Traditional Knowledge and Utilization of Wild Edible Vegetables among Indigenous Communities in Dibrugarh and Tinsukia Districts, Assam

Wild edible plants have long played a vital role in the subsistence and cultural practices of indigenous communities across Northeast India. This study focuses on the documentation of wild edible vegetables traditionally used by the Kachari tribe in the Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts of Eastern (Upper) Assam. Fieldwork was carried out over a period of three years, from 2023 to 2025, with particular emphasis on the month of June & July considered a peak season for the availability of many wild plant species. Data collection involved ethnobotanical surveys, guided field walks, and semi-structured interviews with local elders, foragers, and community members who possess traditional ecological knowledge passed down through generations. The study identified a wide variety of wild edible vegetables, many of which are foraged from nearby forests, wetlands, and fallow lands. These plants not only contribute to the nutritional needs of the community but are also deeply embedded in the culinary practices and seasonal food traditions of the Kachari people. Some species were found to have medicinal properties as well, reflecting a holistic approach to health and food among the tribe. The findings underscore the cultural and ecological significance of wild edible vegetables and point to the urgent need for their documentation and conservation in the face of rapid environmental and socio-economic changes. By highlighting the knowledge of the Kachari tribe, this research contributes to the broader understanding of sustainable food systems and indigenous practices in Northeast India. It also calls for further interdisciplinary studies and community-led initiatives to preserve this invaluable traditional knowledge for future generations.