Asian Journal of Agricultural Sciences 3(4): 317-326, 2011 ISSN: 2041-3890 © Maxwell Scientific Organization, 2011 Received: May 02, 2011 Accepted: May 27, 2011 Published: July 20, 2011 Corresponding Author: J.Y. Yumnam, Department of Forestry, North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology Deemed University, Nirjuli-791 109, Arunachal Pradesh 317 Agro-diversity of East Siang-Arunachal Pradesh, Eastern Himalaya J.Y. Yumnam, S.I. Bhuyan, M.L. Khan and O.P. Tripathi Department of Forestry, North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology Deemed University, Nirjuli-791 109, Arunachal Pradesh Abstract: Besides cultivation and semi-domestication of crops, Adi people collect lot of wild vegetables from nearby forests to meet their daily requirement. Qualitative and quantitative data in the present study were collected through field survey and personal interview using standard questionnaires. Altogether, 152 plant species belonging to 95 genera and 39 families were encountered during the study period. They were broadly divided into three categories as cultivated crops (72), semi-domesticated plants (41) and wild plants (39). Vegetables and pulses formed the most frequent mode of uses followed by spices and condiments, cereals and oil seeds. Species diversity based on the habit of the plant revealed that herbs were the most dominant habit followed shrubs, climbers and trees. Based on the plant part uses, leaves formed the most frequently used part followed by fruits, seeds etc. Cultivation is mainly of sustenance in nature rather than for commercial purposes. Most of the agricultural crops are imported from other states mainly Assam. Hence, commercial and proper cultivation of cultivated crops, semi-domesticated plants without losing the traditional value along with scientific approaches and sustainable collection of wild plants are very essential at this stage for welfare of the society in particular and region in general. Key words: Adi tribe, cultivated crops, East Siang, Eastern Himalaya, North Eastern India, semi-domesticated plants, wild plants INTRODUCTION Ever since human beings first began domesticating plants and animals some 12,000 years ago, agricultural biodiversity has played a pivotal role in sustaining and strengthening food, nutrition, and health and livelihood security all over the world. In spite of enormous progress made in enhancing productivity through the sustainable use of genetic resources for food and agriculture, more than 800 million people remain under-nourished (FAO, 2004; Chennai Platform for Action, 2005). There are at least 3000 edible plant species known to man, with merely 30 crops contributing to nearly 95% of the world’s calories intake, and only 103 crops are economically important at national level (Cooper et al., 1996). In India most rural communities depend on the wild resources including wild edible plants to meet their food needs during the food crisis, as well as for additional food supplements. The diversity in wild plant species offers variety in family diet and contributes to household food security. Besides growing a few crops, people frequently collect wild edible plants and other plants from natural habitats to meet their subsistence needs (Sundriyal et al., 1998). Though in small numbers, due to market demands some farmers have started growing a few species that are still found in wild habitats. These species are in various stages of domestication (Sundriyal and Sundriyal, 2003). The contributions made to the food supply of farm households by wild plants and semi-domesticates vary enormously from region to region. There are 1532 edible wild food species in India, mostly from Western Ghats and Himalayan regions (Arora and Pandey, 1996). The Himalayan region is comprised of a large variety of wild-growing plants that are used for food and other subsistence needs by the local communities (Sundriyal and Sundriyal, 2003). Modern agricultural technology and marketing have caused a reduction in the genetic diversity of plant species, especially in vegetables, worldwide (Sun and Hang, 1998; Hang et al., 1998). However, it is clear that many wild species, varieties and animal breeds have the potential to become conventional foods of the future-useful parents in breeding programs; and will be a convenient sources of income; and the vehicles for improved nutrition and increased food supply (Toledo and Burlingame, 2006). They are a cheap source of nutrients and could be useful in formulating balanced diets. Use of wild edible plants as a supplementary food resource holds promise. This aspect needs thorough investigation, so that economically important species are promoted for domestication (Sundriyal and Sundriyal, 2003). Wild plants show that they have a very high nutritional potential, and their nutritional value is greater than that of some green cultivated vegetables (Yildirim et al., 2001; Thayer, 2006). Wild plant species provide minerals, fiber, vitamins and essential fatty acids and enhance taste and Only for academic use