuber spp.) 7. http://lifesciencesleaflets.ning.com/ Processing and utilization Herb The immature seed can be eaten like green peas The mature seed is eaten cooked. It needs to be soaked and well cooked before being eaten. Matured seeds are used as vegetable or mixed in other food articles like pulav, mixed vegetables etc. Dried seeds are cooked or boiled and can be stored for long period Fresh fruits are cooked as vegetable. Herb Eaten as a vegetable, mostly raw but sometimes cooked. Cucumbers are also used in skin care. Mature fruits are cooked as vegetable. Can be stored for a longer period after drying Seeds are boiled and cooked. Herb Young shoots are eaten as vegetable. Herb Cooked as vegetable. Can be stored after drying. Leaves are used as vegetable and can be stored after drying. Young stems cooked as vegetable. Mostly freshly used. Flour is made from its tubers. Herb Herb Climber PEER-REVIEWED Page | 76 Life Sciences Leaflets FREE DOWNLOAD ISSN 2277-4297(Print) 0976–1098(Online) Table:-3. Processing and utilization of various NTFPs for consumption during adverse climate conditions by the Saora tribes S.No. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Name of species Bamboo karda (Bambusa vulgaris) Belliric myrobalan (Terminalia bellerica) Chebulic myrobalan (Terminalia chebula) Indian gooseberry ( Emblica officinalis) Khajur (Phoenix sylvestris) 6. Mohua flower (Madhuca indica ) 7. Kia (Pandanus fascicularis) Mushrooms (Agaricus spp.) 8. http://lifesciencesleaflets.ning.com/ Processing and utilization during drought Young culms used as vegetable and prickled. Seeds are powdered and utilized for making chapati. Fruits are used as medicine in curing stomach ailments. Fruits are used as medicine Fresh fruits are pickled or eaten as raw. Fruits are also used as medicine. Fresh juice is boiled and gur (Jaggery) is made and stored for long duration Mahua flowers are useful in making drink ‘pej’ Dried mahua boiled with tamarind seeds. Seed oil is used for cooking vegetables etc. Flower oil are used in perfume industries . Leaves are useful in making mats and baskets. Mushroom pickles were made. Stored and used after sun drying for edible purposes. PEER-REVIEWED Page | 77