Nature has provided a complete storehouse of remedies to cure ailments, natural hazards and food for humankind.The basic knowledge of biological system come from forest ,which originate among tribal communities.Tribal constitute an important segment of the base of India,representing 8 % of the total population of India, it is also about 22 % of the total population of Odisha.According to 1991 census the population is 70,32,214(Prusti & Behera , 2007, Sinha & Lakra,2005).Odisha is the home of 62 different tribal communities,and it ranks second in the country.
Fig :- Me among tribal children in Simlipal biosphere reserve forest.
There are number of numbers of wild Yams or wild tubers are consumed among tribal group of Odisha as a sources of carbohydrates or food during crucial time or sometimes also as common food.Tubers of certain species are eaten as vegetables with rice,some tubers are boiled, while some are cut,dried than made into flour and cooked.In Odisha most wild tubers belong with Dioscorea family.Tubers also available in the local weekly market, therefore they are important sources for economy of tribes.Dioscorea bulbifera and D.oppositifolia have great market demand among tribal group.
Fig :- Tubers of Dioscorea bulbifera
Some common tubers species among tribal groups of Odisha are :-
- Dioscorea bulbifera
- D.puber
- D.glabra
- D.pentaphylla
- D.bellophylla
- D.oppositifolia
- D.wallichi.
- Amarphophallus paenifolius.
- Lasia spinosa. etc.
Fig :- Tubers of D.pentaphylla
In India so far 26 species of Dioscorea have been reported (Abruna et al 1981), but at present 13 species of dioscorea are available in Odisha, out of them 2 species are cultivated and rest are wild( Behera et al , 2009).
Fig :- Lasia spinosa in Simlipal biosphere Reserve forest in wild condition.
Some tubers are possess great medicinal value,which are used by traditional health care practitioners.
By Sanjeet Kumar,NBPGR.
