Plant Biodiversity Conservation through Traditional Use and Cultivation in Meitei Home-gardens in Barak Valley of Assam, India

Abstract

Home-gardens are considered a sustainable production system in the tropics which also contribute to biodiversity conservation. This paper deals with indigenous knowledge and practices in conservation of the plants used by the Meiteis of Barak valley, Assam (India). Plants such as Eupatorium cannabinum, Meyna laxiflora, Parkia timoriana, Toona ciliata were conserved due to their specific uses. Bamboos also formed an important component of Meitei home-gardens due to their multipurpose uses. The Meitei's valuable traditional ecological knowledge systems are based on strong socio-cultural and traditional beliefs, confounded by the economic status of the people.