These Maharashtra tribals go back to their 'roots' to survive Covid-19 lockdown

Indigenous knowledge of wild edible plants has come in handy for these tribals from Maharashtra - one of the hardest-hit states by the infection - and has helped them survive the pandemic.

Thane (Maharashtra): With Covid-19 raising concerns of food and financial security among vulnerable communities, indigenous knowledge of wild edible plants has come in handy for a group of tribals from Maharashtra - one of the hardest-hit states by the infection - and has helped them survive the pandemic.

Tribals from Alkoli village in Bhiwandi area of Thane district have been foraging the nearby forest areas for wild roots and vegetables to sell them

Tribals from Alkoli village in Bhiwandi area of Thane district have been foraging the nearby forest areas for wild roots and vegetables to sell them in the urban areas of the district where they are in high demand given their highly nutritious content and immunity enhancing capacity.

These tribals have to walk over two kilometres on a daily basis to reach the deep forest areas to collect the produce and walk further five to six kilometres to reach the market.

Indigenous knowledge of wild edible plants has come in handy for these tribals from Maharashtra

Some of these wild vegetables collected and sold by the tribals are locally known as Kolbhaji, Bafni, Shevle, Gidwad, Dhind, Telpat, Foifud, Kelbod, Koshma, and Halid.

The early arrival of monsoon in the region has also created favourable conditions for these wild edibles to grow in abundance.