Bioprospecting of Rhododendron arboreum for Livelihood Enhancement in Central Himalaya, India

2013 
Non-timber forest products (NTFP) are extensively extracted from Indian forests, and their role in rural and forest economies is immense. A number of wild plants used by rural and tribal population contributing significantly to livelihood and food security have escaped recognition and scientific inquiry in many developing countries. The wild edibles are gaining increased attention as potential food supplement or cheaper alternative of commercial fruits across the world. 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. Rhododendron arboreum is a wild plant species possesses high ecological importance and the flower of the species having unique medicinal and nutritional value. The flowers of the tree are edible and are used in the preparation of a refreshing drink in mountain region of Central Himalaya. The paper highlighted medicinal, nutritive and potential of R. arboreum for bioprospecting by making value added products to improve the livelihood of hill farmers in Himalaya region.
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