Diversity and utilization pattern of homegardens: A case study from Eastern Himalayan region of West Bengal

Abstract

Homegardens are a sustainable means of rural livelihood in many parts of the world, especially in the humid tropics. The unique feature of these systems include productivity and sustainability. The rich biodiversity of floral components offer a variety of ecosystem functions and services. The study of homegardens shows distinct ecological and cultural entities in different places throughout the world. Darjeeling Himalayas are peculiar in its biogeographic and climatic features, and also population, which depends on homegardens for food, medicine and economic growth. The present study was carried out in Eastern Himalayan region of Kalimpong and Darjeeling districts of West Bengal using purposive random sampling. Plant inventory of floral diversity was carried out in nested quadrat method in each and every homegarden. A total of 262 plant species representing 88 families and 211 genera were recorded in study area. The plant species found in the homegardens had multipurpose uses such as food, fodder, medicinal, timber, fuelwood and socio-cultural values. Biodiversity indices calculated showed that the plant assemblage in the homegardens was diverse in nature. Cultivated and wild plant species available in Darjeeling Himalayas offer substantial cost-effective and nutritional security to the rural communities. Therefore, conservation of homegarden ecosystems is necessary for sustainable use of species for future generation.