Keywords
Buckwheat, Fafra and Ogla, adaptability, nutrition, terrains, sustainable crop, food security, millet, community, research, super grain, guidelines, medicinal, composition, cognition, super food, pseudo-millet, cultivation, sustainable prosperity.
Abstract
An Abstract
Tartary or bitter buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum), locally known as Fafra in the Tribal district of Kinnaur in the Himalayan regions of Himachal Pradesh, stands as a unique and resilient crop cultivated in high-altitude regions, particularly above 2100 meters. This research explores the extensive cultivation practices, distribution, and potential of buckwheat in the Indian and the International market. Two species of buckwheat, Fagopyrum esculentum (Ogla) and Fagopyrum tataricum (Fafra), are cultivated in the Himalayan Mountains of kinnaur region, demonstrating adaptability to diverse climatic conditions.
The cultivation of buckwheat has been a significant aspect of the traditional crop pattern in the Kinnaur District, and it also extends across various districts in Himachal Pradesh, playing a vital and crucial role in the agricultural landscape. Its unique characteristics make it suitable for cultivation in challenging terrains and climates. The research emphasizes the need for increased awareness of Tartary buckwheat's nutritional benefits and health advantages. It also addresses the considerable decline in interest among farmers in recent years (Rana et al. 2012)
The present study delves deep into the historical significance and distribution of Tartary buckwheat, highlighting its presence in the local, national and the global context. With its adaptability to extreme temperatures and low soil fertility, Tartary buckwheat emerges as a sustainable crop, providing essential nutrients and catering to the nutritional security of mountainous regions like kinnaur and the other Tribal regions of the state, ensuring the need for the healthy and nutritious staple food for the community. In the Tribal district of Kinnaur, this variety of Millet has been the source of food security and an integral part of the rich tapestry of tribal culture and the peculiar food habit of the community. In Himachal Pradesh, the buckwheat cultivation is concentrated mainly in the specific districts, and with Kinnaur playing a significant role in the farming of this super grain, really needs an extensive research and exhaustive monitoring for the creation of favourable environment for the cultivation the ancient grains.
The research paper also outlines the cultivation guidelines, including optimal planting periods, seed selection, and soil fertility enhancement. The crops medicinal benefits, particularly its phytochemical rut in, are discussed, emphasizing its potential to address health issues such as high blood pressure and diabetes, thyroid, gut related diseases etc. The unique composition of Tartary buckwheat contributes to its various health benefits such as anti-oxidative, anti-cancer, anti-hypertension, anti-diabetic, cholesterol-lowering, and cognition-improving quality which necessitates the resurgence of the old glory of this ancient super food which can bring about a revolution in the mountainous regions of Kinnaur and other parts of the Himalayas. The study also sheds light on the decline in Tartary buckwheat cultivation in recent years, mainly attributed to the shifting focus of farmers towards horticulture. However, recognizing the nutritional importance of millets, farmers have started once again incorporating buckwheat into their diets, resulting in an increased demand for pseudo-millet flour. To revitalize Tartary buckwheat cultivation in kinnaur and the other parts of Himachal Pradesh, this research advocates for awareness campaigns, scientific interventions, and improvements in cultivation techniques. By enhancing the nutritional content and accessibility of Tartary buckwheat, the research envisions a sustainable and prosperous future for both the farmers and the consumers, contributing to the overall development of the region.
IJCRT's Publication Details
Unique Identification Number - IJCRT2312118
Paper ID - 247239
Page Number(s) - b29-b35
Pubished in - Volume 11 | Issue 12 | December 2023
DOI (Digital Object Identifier) -    http://doi.one/10.1729/Journal.37011
Publisher Name - IJCRT | www.ijcrt.org | ISSN : 2320-2882
E-ISSN Number - 2320-2882
Cite this article
  Rajesh Kumar,   
"Tartary Buckwheat Cultivation in Kinnaur District: A Potential Path for Bio-diversity and Sustainable Development.", International Journal of Creative Research Thoughts (IJCRT), ISSN:2320-2882, Volume.11, Issue 12, pp.b29-b35, December 2023, Available at :
http://www.ijcrt.org/papers/IJCRT2312118.pdf