Paper short abstract:

The paper will discuss the conservation and cultural practices in the productivity of non-timber forest products in the Baigas of Madhya Pradesh.

Paper long abstract:

Baiga communities collect the maximum forest resources for their subsistence among forest dwelling communities in the world. Non timber forest products including medicinal plants are an important source of food in India and a significant place inthe dietary habits of small farmers and local indigenous communities during periods of food scarcity. Edible Yams together with tuberous plants, rhizomes and sweet potatoes are important sources of food consumed by Baiga communities during famine. However, due to deforestation, increase in population and fragmentation of natural habitat, the availability and distribution of these NTFPs under wild conditions is severely affected. Moreover, due to overexploitation and commercial harvesting of non wood products, soon they become extinct from natural forests. An attempt has been made to explore the traditional knowledge of Baiga tribes while using NTFPs as food in coping environmental extreme conditions like draught and during famine.

Key words: Dioscoria, Medicinal, Baigas, Famine, Draught, Indigenous