Exploration and Documentation of Economic Benefits of Seasonal Wild Vegetables in Dhanora Tehsil from Gadchiroli District, Maharashtra, India

A Key to Sustainable Food Systems and Biodiversity Conservation

Abstract

This study explores the multifaceted economic benefits of seasonal wild vegetables in Dhanora Tehsil, Gadchiroli District, Maharashtra. Located in the eastern region of Maharashtra, Dhanora Tehsil presents a remarkable landscape of ecological significance and traditional food systems. The region's unique ecological configuration, comprising tropical deciduous forests, varied topographical features, and distinct seasonal variations, creates an extraordinary biodiversity hotspot that supports an extensive array of wild vegetable species. Indigenous communities in Dhanora Tehsil possess intricate knowledge about seasonal wild vegetable identification, collection, processing, and utilization, which has been transmitted through oral traditions and practical learning across generations. This research aims to comprehensively explore and quantify the multifaceted economic benefits of seasonal wild vegetables, employing a holistic methodology that integrates ethnobotanical surveys, economic valuation techniques, and participatory rural appraisal methods. By systematically documenting the diversity, collection practices, economic contributions, and ecological interactions of wild vegetables, the study seeks to generate crucial insights that can inform more nuanced approaches to sustainable food systems, biodiversity conservation, and community-centered development strategies.

        Field surveys were carried out from 23 May 2024 to 26 August 2024, employing a multifaceted research methodology designed to comprehensively document the economic and ecological potential of seasonal wild vegetables. Throughout the field surveys, personal interviews, and group discussions with indigenous communities, 28 wild vegetable species of 24 Families were identified and documented. The study also sheds light on the traditional knowledge associated with harvesting, processing, and utilizing these wild vegetables, which has been passed down through generations.