Wild Vegetable Diversity and their Contribution to Household Income at Pat-shaling Gewog, Tsirang

Abstract

Collection and use of wild vegetables have been a part of rural communities in Bhutan. Wild vegetables provide food as well as cash income for rural population and ensure food security. This study assessed the diversity of wild vegetables and their contribution to the household income at Patshaling Gewog, Tsirang Dzongkhag. Through simple random sampling 53 community members were identified to participate in the research. The semi-structured questionnaire interview and focus group discussions were used to collect the data from the respondents. About 32 species of wild vegetables were identified that are consumed by households, sold or used for medical purposes. Among the wild vegetables, mushrooms are perceived to be more important than cane, fern, damru, and orchid species due to their high value and scarcity. The respondents harvest wild vegetables almost throughout the year, except in November and December. According to the respondents, about 66% of the wild vegetables collected are used for medical purposes and 34% for household consumption. Wild vegetables are consumed to add diversity to the household diet and the excess are sold in the local market
for cash income. Importance of wild vegetables needs to be emphasized and integrated into polices for conservation, food-security and agriculture.