Farmers' knowledge of wild Musa in India

• Authors : Uma, S.


• Document type : Book


• Year of publication : 2006


• Publisher(s) : FAO


• Place of publication : Roma (ITA)


• Pages : 46


• Language(s) : English


• Abstract : The present case study provides an insight into the indigenous technical knowledge regarding multiple uses of wild and cultivated bananas for the benefit and advantage of the local population in India. The study provides a picture of distribution of wild and cultivated Musa species of interest in the country; it sets out the vital role of local knowledge in conserving biodiversity and ecosystem function in the different agro-ecological zones of India where Musa species occur. The study also describes in detail the involvement of the tribal and farming communities in the conservation, maintenance, perpetuation and spread of banana genetic diversity. This report synthesizes the available information and documents existing data from micro-sample surveys on the status and trends of the indigenous knowledge, innovations and practices of local communities embodying traditional lifestyles relevant to the conservation and sustainable use of biological diversity of wild and cultivated Musa species in India. It summarizes the implications of farmers' production systems on the ecosystem and contributes to a better understanding of some of the causes and effects directly related to the risk of loss of banana biodiversity in India. Strategies are recommended for expanding the use of wild Musa in breeding programmes beyond its traditional use for food, feed, herbal medicine and handicraft, as most of the desired resistant gene sources to biotic and abiotic stresses are harboured by the wild species. The report contains valuable information on wild Musa and identifies various issues to be addressed.


• Keywords : GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION; ORIGIN; WILD SPECIES; INDIA


• Open access : Yes


• Document on publisher's site : View article on publisher's site


• Musalit document ID : IN070730

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