Home / Environment / Lost Harvest: Conserving India's Disappearing Greens
Lost Harvest: Conserving India's Disappearing Greens
5 Sep
Summary
- Traditional knowledge identifies over 100 varieties of edible wild greens.
- Increased herbicide use threatens the diversity of indigenous edible greens.
- A festival aims to reintroduce these health-promoting greens to younger generations.
Traditional wisdom surrounding edible wild greens is at risk of disappearing, according to progressive farmer Neelamma Kemannanavar. Kemannanavar, who can identify over 100 varieties, emphasizes the importance of passing this knowledge to children, noting that elders once taught them about greens found naturally in fields and near water bodies.
The increasing reliance on herbicides is accelerating the loss of these diverse, indigenous greens. Kemannanavar advocates for greater consumption of these health-promoting plants to aid in their conservation and urges efforts to preserve these valuable natural resources.
A recent Desi Soppu Mela, organized by several agricultural and environmental organizations, served as a platform to address these concerns. The event showcased various wild greens brought by farmers from different regions, including medicinal and dryland varieties.
Speakers at the festival highlighted that while thousands of plant species are edible globally, daily consumption is limited to a few. They stressed the festival's role in reconnecting younger generations with traditional knowledge about the vast array of lesser-known edible greens available.
