Agrotechnology

Abstract

Traditional Food Production Systems of Arunachal Pradesh: Clue or Conundrum for Sustainable Food System Transition

B. Mohan Kumar*

Food systems are at the core of sustainable development. Despite global efforts to eliminate hunger and malnutrition, about 670 million people will be undernourished on our planet in 2030, which necessitates a food system transition in a way that respects “planetary boundaries”. The transformation of the food system aims to provide just and equitable livelihoods, as well as to make food production, processing, and sales as local and sustainable as possible, which requires innovation adoption along the entire food value chain. Arunachal Pradesh is equipped with many traditional food production systems and there is a need to revitalize these given the emerging challenges on the food front. The Apatani eco-cultural landscape, the mixed species homegarden system, various ethnic foods, wild edibles, and entomophagy are predominant in the state. But many of these are experiencing existential challenges. The low agricultural productivity in the state and the increasing human population further compound this problem. To feed the growing population and reduce food waste- a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions-a multi-pronged approach for conserving traditional food production systems and adopting intensive production strategies for nontraditional ones is required. Furthermore, foodstuffs such as wild fruits, vegetables, and edible insects should be collected in a way that is environmentally sound and resilient, and domestication of wild plants and farming of edible insects may be attempted to prevent the endangerment of these resources in the wild.

Published Date: 2024-03-29; Received Date: 2024-02-27