Wild Edible and Wetland Plants of Manipur: Their Sustainable Food Usage

Manipur state situated in north-eastern India between 23°83′ and 25°68′ N latitude and between 93°03′ and 94°78′ E longitude is a vital component of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot renowned for its abundant diversity, where the local population relies on wild edible plants (WEPs) and wetland plants (WLPs) for their daily sustenance. Some WEPs such as Sesbania sesban (L.) Merr. Cycas pectinata Buch.-Ham. are utilized in cooking of traditional dish called ‘eromba’ and eaten raw as ‘singju’ (traditional salad). Some WLPs like Alocasia cucullata Schott., Neptunia oleracea Lour. are utilised in making of ‘singju’, Alpinia nigra (Gaertn) are utilized in ‘eromba’ or the petiole of Euryale ferox Salisb. is consumed as a salad. These edible plants are crucial in sustaining the local communities in Manipur and providing revenue, yet they have been inadequately researched, conserved and managed sustainably; resulting in many of these valuable resources being overlooked and unexplored. So, bridging the gap between traditional knowledge and exploring untapped resources is now crucial for the region’s well-being, emphasizing the significance of properly utilizing and sustainably managing the wild plants of Manipur.