Wild Edible Plants in Karjat Tahsil of Ahmednagar District, Maharashtra

Author: Suvarna Gaikwad, Asha Kadam, Pratishtha Powar Nagane and Dadasaheb Wadavkar

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Abstract

Wild edible plants are gaining worldwide recognition for their high nutraceutical value and health advantages, as well as for their potential to contribute to the conservation of biodiversity, food security, nutrition, dietary diversity, and income generation. Literature on wild edible plants from the research area was limited. The current study aimed to identify and categorize Wild Edible Plants in the Karjat Tahsil in the Ahmednagar district to compile a database of the wild edible plants of this area. During the summer of 2022, fieldwork and visits were carried out in rural areas of Karjat such Rashin, Kombhali, Kangudwadi, and Koregaon. A literature search, frequent inquiries, and talks with experts are all part of the technique. Interviews and observation techniques were also used to gather primary data. To gather wild edible plants, field trips were made to meet with tribal members. Flora images were captured in several locations. The information is represented in the tabulated form as botanical name, local name, edible parts, family, and uses of the plants. The present study revealed that during the field survey, a total of 56 Wild Edible Plant species belonging to 47 genera and 31 families were reported in the Karjat Tahsil of the Ahmednagar district. Most dominant Wild Edible Plants were recorded from the family Amaranthaceae and Fabaceae (6 species each), followed by Rutaceae (4 species), then Asteraceae, Cucurbitaceae, and Convolvulaceae (3 species each). It has been also observed that leaves (18 species) and fruits (13 species) were the most used part for medicinal purposes, followed by roots (10 species), whole plant (9 species), and seeds (9 species). This traditional knowledge has never been reported before from selected area. As a result, this is the first investigation of exploring Wild Edible Plants in the Karjat area of the Ahmednagar district. This research can be useful as a foundation for information on wild edible plants for the study area.

Keywords

Wild Edible Plants, Nutraceutical, Medicinal use, Biodiversity, Traditional knowledge

Conclusion

Overall, the current study is significant for understanding the Wild Edible Plants in Karjat Tahsil of the Ahmednagar district because it offers a preliminary list of plants. From the current research work, it can be concluded that the Wild Edible Plant variety is abundant in the Karjat region. The present study identified 56 Wild Edible Plants that were used by the local people of Karjat Tahsil to fulfill their dietary, medical, and economic needs. This is the first report documenting Wild Edible Plants in the Karjat Tahsil of the Ahmednagar district. It is crucial to research and preserve such important knowledge before it entirely disappears due to environmental changes, the lack of interest among younger generations in traditional wisdom, and the urbanization of natural forests. More research should be done to confirm the nutritional composition and pharmacological potential of Wild Edible Plants to increase public appreciation for them. Further research should be done on Wild Edible Plants that are under threat of extinction but have significant nutraceutical and medicinal potential for biodiversity preservation, medicine development, and sustainable use.

References

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How to cite this article

Suvarna Gaikwad, Asha Kadam, Pratishtha Powar Nagane and Dadasaheb Wadavkar (2023). Wild Edible Plants in Karjat Tahsil of Ahmednagar District, Maharashtra. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(2): 1008-1018.