SURVEY REPORT - Karnataka

GOVERNMENT OF KARANATAKA

BIODIVERSITY CONSERVTION AND MANAGEMENT

IN COASTAL DISTRICTS OF KARNATAKA

SURVEY REPORT

KARN

ATAK

A BIODIVERSITYBO

ARD

KARNATAKA BIODIVERSITY BOARD

SPONSOERED BY KARNATAKA URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE

DEVELOPMENT & FINANCIAL CORPORATION

(KUIDFC), BANGALORE

2007

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1. Introduction

Karnataka has a rich biodiversity supporting number of ecological functions in the

coastal eco-systems besides supporting livelihood systems of millions of people. Coastal

systems play a vital role in the State’s economy by virtue of their resources, productive habitats

and rich Biodiversity. The coastal zone is the dynamic margin where land and sea meet. It is a

vital region of complex ecological systems such as coastal lands, bays, estuaries, mangroves,

seagrass meadows, algal beds, fresh and salt water and coral reefs. The coastal zone is

intimately linked to lakes, rivers and the open ocean. Diverse kinds of flora and fauna are

associated with the coastal zone. The Coastal area is assuming greater importance in recent

years owing to increased human population, urbanization and accelerated development

activities.

The coastal zone in Karnataka is endowed with 320 km of coastline from Ullal in south

to Majali in north with 27,000 sq.km of continental shelf and 87,000 sq.km and Exclusive

Economic Zone. There are 26 estuaries with more than 70,000 Ha. of water-spread area and

8000 Ha of brackish water area, making the three coastal districts of Karnataka very rich in

marine, estuarine and riverine biodiversity. Strictly speaking it is difficult to delimit

Karnataka’s coastal zone. The Western Ghats, which run parallel to the coastline is indeed an

integral part of the coast. Fourteen rivers which originate in these Ghats run westward and join

the Arabian Sea. These rivers carry silt and organic debris from the forested hinterland into the

estuarine areas and the coastal sea and contribute greatly to the productivity and diversity of the

coastal ecosystems. The tides travel long distances, even 20-30 kms interior, through many of

these rivers, making the saline aquatic habitat suitable for several marine and estuarine

organisms. The forests of the hinterlands, almost 20 to 30 kms interior, were considered during

the British period as “inner coastal zone”. The commercial exploitation of coastal resources are

causing irreparable damage to regeneration of coastal vulnerable resources. These are subjected

to severe threats due to anthropogenic pressures in the coastal areas over the years. Many

anthropogenic activities have lead to the loss of biodiversity.

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The Biodiversity Act, 2002 envisages Conservation and Protection of Biological

Resources of the country through local people by establishing Biodiversity Management

Committees. Karnataka State is one of the pioneering state in the country to create the State

Biodiversity Board to manage Biodiversity. So far efforts have been made to frame rules for

the Biodiversity management in the State. In December 2004 proposal was submitted to

KUIDFC seeking financial help to initiate process of developing appropriate Institutional and

Information management systems to conserve and manage the bio-diversity resources of

Coastal region.

Also, the Karnataka Biodiversity Action Plan approved by the Government of

Karnataka has recommended to develop Biodiversity Information System, and to create

database through systematic surveying of the resources and to initiate conservation measures in

the State. In this background it was felt desirable to develop Karnataka Coastal Biodiversity

Information System involving various line departments and research institutions to achieve the

objectives envisaged in the Biodiversity Act.

2. THE NEED FOR MANAGING THE COASTAL ZONE BIODIVERSTIY

Coastal ecosystems are the world’s most productive; particularly important is the richly

productive and diverse South Indian West Coast. Here sunlight saturates the shallow, nutrient

rich coastal waters. Algal beds, seagrass meadows, reefs, estuaries and mangroves provide

food and shelter for vast quantities of fish, shellfish, and other marine organisms. Because of

the high productivity and the transportation facilities, including the trans-oceanic, this coastal

zone has been densely populated since ancient times and therefore highly human impacted.

Rapid urbanization, along with tourism and other economic activities is taking a heavy toll of

the bioresources of Karnataka’s coast.

Various developmental programmes, construction, land clearances and deforestation for

agriculture, timber and fuel, have caused increased sedimentation of the rivers and estuaries

and other coastal waters. Mangroves have been removed in large scale because of construction

or permanent embankments in estuaries, shrimp farming and shell mining. There has also been

some amount of successful mangrove planting in the recent years. Destruction of beach

vegetation in recent times has made many sea-shores vulnerable to erosion. The threat of

erosion has prompted the construction of sea walls, or mere piling of stones on the beaches,

thereby destroying beach ecology. As the protective shield of natural vegetation vanishes the

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sea coasts become more vulnerable to cyclones, threatened sea-level rise on account of global

warming and even tsunamis. The decline of vegetation along the coastal zone has also adverse

effects on coastal productivity and on livelihood issues. In this background the conservation

and protection of Coastal Ecosystem assumes greater significance in order to reduce the

biodiversity loss and to enhance the livelihood systems of people on a sustainable basis.

Therefore, developing KCBIS and Biodiversity Management System as envisaged in the

project would be higly valuable to achieve sustainable development goal.

3. Objectives of Project:

a. Survey and Documentation of Biodiversity in Coastal Karnataka.

b. Conservation of Biological Resources in the ecologically sensitive habitats of Coastal

Karnataka and to develop sustainable management methods involving the local

community and other stakeholders.

c. Documentation of Biodiversity and associated Traditional knowledge in the form of

‘Peoples Biodiversity Registers’ through local bodies/Biodiversity Management

Committees, Schools and other Institutions.

d. Capacity Building of the stakeholders on conservation of biolgocial resources,

sustainable use of its components, fair and equitable sharing of benefits through

institutional development.

4. PROJECT COMPONENTS

To achieve the objectives of the project, the following components were envisaged

1. Suevey of Biodiversity Resources

1.a. Survey and documentation of Mangroves, Psammophytes,Wetlands and Agro

Biodiversity of Coastal Karnataka.

1.b. Flora including agricultural and Forestry, Livestock Biodiversity

1.c. Fauna both marine and freshwater, Birds and Butterfly, Odonates Biodiversity

2. Developing Karnataka Coastal Biodiversity Information System.

3. Capacity Building (Training, Formation of BMCs and People’s Biodiversity Registers)

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5. BIODIVERSITY RESOURCES: SURVEY AND DOCUMENTATION

B. In this task following agencies based on their knowledge, specialisation and reputation

were involved for various components.

1. EMPRI, Bangalore – Survey and documentation of Mangroves, Psammophytes and

Wetlands, Agrobiodiversity, domesticated biodiversity of Coastal Karnataka.

2. CMFRI, Cochin – Survey, Inventorying and database creation of the Marine and

Coastal Biodiversity of Karnataka.

3. INCERT, Bangalore – 1. A survey of Butterfly fauna of Coastal Karnataka 2. Bird

diversity in Coastal Karnataka.

4. Asima Prathithana, Bangalore – Dragonflies, Damselflies (Insects; Odanate of Coastal

districts of Karnatka.

5. RRSSC, ISRO, Development of KCBIS on the basis of survey data.

The following biodiversity eco-systems were surveyed and characterized along with threats

and pressures.

1. Mangrove vegetation

2. Estuaries Biodiversity

3. Fresh Water Biodiversity

4. Marine Biodiversity

5. Coastal Vegetation (Psamophytic species).

6. Coastal ecologically sensitive habitats.

5.1 Plant Biodiversity of Coasal Region.

There has been ever-increasing realization of the importance of restoration and

management of coastal vegetation. The Biodiversity Act, 2002 also requires the preparation of

inventories of the biodiversity within the territorial jurisdiction of local bodies. As it is

practically very difficult for every local body to make arrangement for such surveys, due to

lack of expertise and financial resources, other institutions devoted to research and

management of natural resources, such as EMPRI, need to assist the State Biodiversity Board.

EMPRI can assist KBB to create a database on coastal vegetation, and make the information

available through the public domain for the stakeholders, especially the local bodies (GPs),

who are required to build up their own such databases to claim patenting rights and regulate the

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biodiversity resources. Further, this database being quantitative in nature, will highlight gaps,

interventions and support needed for conservation and restoration.

For the survey purpose the entire coastal area was divided into 5 x 4 Km grids of 20

Km2. The coastal zone was divided into about 400 grids of 20 sq. km each for survey purpose.

Further the grids were stratified into 3 parallel strips for sampling purpose and delineated as

coastal line from sea coast to CRZ -111 limits (500 meters), second strip as coastal land from

CRZ III to agricultural lands, the third strip as raised land from the agricultural field to the tree

line. These demarcations were carried out using vegetation maps. These grids covered

following areas:

1. Sea coast: The coastline include both rocky and sandy beaches as well as about five

kms broad coastal zone. Vegetation was studied through sampling techniques within

this zone, which include the beaches, agricultural lands, human habitations, forests,

grasslands and other natural or manmade vegetation.

2. Estuaries, creeks and other backwaters: The Karnataka coast has 26 estuaries and other

coastal wetlands.

3. Inner coastal: Chosen grids of the inner coastal region, a zone up to 25 kms interior,

was studied.

Four quadrats of 10 X 10 m size was studied within each grid. The vegetational data

collection covers a total of 1600 quadrats.

The coastal landscape is very heterogeneous and contains several kinds of vegetational

elements, such as: Evergreen forest, semi-evergreen forest; secondary moist deciduous forest,

scrub, mangroves, beach vegetation, planted groves of trees, horticultural gardens, agricultural

fields where various crops are cultivated, grasslands, household gardens. Within each grid it

was practically impossible to sample all kinds of elements. Therefore the landscape elements

sampled was selected in such a way that all grids together provide a composite picture of the

plant biodiversity of the coast.

Vegetation: Transects was drawn in the grids and the survey was done.

Marine Biodiversity: The marine diversity was surveyed at different depths of sea and the

distance from the coast lines.

Estuaries: The Estuaries were surveyed in each grid at different depths and the distance from

the bank.

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Fresh water: In all the grids the fresh water survey was done at different depths and distance

from the fresh water.

Livestock Diversity: Transects were drawn in the grids and the survey was done along with

the vegetation diversity.

The field data covering the following was collected:

1. Trees, Shrubs and saplings, Herbs, Species names and numbers

2. Agricultural and horticultural biodiversity: Data on various varieties crop plants and

fruit trees.

3. Livestock biodiversity: Presently we do not have any consolidated database on

livestock biodiversity of the coast. The livestock Biodiversity covering cattle, sheep,

goats, poultry and any such domesticated animals in the coastal states will be surveyed

and documented. Special efforts was made to record biodiversity of livestock.

Psammophytes: Special attention was paid towards data collection on psammophytes of the

coastal sands (some of them are exclusive halophytes), in view of their vital role in building up

sand dunes, and in supporting beach fauna. The threats and pressures on these plant

communities was documented.

5.2 Faunal Biodiversity of Coastal Region

Faunal diversity form the most important component of coastal biodiversity. At present

no systematic data is available on the marine biodiveristy for the state of Karnataka. As

recommended by KBSAP it was proposed to take up systematic survey of the coalstal fauna

such as marine resources, fresh water fauna. More than a dozen rivers originating in the

Western Ghats open into the Arabian Sea in these three districts, rendering the inshore waters

rich in nutrients and plankton. Netravathi, Gurupur, Gangoli, Sitanadi, Aghanasini, Kali and

Sharavati are the important rivers. The estuaries formed by these rivers (about 8,000 ha) are

important from the ecological and biological points of view.

Karnataka’s coast is quite rich in butterflies diversity due to rich flora diversity. It was

therefore necessary to survey the butterfly diversity, the threats faced by them and to identify

the endemic population in the coastal area.

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Ecosystems Studied under Aquatic Flora & Fauna:

Ecosystem Flora Fauna Ecological Status

Marine Phytoplankton Seaweeds, Seagrass, etc.

1. Zooplankton 2. Invertebrates: all groups including

commercially important mollusks, crustaceans etc.

3. Vertebrates: all groups including commercially important fishes etc.

4. Marine mammals & reptiles

Planktonic Nektonic Benthic

Island Phytoplankton Seaweeds, Seagrass, etc.






Estuarine Phytoplankton Seaweeds, Seagrass, etc.






Mangrove Phytoplankton Plants





Freshwater (River)

Phytoplankton Seaweeds, Seagrass, etc.





Avian and Butterfly diversity

Birds Butterflies

All groups of birds and butterflies etc. Terrestrial

The coastal areas was divided into 0.25o sampling grids for collection of samples.

Sampling was carried out from the grids covering near-shore waters, estuary, mangrove areas

and rivers during two seasons i.e, monsoon (July – September) and non monsoon season

(October – May). Organisms from the offshore areas were collected from different depth zones

during two seasons.

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After the survey, the data gathered were analysed and validated through consultation

process. The major out put of the faunal survey is as follows:

1. An inventory consisting of marine and coastal aquatic biodiversity for the three coastal

districts of Karnataka.

2. GIS based information database on marine and coastal aquatic and avian & butterfly

biodiversity.

3. List of ecologically sensitive ecosystems and hotspots in the three coastal districts of

Karnataka.

4. List of rare, endangered, threatened and endemic species of aquatic flora & fauna and

birds & butterflies in the three coastal districts of Karnataka.

5. List of action plan for marine and coastal aquatic and avian & butterfly biodiversity

conservation.

5.3 Mangrove Vegetation And Estauries Of Karnataka

Coastal Ecosystem provides a wide array of goods and services. The host the world’s

primary ports of commerce, they are the primary producers of fish, shelfish, and seaweed for

both human and animal consumption; they are also a considrable source of fertilizer,

pharmaceuticals, consmetics, household products and construction materials.

Mangroves protect shorlines from damaging storm and hurricane winds, waves, and

floods. Mangroves also help prevent erosion by stablizing sediments with their tangled root

systems. They maintain water quality and clarity, filtering pollutants and trapping sediments

originating from land. Mangrove serves as valuable nursery areas for shrimp, crustaceans,

mollusks and fishes.

In addition mangrove trees has been utilized as a renewable resource. Harvested for

durable, water-resistant wood, mangroves have been used in building houses, boats, pilings,

and furtniture. Tannins and other dyes are extracted from mangrove bark. Leaves are used in

tea, medicine, livestock feed and as a substitue for tobacco for smoking.

a) Mangrove species in Karnataka: Mangrove swamps develop only where coastal

physiography and energy conditions are favorable. Mangroves develop best in the region,

expereincing abundant rainfall, evenly distributed througout the year and when the climate is

very much regular. The Coastal Karnataka is a region of high humidity. The rainfall here varies

from 2500mm to slightly over 3000mm, most of it seasonal during June-Septemeber, the peiod

of the South-West Monsoon. Karnataka coast soil is a misture of laterite rock and clay.

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Table 1: Mangroves species available in Karnatka:

Sl.No Family Species 1 Acanthacea Acanthus ilicifolius 2 Combreteaceae Lumnizera racemosa 3 Euphorbiaceae Excoecaria agallocha 4 Myrsinacea Aegiceras corniculatum 5 Poaceae Portersia coarctata 6 Rhizophoracea • Bruguiera cyclindrica

• Bruguiera gymnorrhiza • Kandelia candel • Rhizophora apiculata

Rhizophora mucronate 7 Sonneratiacear • Sonneratia alba

• Sonneratia caseolaris 8 Verberiaceae • Avicennia Marina

• Avicennia officinalis Karnataka has a coastline of over 320 kilometers. Fourteen rivers and several small

rivulets, which originate in the Western Ghats cut across the coast to join the Arabian Sea.

Towards the coast, the salt water tides from the sea travel several kilometers interior through

the river mouths providing cogenial habitats for mangroves. Most mangroves are of the

fringing type in linear formations along the river or estuarine banks. Where the estuaries are

wider, expecially in Swarna-Sita-Kodi, Gangoli, (towards the mouth of Haladi-Chakra-Kollur

rivers). Aghananshini and Kali there are several remarkable locations for mangroves.

b) Decline of Mangroves: The main threat to mangroves throughout the world is their over

exploitation by man. Development along the coastline often results in the remoal of mangroves

by dredging for construction. This has damaging effects on adjacent habitats, such as coral

reefs and seagrass beds, as well as on the fish and shelfish that rely havily on mangroves for the

completion of their different life stages. The destruction of mangroves will decrease

biodiversity within these areas, increase coastal erosion, storm impacts and decrease fisheries

production. It is therefore very important that mangrove lagoons are protected and conservation

methods be implemented to ensure their health.

Coastal Karnataka is one of the better-developed geographical area of the state with

high degree of economic development and density of population. The settlements in the coastal

region consists 22 urban agglomerations and 1044 villages. The region supports high degree of

agricultural and horticultural activities, fishing and acquaculture, sand and shell mining

industry, harbour development, trade and transport etc. which naturally have their toll on

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coastal ecosystems, including mangroves. The project Seabird Naval Base has converted 32

sq.Km of land, including some of the mangroveareas, into a highly man-modified complex.

According to the state of the Environment Report and Action Plan, 2003 (Department

of Forest, Ecology and Environment, Government of Karnatka) “Many coastal depressions in

the vicinity of mangrove habitats are filled with mud from lagoons to cultivate coconut

plantations. The coir retting carrierd out mainly in mangrove cleared areas, is a microbial

process and causes pollution of water, air and soil, which in turn, affects the marine resources,

quality of estuarine banks and nearby beaches”. Some of the major reasons for the decline of

mangroves, especially along the west coast are:

• Over-explotiation or deforestation of mangroves for fuel and fodder • Reclamation of mangrove swamps • Sand and shell mining • Grazing and trampling by livestock • Damages to saplings from native crafts and fishing activities • Bund and road making • Dumping of rubbish and solid waste into the swamps • Impact of dams and barrages

5.4 FLORA OF COASTAL WETLANDS

The wetlands of Karnataka are classified into inland and coastal categoreis, both natural

and man-made. Natural inland wetlands includes lakes, ox-bow lakes, and marshes/swamps.

Man-made inland wetlands include reservoirs and tanks. Natural coastal wetlands include

estuaries, creeks, mudflats, mangroves and marshes. Man-made coastal wetlands include salt

pans Wetlands cover about 2.72 million ha, of which inland wetlands cover about 2.54 million

ha and coastal wetlands cover 0.18 million ha. The area of 682 wetlands, scattered throughout

the state of Karnataka, is about 2718 sq km.

The fresh water ponds are very few along the coast, barring few medium to large ones

in advanced stages of silting, and a number of smallones where water dries up in summer or

only very little remains, many temple ponds being exceptions. Salinity tolerant species, mainly

sedges (members of Cyperaceae), some grasses, Spenoclea, Hygrophila, Alternanthera Sessils,

Bacpa monnieri etc. persist in and around the brackish water wetlands. Of the notable salinity

tolerant sedges are Cyperus corymbosus, C. malaccensis, Eleocharis dulcis, E.Spiralis,

Fimbristylis ferrunginea, F. littoralis, Mariscus javanicus, pycreus polystachyos etc.

Kinds of wetlands: Wetlands observed during the present survey consist of the following types:

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1. Rice fields (both fresh water and brackish water or gazni fields)

2. Abandoned rice fields – due to brackish water ingression

3. Coastal marshes (sessonal and perennial)

4. Mangroves, estuaries, creeks, mudflats

5. Ponds/lakes

6. Reservoirs

7. Rock pools, ditches, quarries

8. Streams and rivers

9. Canals a) Importance of wetlands: Wetlands play an essential part in the regulation of river flow,

they filter pollutants, acts as buffer shorelines against erosion and fertilizers and they are

spawning zones for some species of fish. Wetlands are vital to the balance of rivers and crucial

for supporting high diversity of animal and vegetable species need be preserved. They should

not be merely abandoned but properly managed like other areas.

b) Threats to wetlands: Wetlands are one of the most threatned habitats of the world.

Wetlands in India, as elsewhere are increasingly facing several anthropogenic pressures. The

following are the various reasons for wetland lossess:

• Agricultural conversion

• Deforstation in wetlands

• Hydrological alteration

• Alteration of upper watersheds

• Degradation of water quality

• Ground water depletion

• Species introduction

c) Area under Wetlands: India

According to the Directory of Indian Wetlands, India has 58.2 million ha of wetlands,

including area under wet paddy cultivation. The mjority of the inland wetlands are directly or

indirectly dependent on the major rivers like Ganga, Brahmaputra, Narmada,

Godavari, Krishna, Kaveri and Tapti. Wetlands occur in all parts of India, including in

Rajasthan and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. (Prasad et.al., 2003)

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Table 1 Area estimates of wetlands of India (in million ha)

Sl No

Activity Area (In milion ha)

1 Area under paddy cultivation 40.9 2 Area suitable for fish culture 3.6 3 Area under capture fisheries (brackish and freshwater) 2.9 4 Mangroves 0.4 5 Estuaries 3.9 6 Backwater 3.5 7 Man-made impoundments 3.0 Total area of Wetlands 58.2

(Source: Directory of Asian Wetlands, IUCN, 1989)

Grouping of Indian Wetlands

1. Himalayan wetlands 2. Indo-Gangetic wetlands 3. Coastal Wetlands 4. Deccan Wetlands (Prasad et.al., 2003)

The wetlands of Karnataka are classified into inland and coastal categories, both natural

and man-made. Natural inland wetlands include lakes, ox-bow lakes, and marshes/swamps.

Man-made inland wetlands include reservoirs and tanks. Natural coastal wetlands include

estuaries, creeks, mudflats, mangjroves and marshes. Man-made coastal wetlands include salt

pands wetlands cover about 2.72 million ha, of which inland wetlands cover about 2.54 million

ha and coastal wetlands cover 0.18 million ha. The area of 682 wetlands, scattered throughout

the state of Karnataka, is about 2718 sqkm (Ramachandra, 2005).

d) Value of Wetlands

Retain water during dry periods, thus keeping the water table high and relatively stable.

Mitigate floods and trap suspended solids and attached nutriets. Thus streams following

into lakes by way of wetland area will transport fewer suspended solids than if they

flow directly into lakes.

Recycling of nutrients

Purification of water

Maintenance of stream flow

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Recharge of groundwater

Important feeding and breeding area for wildlife and fish and provide a stopping place

and reguge for waterflows.

Wetlands support high diversity of species

Buffer shorelines against erosion

Offer recreation to society

e) Acute Wetland Losses

1. Agricultural conversion: Rice farming is a wetland dependent activity and is

developed in riparian zones, river deltas and savannaha areas. Due to capturered

preceipitation for fishpond acquaculture in the catchment areas and rice-farms

occupying areas that are not wetlands, the dowstream natural wetlands are deprived of

water. About 1.6 million ha of freshwater are covered by fresh water fishponds in India.

Rice filds and fishponds come uder wetlands, but they rarely function like natural

wetlands. Of the estimated 58.2 million ha of wetlands in India, 40.9 million ha are

under rich cultivation.

2. Deforestation in Wetlands: Farming in mangrove areas and fisheries production,

particularly shrimp farming, have destroyed considerable area under mangroves. The

shrimp farms also cause excessive withdrawal of freshwater and increased pollution

load on water.

3. Hydrologica alteration: The changes in hydrology include either the removal of water

from wetlands or raising the land-surface elevation, such that it no longer floods,

Substantial increase in irrigated farming in recent times, after an initial increase in crop

productivity, has given way to reduced to fertility and salt accumulation in soil due to

irrigated farming in arid solids.

4. Inundation by dammed reservoirs: More than 1550 large reservoirs covering more

than 1.45 million ha and over 100, 000 small and medium resorvoirs covering 1.1

million ha in India significantly affect hydrology and wetland ecosystems.

f) Chronic Wetland Losses

1. Alteration of upper watersheds: The deforestation, overgazing removes soil water-

holding capacity, erosion becomes more pronounced, affecting the hydrology with

adverse consequences on downstream wetlands.

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2. Degradation water Quality: Water quality is directly proportional to the human

population and its various activities. More than 50,000 small and large lakes are

polluted to the point of being considered ‘dea’ Sewage, industrial pollution, and

chemicals from agricultural runoff are major polluting factors.

3. Ground water depletion: Draining wetlands has depleted ground water recharge in

numerous localities of India.

4. Species introductins: Wetlands in India support around 2400 species and subspecies of

birds. But losses in habitats due to exotic weeds such as water huacinth (Eichhonrnia

crassipes) and Salvinia have threatened the wetlands, competing with native vegetation.

g) CONSERVATION OF WETLANDS

Wetland conservation in India is indirectly influneced by various legislative measures,

the important ones are noted below:

The Indian Fisheries Act, 1857 The Indian Forest Act, 1927 Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 & 1977 Territorial Wter, Continental Shelf, Exclusive Economic Zone and other Marine

Zones Act, 1976. Forest (Conservation) Act, 1986 Coastal Zone Regulation Notification, 1991 Wildlife (protection) Amendment Act, 1991 National Policy and Macro Level Action Strategy on Biodiversity, 1990.

India is also a signatory to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands and the Convention on

Biological Diversity.

h) Lacuna: None of the coasstal wetlands of Karnataka has to far met the criteria for

consideration under. The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. Of the many wetlands in India,

only 68 are protected. But there are thousands of other wetlands that are biologically and

economically important but have no legal status. Estauaries of the Karnataka coast come under

the most threatened category of wetlands (prasad et al, 2003). Indeed an action plan needs to be

prepared specially for the wetlands of coastal Karnataka because of their heterogeneity and

species richness, despite the heavy population and development pressures the region is

subjected to. Moreover, efforts have to be made to integrate even small wetlands of varied

nature, in a conservation network.

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5.5 PSAMMOPHYTES OF COASTAL KARNATAKA

Where the land meets the oceans and seas it is called the seashore or beach. The beach

begins in the sand dunes above the high tide mark, the farthest point where the sand has been

carried by wave action. The beach extends to the depth beyond which the wave action does not

have sufficient force to move the sand particles. That is the point where the waves break.

The psammophtes are plants, which are adapted to grow successfully in sandy areas.

Along coastal Karnataka are beaches from the major habitats for Psammophtes. The coast is

indented with numerous river mouths, lagoons, bays creeks, promontories, cliffs, spits, sand

dunes and long beaches. There are about 90 sandy beaches along coastal Karnatka, which form

the major habitats for coastal psammophytes plants.

Vegetation of the breaches: The beach or strand area is characterized by maritime climate,

salt spray, and sand blast by winds and azonal soil with a low organic content. The prevailaing

climate along the shore of Karnataka is sub-humid. Although a number of pseices may be

associated with the sea beaches only some species show fidelity to the beach or strand habitat.

Beach Vegetation: The beaches are carpeted with beatch vegetation otherwise called as

stramd Vegetation, mainly consisting of berbs to arborealtrees. This vegetation is mainly

observed along the Karwar & Mangalore coast, where the beaches are wide and extensive.

Beach Plantations: All along the beaches rectangular shaped, characterized with cherry red

tone features were identified as beach plantations, comprising of Casuarina, grown under

afforestation programme to protect the coast. They were predominantly seen along the

Mangalore Udupi, Honnavar & Karwar area.

Other Vegetation: It comprises of swamp/marsh/coconut plantation. Scrub vegetation within

the confluence of the wetland, related to the phenomenon of regression of the sea. They may be

sites of older mudflats, which are under the sea in the age past.

Beaches of Coastal Karnataka: There are also 90 beaches with varying aesthtic potential.

Among these, the beaches at Someshwar-Ullal, Malpe, St. Mary Island, Belekeri and Karwar

have excellent potentil for international tourism. Om Beach and Kudle Beach of Gokarna are

few others to this list. About 22 beaches are considered unfit for such use due to coastal

erosion, human settlements and activities linked to port/harbour, industries and fisheries.

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Problems of beaches of Karnataka: The major problems that are detrimental to the beach

ecosystems of Karnataka are the following:

1. High density of population

2. Costal erosion

3. Littering of beaches

4. Poor sanitary conditions

5. Disappearance of native vegetation.

Beach Survey: Selected beaches representing all the districts of coastal Karnataka (Dakshina

Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada) have been surveyed. The beach survey was done more

intesively in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts, on account of the flatter terrain, and more

number of sandy beaches. Uttara Kannada coast is very hilly, the promontories often breaking

the continuity of sandy beaches. As our survey was confined to psammophytic plants, which

grow only in sandy areas, we have not considered the rocky parts coast. Moreover, in Uttara

Kannada, most beaches of Karwar have come under the jurisdiction of the project Seabird

Naval Base, a high security zone and therefore could not be brought under the current study.

5.6 BEACH FLORA OF KARNATAKA: PROBLEMS AND ACTION PLAN

The coastal area is a meeting place of major ecosystems of the world. Here the land

meets the sea and the rivers join the sea producing at their confluence the estuaries, which are

unique and richly productive. The weather conditions are more congenial for human life and

sustaining rich and varied biodiversity. Here the productivity in general is high; if one

ecosystem fails the other doesn’t. That is the reason that bulks of the human population live

long the coastlines of the world. Not only that the coastal areas, from pre-historical times,

facilitated trans-oceanic migrations of humans and became in due course flourshing centres of

trade and tourism.

Karnataka’s coastline is exceptional and comparable to therest of the west coast, as the

Western Ghats, one of the well-known global biodiversity hotspots run close and parallel to the

coast. In Uttara Kannada district these mountains almost enter the Arabia Sea in many places,

producing unique landscapes, rare ecosystems, and places with high potential for tourism

development. In fact we cannot see the coastal tract in isolation; it is a region integrated with

the sea, the estuaries, rivers and mountains and from management point of view should be seen

holisticially as one.

18

Problems of the beach ecosystem: The major problems that are detrimental to the beach

ecosystems of Karnataka are the following:

1. High density of population: The occupational pressures are very high with impact on the

beaches and their vegetation. Coastal Karnataka has 22 urban agglomerations and 1044

villages. The coastal area has one major port at Mangalore, nine minor ports and 110 fish

landing centres. A single major intervention in the coastal zone is the project Seabird,

where an area of 32 sq.km is being converted into an area with several structures.

2. Coastal erosion: About 50% of the coastal zone (490,000 ha) is subject to moderate soil

erosion and 6% (56,000 ha) to severe soil erosion. The beaches are one of the three areas of

soil erosion the other two being mouths of rivers/estuaries and the tidal major sources being

reivers and beaches. Coastal erosion is due to the combined forces interventions mainly are

coastal protection structures, breakwaters, dredging in harbours, removal of sand from

beaches etc. The short period waves (storm waves) rip open the beaches, taking the material

away into deep water, while long period waves (swells) push this material back on to the

shore. The flood flow in rivers flowing parallel to the coast makes the adjacent beaches

more vulnerable to erosion.

Intensive coastal erosion takes place from May end to middle of August, which is not

continuous. There is a period of deposition in between and the net effect is erosion. The

average recession of the beach during the two-year period (1998-2000) in the southern part

of the coast is 6.44m and the progradation in the northern part is 4.91m. The places

identified for coastal erosion are Ullal, Tannirbavi, Bengre, Sasihitlu, Udyavara, Hoode,

Kundapur-kodi, Hangarkatta, Kirimanjeswara, Honnavar, Shiralli, Manjuguni, Karikodi

etc.

3. Littering of beaches: It is a major problem and there isno mechanismfor garbage

clearnance and disposal.

4. Poor Sanitary conditions: Poor sanitary conditions have been observed in all fish

landing centres and fishing villages.

5. Disappearance of native vegetation: There has been much destruction of the flora of

beaches in the recent decades due to ever increasing human pressures. Except for some of

the plantations of exotic Casuarina trees the natural trees and shrubs such as Calophyllum,

Pongamia, Morinda Citrifolia, Etythrina variegata, Pandamus, Odoratissimus have largely

disappeared. The dune vegetation of herbs and creepers and shrubs are variously affected

by sand removal, trampling, grazing, dumping of trash etc.

19

Action Plan

1. Beach protection through bio-shielding: The construction of seawalls to enderosion

and breakwaters can have adverse consequences. Seawalls and breakwaters should be

restricted to areas where they are extremely necessary. Since a good beach is the best

protection for the coast, beach nourishment, strand vegetation etc. along with slected

technological interventions should be preferred.

2. EIA for seawalls and breakwaters: Construction of seawalls/breakwaters should be

subjected to comprehensive environment impact assessment.

3. Beaches to be zero waste areas: Steps should be taken to promote beaches as zero

waste areas through awareness programmes, village and town level soldi wate

management programmes, providing sanitation facilities all along the coast and periodic

cleaning of beaches.

4. Baseline Knowledge on Flora and Fauna: Beaches should be evaluated for their

floristic and fanual richness and appropriate restoration and conservation plans to be

implemented for suitable beaches.

5. Special protection for turtle breeding areas: Many of the beaches which marine

turtles like Olive Ridley visit to lay eggs, should be given special protection and

prefereably be brought under co-management programmes.

6. Beach Management to Strengthen Local economy: Planting of various plant species

of medicinal, food and other economic value, suitable for beaches need to be promoted

and brought under co-management with the lcoal people. Beach beautification

programmes through restoration of natural vegetation can also enhance their tourism

potential and benefit the local residents.

7. Nursery of beach plant speicies: District-wise plant nurseries may be started for

propagation of key psammophytic plant species, both local and selected introduced

ones, after proper evaluation of their economic and ecologic values.

20

5.7 AGRO BIODIVERSITY OF DOMESTICATED CROPS

A) LANDUSE PATTERN IN THE STUDY AREA

The study area is having five major rivers viz., Kali, Gangavali, Aghanashini, Sharavathi

and Venkatapura. These rivers flow from their sources in Shyadri hills towards west in to

Arabian Sea. Some of the magnificent waterfalls in Uttara Kannada district are Jog falls,

Lushington (Unchalli falls) and Magod falls, which are associated with Sharavathi,

Aghanashini and Gangavali rivers respectively forming the finest estuaries of west coast.

Forest types: A patch of land covered primarily by trees interspersed by some shrubs and

grasses.

(a) Evergreen forest: A patch of land covered by perennial plants that are never entirely

without foliage. Trees are interspersed with shrubs and herbs.

(b) Semi-evergreen forest: A patch of land covered by a combination of dominant

evergreen trees and with deciduous trees being more than 25 percent. Trees are

interspersed with shrubs and herbs.

(c) Disturbed Semi evergreen: A semi evergreen forest degraded due to human activities

including extraction of trees.

(d) Scrubland (or Scrub jungle): A patch of land covered primarily by shrubs with little

grass and hardly any trees.

(e) Grassland: A patch of land covered primarily by grass and other herbs with hardly any

trees or shrubs

(f) Tree crops: These include both forestry plantations and orchards.

Traditional land management practices

(a) Sacred Groves: The land rights of the Sacred Groves lie with Revenue Department. But

the management of groves is private or participatory.

(b) Grazing lands: The land rights of the grassland lie with the Revenue Department, while

the management of grassland lies with the Panchayat.

(c)Bhogi Haadi): The land rights and management of the Haadis are private.

21

(d) Kumki: The land rights lie with Revenue Department, but management is private or

participatory.

(e) Water bodies: The rights of water bodies lie with the Revenue Department, but the

management lies with the Minor Irrigation Department.

(f)Paddy fields/Orchards: These come under private management.

Table: Landuse pattern in the Coastal districts of Karnataka

Sl. No

Parameters Uttara Kannada Dakshina Kannada Udupi Total

1 Geographical area (ha) 1,024,679 477,149 356,446 1,858,294

2 Forest area (ha) 815,041 128,476 99,569 1,043,086 (56.13%)

3 Cultivable land (ha) 126,465 161,190 130,556 418,211 (22.50%)

4 Uncultivable (ha) 32,299 86,256 92,508 211,063 (11.36%)

5 Fallow land (ha) 15,206 12,587 13,535 41,328 (2.22%)

6 Land not available for cultivation (ha)

50,054 116,146 50,215 216,415 (11.65%)

7 Net area under irrigation (ha)

23,264 70,849 34,303 128,416 (6.91%)

8 Rainfall (mm) 2835 3975 4119

Source: Karnataka at a glance 2002-03, Department of Economics and Statistics, GOK.

BENEFITS OF FORESTS IN COASTAL ZONES

Evergreen forests are home of streams, rivers, rivulets, repository of honeybees, aesthetically,

culturally and socially important when certain spots are associated with sacred beliefs.

Grasslands provide for grazing of livestock. Flowering of rubber plants increases the

availability of honey. Plantations check soil erosion due to contour formation. Streams provide

water for irrigation and they harbour fish and aquatic fauna. Simple local value added products

not involving any external inputs, such as large serving spoons made of coconut shells ("Kaif')

rain cover ("Gorabe" or "Korambu") made of leaves of Vateria indica, areca plates ("Hale

thatte") made from the sheathing leaf bases of areca palms and milk product viz Khova are

some of the products made from locally available natural resources.

22

Table: Land holding pattern in the Coastal districts of Karnataka

Sl. No

Classification Uttara Kannada

(No.)

Dakshina Kannada

(No.)

Udupi (No.)

Total

1 Total number of farmers 168,821 182,465 192,985 544,271

2 Marginal farmers (< 1ha) 115,714 119,330 140,280 375,324 (68.95%)

3 Small farmers (1-2 ha) 29,328 33,039 24,446 86,813 (15.95%) 4 Semi-medium farmers (2-4

ha) 14,730 14,471 12,722 41,923 (7.70%)

5 Medium farmers (4-10 ha) 4,645 5,168 4,829 14,642 (2.69%)

6 Large farmers (> 10 ha) 4,404 10,457 10,708 25,569 (5.00 %)

Source: Karnataka at a glance 2002-03, Department of Economics and Statistics, GOK.

RELATION BETWEEN WILD AND DOMESTICATED CROP VARIETIES

The farmers have domesticated the wild varieties of plants such as pepper, cardamom,

cinnamon, nutmeg, mango, jack, kokum, etc. The evergreen, semi-evergreen, wetland forests,

scrub and many other habitats have given shelter to several wild relatives of cultivated plants.

These include wild relatives of rice, millets, bitter gourd, snake gourd, lady’s finger, grapes,

legumes, ginger, turmeric, yams, gooseberry etc. Crops like pepper and banana are suffering

from diseases in the cultivated farms. Farmers have attempted to bring the wild varieties of

crops that are resistant to diseases of pests in the farming system. Wild rice is found in many

ponds of Malenadu region. It is important to conserve the wild relatives of cultivated plants for

future genetic improvement.

COASTAL ECOLOGICAL ZONES

Three coastal districts of Karnataka namely Uttara Kannada, Dakshina Kannada and Udupi

were considered for the study. Each taluk has been divided into three broad bioclimatic regions

called ecological regions, namely Coastal region, inland region and foothill region.

Coastal region is having various ecological zones with diversity of crops in each of these zones.

An attempt has been made to identify the existing status of cultivated crop diversity in the

region and to evolve an action plan to conserve these resources.

Coastal region: The coastal belt (≈7.5 km) of Karnataka is having distinct climatological

parameters such as high temperature, higher relative humidity and higher salt content in the

23

atmosphere. This favors distinct crop diversity than the adjacent terrestrial eco-region.

In this region, the traditional practice of paddy cultivation has been replaced by prawn

cultivation in certain pockets. Later, disease infestation to prawns led to introduction of high

yielding varieties of paddy. Farmers are now growing saline resistant paddy varieties known as

‘Kagga’. Similarly the coastal Kumta town is well known for the special variety of coconut

because of its distinct aroma and taste.

Inland coastal region: This region (≈7.00 km) is having influence of both the microclimate of

foothills and humid salty environment of the coast. This region acts as a precursor for different

crop diversity. Forests on the banks of small streams/rivers in the district produce unique

ecosystem with diverse plant species. The special wild variety of mango locally known as

Appemedi is found in this belt. It is used for making pickle, which is popular in the entire

district.

Foothills of Western Ghats: Region (≈14.00 km) with pleasant microclimatic condition with

abundant moisture. While the evergreen forest belt of this region is rich in the diversity of

plants. Farmers are engaged in the cultivation of small narrow valleys with areca nut and

different paddy species. Cardamom, pepper, areca nut, nutmeg and beetle leaves are the crops

of the spice gardens. The foothills are well known for cultivation of scented paddy variety.

Similarly Yana village in Kumta region is well known for good quality of coconuts with good

yield and larger size. The foothills are also the resource bases of NTFP collection.

Paddy, legumes, mango, banana, jackfruit, sugarcane and vegetables are the important

agricultural crops of the district of coastal Karnataka. There are traditional varieties and

modern HYV (High Yielding Varieties) in each of these crops adopted by the farmers. The

diversity among each of these crops and several others is quite high requiring systematic survey

and documentation.

PADDY

Paddy is the main cereal crop grown in the wetlands of coastal Karnataka. Large varieties

of paddy crops are grown abundantly in the coastal region as compared to other ecological

regions. Traditional varieties are grown only for household consumption. These traditional

varieties are distinct in morphology, taste, aroma, quality and other special features. Despite the

small area under rice, the local varieties grown are many.

24

Table: Traditional and hybrid paddy crops cultivated in Coastal Karnataka

Coast Inland Foot hills

Taluks Traditional Hybrids Traditional Hybrids Traditional Hybrids

Mangalore 19 11 22 7 15 8

Bantwala 21 12 22 11 21 7

Belthangadi 16 11 12 9 47 9

Udupi 16 8 15 6 13 6

Karkala 21 14 9 13 13 8

Kundapur 18 10 16 8 15 5

Bhatkal 18 12 16 12 11 8

Honnavar 23 15 14 10 17 12

Ankola 19 12 19 11 16 9

Kumta 21 13 18 11 16 9

Karwar 12 7 13 8 11 6

TOTAL 84 28 73 19 76 15

Note: Traditional varieties of paddy cultivated in coastal, inland and foothill regions are 84, 73 and 76

respectively. Hybrid varieties of paddy cultivated in coastal, inland and foothill regions are 28, 19 and

15 respectively. Cultivation of traditional and hybrid varieties in each coastal taluk varies depending on

the climatic and edaphic factors besides the choice of crop varieties available to farmer.

Kanwa is a nutrient rich rice and Parimala sannakki, Gulwadi sannakki, Gandsale, Girsale are scented varieties of rice. Kagga variety of rice is cultivated in salt water and few traditional varieties are shown in the photographs.Mr. Deva Rao of mittabagilu village in Belthangadi

taluk of Dakshina Kannada district has maintained 47 local varieties of paddy with a small seed

bank. These local paddy varieties are associated with the culture and tradition of local areas and

they are used on different occasions based on their special characters. As some paddy varieties

are best suited for Avalakki, Parimala sannakki rice is good for preparing eatables and sweets.

Some paddy varieties are grown only for the preparation of dosa/idly. These varieties are easily

25

mashable with little boiling. Chintamani variety of rice is hard even after boiling for a long

period. Diversity of traditional varieties and hybrids was found to be higher (84 traditional

varieties and 28 hybrid varieties) in coastal region than other ecological regions.

Table : Local and hybrid paddy crops cultivated in Coastal Karnataka

Coast Inland Foothills TOTAL Districts

Local Hybrid Local Hybrid Local Hybrid Local Hybrid

DK 56 19 56 13 62 12 63 19

Udupi 58 23 40 18 41 15 60 24

UK 79 26 69 17 71 15 84 28

Uttara Kannada is having higher diversity of paddy (84 traditional and 28 hybrid paddy

varieties) as compared to Dakshina Kannada (63 & 19) and Udupi (60 & 24) districts.

Introduction of commercial cultivation of prawn in wetlands has affected the cultivation of

paddy in the region. Incidence and spread of disease in the cultivation of prawns has distracted

the farmers. The farmers started thinking about alternatives when the cultivation of prawn was

affected. Ultimately they resorted to use of pesticides and inorganic fertilizers in heavy dose for

cultivation of newly introduced exotic High Yielding Varieties of crops for boasting the yield.

Figure : Graphical representation of paddy crops cultivated in Coastal Karnataka

0102030405060708090

Local Hybrid Local Hybrid Local Hybrid

Coast Inland Foothills

Mangalore Udupi UK

There are 84 traditional varieties of paddy and 24 HYV documented after sample

survey. The trend of diversity in Coastal ecological region of Uttara Kannada and Udupi

district is higher compared to other two ecological regions. The trend is almost similar between

the ecological regions in Dakshina Kannada. Diversity of traditional varieties of paddy is

highest in Uttara Kannada district followed by Dakshina Kannada district and Udupi district.

26

High Yielding Varieties of paddy occupy the majority of paddy growing areas. Diversity of

high yielding and traditional varieties of paddy is very high along the coastal ecological region

as compared to other regions. The 1001 and Jaya varieties of paddy are dominant in Uttara

Kannada, while MO4 and Jaya paddy varieties are common in Udupi and Mangalore districts.

Mr. Devarao of Mittabagilu village, Belthangadi taluk has maintained a seed bank and 47

traditional paddy varieties. Mr. S. V. Hegde, Agricultural officer from Honnavar has

maintained good number of paddy varieties.

Description of fragrant paddy (Oryza sativa) crops cultivated in Coastal Karnataka:

Sl. No. Local name Description

1 Gandsale Scented, small grains, tall crop with low yield. Long duration (185 days) crop with low yield, used as raw (Belthakki) rice and best suited for Pulav, Payasam. The crop is harvested 20 days from Panical blooming.

2 Parimalasanna bhatta

Small rice, very aromatic and good quality for benathakki, which is used for preparation of sweets.

3 Gulwadi sannakki

Small, short, scented grains, tall crop; medium duration crop of 115 days is used as raw (Benthakki) rice. It is native to Kundapur taluk of Udupi.

4 Pitsale Red, medium sized scented grains used as boiled (Kucchulelakki) rice. Old variety, medium duration crop of 135 days. Characters resemble Kaime variety.

5 Basmathi gidda Small, long, scented grains, Short, improved variety, Medium duration crop of 120 days best suited for transplanting used as raw (Belthakki) rice

6 Basmathi udda Small, long, scented grains, having hairy tip, short, improved variety, Medium duration crop of 120 days, best suited for transplanting. Used as raw (Belthakki) rice.

27

Description of traditional paddy (Oryza sativa) crops cultivated in Coastal Karnataka:


1 Rajkaime

Round grains, tall crop with low yield. Long duration crop (180 days) used as raw rice (Belthakki) and best suited for eatables fried in oil. Paddy is heavy in weight and pest resistant. Rice tastes better when we keep it for a year.

2 Rathnachuda

Small, Red grains with moderate taste, Medium duration tall crop (120 days), used as raw rice (Belthakki).

3 Nagabhatha Big grains with good taste, Long duration crop (150 days). Tall variety used as boiled rice (Kuchalakki).

4 Kanwa Big, red grains with good taste, Medium duration crop (120 days). Character resembles Kaime variety. Used as boiled rice (Kuchalakki). Native of Kundapur taluk of Udupi District.

5 Masuri Small grains, tall crop with good yield. Long duration crop (175 days) used as raw rice (Belthakki) and best suited for dosa preparation. Sensitive to stem borer.

6 Kaime Red grains used as boiled rice (Kucchulelakki). Old variety, medium duration crop (145 days). Needs marginal fertility and yields according to rainfall (more rain more yield).

7 Alyande Round, red grains used as boiled rice (Kucchulelakki). Characters resemble Kaime variety, Medium duration crop (150 days) and easy to remove debris.

8 Kavalakannu Red grains, tall crop, Medium duration crop (115 days) used as boiled rice (Kuchalakki). Small mark on the edge of the grains, whole plant becomes red during panicle initiation.

9 Jirige sanna Small grains, tall crop with low yield. Long duration crop (160 days) used as raw rice (Belthakki). Character resembles to Gandsale.

10 Hallangi Red grains used as boiled rice (Kucchulelakki). Old variety, medium duration crop (140 days). Characters resembling to Kaime variety.

11 Kolakedodra Red grains, tall crop, Medium duration crop (125 days) used as boiled rice (Kuchalakki). Size of rice is bigger when boiled.

12 Moradda Big, Red grains, tall, local variety, Short duration crop (90 days) used as raw rice (Belthakki).

13 Misebhatha Red, big grains, grains have hairy tip, short, improved variety, medium duration crop (120 days), best suited for boiled rice Ganji (Kuchalkki ganji).

14 Ajipasale Big grains, tall, local variety, Short duration crop, (100 days) panicle initiation after 60 days after transplanting. Old variety performs better for transplanting, used as boiled rice (Kuchalakki).

28

15 Kundapollen Big, round, scented rice, grains resembling coriander seeds. Medium duration crop (120 days) and rice suitable for raw rice (Belthakki).

16 Kuttikaime Big, red grains with good taste, Long duration (140 days), tall crop, used as boiled rice (Kuchulakki Ganji), Thick husk resist Bambuchi panical mites. Disease resistant variety needs less fertilizer. Straw is soft and palatable.

17 Suggi kaime Big, red grains with good taste, Long duration (130 days), tall crop, used as boiled rice (Kuchulakki Ganji). Disease resistant variety needs less fertilizers, thick husk resist Bambuchi panical mites. Straw is soft and palatable.

18 Kalme

Tall variety with small ressish grains, used as raw rice. Variety is resistant to diseases and needs more water.

19 Adenukelte

Small, white, short crop with small grains, with low yield. Long duration (150 days) crop, used as raw (Belthakki) rice.

20 Kamadhari

Big, red grains with good taste, Long duration (150 days). Tall variety used as boiled (Kuchalakki) rice. Native of Thirthahalli taluk of Shimoga district

21 Kari kagga

Kagga – Grown only in severe salt water with long pointed tip in each grain. Grains are black, good in taste, believed to contain high protein and nutrient rich and used only as boiled rice. No input and care is required. Since grown in submerged condition, follow once ploughing. Harvest only top panicles.

22 Chintamani

Grains are round, oval almost looking like Coriandar seeds with long pointed tip in each grain. This grows in submerged condition. This is best for sweet preparation and boiled rice.

23 Jaddu bhatta

Short varity grwon in low laying areas. Small- long grains, good quality rice.

24 Bili pandya

Grown during Khariff season in fresh water, grains are white, round, very good for boiled rice, nutritious and good for body cooling

25 Zigoratogya

Big, reddish grains with good taste, Long duration. Tall variety used as boiled (Kuchalakki) rice.

26 75 days

Short duration crop with medium sized grains. Grown well in short of moisture. Rice is used as raw rice.

18 Gowri, Jaya, IR –64, IR –8, MTU –1001, Rashi, Jyothi, Shakthi, Intan massoori (small grains)

New/old hybrid with bigger grains needs application of chemical fertilizers gives good yield and can be used as boiled rice but not much nutritious.

29

PULSE CROPS : Pulses are important food crops due to their high protein and essential amino

acid content. Pulses are annual leguminous crops yielding from 1 to 12 grains or seeds of

variable size, shape and colour enclosed in a pod. They are used as food and as well as animal

feed. The term "pulses" is limited to crops harvested solely for dry grain, thereby excluding

crops harvested green for food (green peas, green beans, etc.) classified as vegetable crops.

Some pulse crops are mainly used for oil extraction (e.g. soybean and groundnuts) and some

leguminous crops (e.g. seeds of clover and alfalfa) are used exclusively for sowing purposes. In

addition to their food value, pulses play an important role in cropping systems because of their

ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen enriching the soil. Pulses contain carbohydrates mainly

starches (55-65 percent of the total weight); proteins, including essential amino acids (18-25

percent, and much higher than cereals) and fat (1-4 percent). The balance component consists

of water and inedible substances.

Pulses are grown as rabi cover crop and not much care is taken for improvement. Not much

difference is found among traditional varieties between eco-logical regions, but comparatively

improved varieties are grown along the coastal region.

Table : Traditional and hybrid pulse crops cultivated in Coastal Karnataka



Mangalore 4 4 5 4 5 4

Bantwala 5 5 4 4 7 4


Udupi 7 4 7 3 7 4

Karkala 8 6 8 4 8 4

Kundapur 8 5 8 4 8 4

Bhatkal 7 6 6 4 6 4

Honnavar 7 4 7 4 7 4

Ankola 6 5 6 4 7 4

Kumta 7 4 7 4 7 4

Karwar 7 6 6 4 6 4

TOTAL 9 8 10 6 8 5

Note: Traditional varieties of pulses cultivated in coastal, inland and foothill regions are 9, 10 and 8 respectively. Hybrid varieties of pulses cultivated in coastal, inland and foothill regions are 8, 6 and 5 respectively. Cultivation of traditional and hybrid varieties in each coastal taluks varies depending on the climatic and edaphic factors besides the choice of crop varieties available to farmer.

30

There are 12 traditional varieties of pulse crops and 8 HYV. Pulse crop diversity is higher

in coastal and inland ecological regions than foothill region as given in table. Highest diversity

of traditional pulses is more in Kundapur and Karkal taluks of Udupi district. Higher diversity

of hybrid pulses has been documented in coastal ecological region.

Table : Local and hybrid pulse crops cultivated in Coastal Karnataka

Eco region Varieties Mangalore Udupi Uttara Kannada TOTAL

Local 7 6 5 9

Coast Hybrid 7 6 6 8

Local 7 6 5 10

Inland Hybrid 6 6 5 6

Local 7 6 5 8

Foothills Hybrid 5 5 5 5

Diversity of traditional pulse crops is highest in Dakshina Kannada district followed by

Udupi district and Uttara Kannada district. Diversity is not much among ecological regions and

also among the coastal districts. Only few types of pulses are generally grown as rabi crops.

Variability among them is considerably high. Only green coloured green gram can be seen in

Uttara Kannada but only black coloured green gram is grown in Kundapur taluk of Udupi

district. Where as in other parts of Udupi and Dakshina Kannada, both the varieties of green

grams are grown. Small sized local variety and big sized improved varieties of Black gram are

found in the region. White, light reddish brown and red coloured Cowpea are cultivated.

Figure : Graphical representation of local and hybrid pulse crops cultivated in Coastal

Karnataka

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31

Generally, diversity of pulse crops is low in the region but more numbers of varieties are

found in Dakshina Kannada district. Improved varieties of pulse crops are grown along the

coastal ecological region than in other regions. Bavade is one of the local pulses resembling

cowpea having small grains. Grain size and total yield of improved varieties of Cowpea, black

gram and green gram have been documented.

Description of pulse crops

Sl. No.

Scientific name Local name Description

1 Vigna unguiculata

Alasande

Local variety with red, small and white, big grains with medium yield, not much insect or disease attack noticed. Provide good dry fodder for cattle. Recently, Manila hybrid has been introduced to increase the yield of fodder.

2 Dolichos biflorus Huruli kalu Local variety with medium yield, not much insect or disease attack noticed. Provides good dry fodder for cattle. Local small grains and Madwale big grains were grown. Medium yield, not much insect or disease attack noticed. Provide good dry fodder for cattle.

3 Phaseolus radiatus

Hasiru kalu Hasiru: Small green grains, Nelapadange: Big, green grams, Kappu: In Kundapur district only black coloured grains of Green gram were used and in Dakshina Kannada both black and green coloured green grams are grown.

4 Phaseolus mungo

Uddu/ Black gram

Local varieties with small grains and hybrid varieties yield bigger grains.

5 Sesamum Black grains are grown for domestic purpose.

6 Vigna spp. Bavade

Small quantity is grown for domestic use for both human and cattle consumption.

7 Arachis hypogea Shenga Small seeds with lower yield, dry fodder for cattle.

8 Arachis hypogea Gejje shenga Bigger size, light coloured grains with higher yield.

9 Glycine max Soya avare

Introduced and only few farmers intitated to grow hybrids. Good quality and yields better.

32

MANGO

Mango is a tropical fruit belonging to the genus Mangifera which includes about 30 species

under the family Anacardiaceae. Mango is the apple of tropics and one of the most commonly

edible fruits in the tropical countries and also around the world. Mango retains a special place

in the culture of South Asia where it is being culivated since hundreds of years. Reference to

mango fruit as the "food of gods" can be found in Hindu Vedas. Leaves are used for decoration

in Hindu rituals marriages, festivals and religious ceremonies. The fruit is highly nutritious

containing about 15% sugar, up to 1% protein and significant amount of vitamins A, B and C.

India is by far the largest producer of mango with an area of 16,000 km² accounting for an

annual production of 10.8 million tonnes, sharing 57.18% of the total world production. Within

India, the southern state of Andhra Pradesh is the largest producer of Mango having 350,000

hectares of area under mango cultivation (2004 data). The most renowned variety of Indian

Mango is known as the Alphonso, which was locally known as the Hapoos. Apart from

consumption of fresh fruits there is good market for mango juice and other products. India is

the biggest player in the market catering Alphonso variety of mango to the high end of the

market and Totapuri variety to the lowest end. Raw mangoes are used in making pickles and

condiments due to its peculiar sweet and sour taste like that of Appemidi variety. Dried and

powdered raw mango is also used as condiment in the region.

The quality of fruit is based on the scarcity of fiber and minimal turpentine taste. The pulp

of mango is peach like and juicy with more or less numerous fibers radiating from the outer

coat of the single large kidney-shaped seed. Fibers are more pronounced in fruits grown with

hard water and chemical fertilizers. The flavor is pleasant and the pulp is rich in sugars and

acids. The seed may either have a single embryo, producing one seedling, or polyembryonic

producing several seedlings that are identical but not always true to the parent type.

The diversity of fruits in the region is high. They can be found in domesticated and wild

ecosystems. Mention may be made of the wild ‘appemidi’ mango variety, which is favored for

pickling. Diversity of ‘appemidi’ variety of mango is found more in Taluks of Uttara Kannada

and Sagar taluk of Shimoga district. Ankola (13) and Kumta (16) taluks have recorded the

highest variety of appemidi. Diversity of traditional mango (17 varieties) and appemidi (21

varieties) is high in inland coastal eco-region as shown in table 8.

33

Table: Mango varieties cultivated in Coastal Karnataka


Taluks TraditionalAppemedi Hybrids Traditional Appemedi Hybrids Traditional Appemedi Hybrids

Mangalore 7 9 6 12 5 9 11 4 6

Bantwala 8 4 8 10 5 8 10 4 7

Belthangadi 8 4 8 11 4 5 9 5 5

Udupi 7 4 8 9 5 7 9 4 7

Karkala 5 5 12 15 6 13 10 5 9

Kundapur 8 5 9 12 5 9 9 4 9

Bhatkal 10 6 8 11 6 8 10 5 9

Honnavar 9 8 9 9 10 9 10 7 8

Ankola 11 13 11 10 14 10 10 10 10

Kumta 11 16 10 10 17 9 9 15 9

Karwar 8 7 7 10 9 8 10 8 8

TOTAL 14 19 15 17 21 16 14 18 12

Note:

• Traditional varieties of mango cultivated in coastal, inland and foothill regions are 14, 17, and 14 respectively.

• Appemedi varieties of mango cultivated in coastal, inland and foothill regions are 19, 21 and 18 respectively.

• Hybrid varieties of mango cultivated in coastal, inland and foothill regions are 15, 16 and 12 respectively.

Cultivation of traditional, appemedi and hybrid varieties in each coastal taluks varies

depending on the climatic and edaphic factors besides the choice of crop varieties available to

farmer.

Although Mango is considered as the king of fruits, higher diversity of local varieties is

found in the region. Higher diversity of mango is found in Uttara Kannada district followed by

Udupi district and Dakshina Kannada districts.

34

Figure : Graphical representation of mango varieties cultivated in Coastal Karnataka

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Local mango varieties with sour taste are also used for making pickle apart from

Appemedi. High variability is found among local varieties. Some varieties are very small

having sweet taste while other varieties are having less pulp and few are having higher fiber

content. But majority of them are having distinct taste and odour. Hence, some varieties are

used for preparing curry and some varieties are used after storage.

Table: Mango varieties cultivated in Coastal Karnataka

Districts Local Appemedi Hybrids Local AppemediHybridsLocalAppemedi Hybrids

Mangalore 13 8 10 15 8 9 13 7 8

Udupi 15 11 10 15 11 8 13 13 7

UK 21 16 11 23 16 9 16 18 7

TOTAL 14 19 15 17 21 16 14 18 12

Even though the diversity of improved mango varieties found along the coastal region is higher

(15 varieties), the traditional mango varieties (17 varieties) are also given importance in inland

eco-region for their unique taste and fragrance. There are 17 traditional mango varieties, (8

local varieties and 9 varieties of major appemidi) excluding subtype like Ananthabhattana

appemidi and there are 11 improved varieties being grown in the region.

BANANA

Banana, the world’s most popular fruit is found in the region of Malaysia. By way of curious

visitors, banana has been brought to India. Banana plant is not a tree but the world’s largest

herb “Bananas are eaten raw, either the whole fruit or cut into slices and mixed with sugar, salt,

jaggery cream, wine, juice, other fruits, etc. They are also roasted, fried or boiled, and are made

into fritters, preserves, and marmalades.” The nutritional value of banana shows that it is the

35

healthiest fruit consumed as food. The fruit, when cooked, rates slightly higher on the

nutritional scale in vitamins and minerals but similar to the banana in protein and fiber content.

High in iron, banana can stimulate the production of haemoglobin in the blood when

consumed. This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it

the perfect food for helping to beat the blood pressure. Banana contains tryptophan, a type of

protein that the body converts into serotonin – known to make you relax, improve your mood

and generally make you feel happier. Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the

nervous system. Vitamin B6 regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood. The

high levels of Vitamin C, A1, B6 and B12 are also found along with potassium and magnesium

in them. This composition helps the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.

Banana is one of the chiefly available fruits at reasonable cost. This is the fruit that is

commonly used by majority of people all over the world. This is the cheaply available nutrient

supplementing fruit source. Higher diversity of traditional (16) and hybrid (9) varieties

recorded in inland coastal eco-region than in other regions coupled with cultivation of hybrids

is found to be less in foothill region.

Table: Traditional and hybrid varieties of banana cultivated in Coastal Karnataka



Mangalore 7 5 9 4 8 2

Bantwala 8 4 7 5 9 4


Udupi 9 6 10 6 10 6

Karkala 14 5 10 6 10 5

Kundapur 10 4 14 5 9 6

Bhatkal 17 4 10 7 12 5

Honnavar 10 4 10 6 10 6

Ankola 11 4 10 7 8 5

Kumta 9 3 8 7 8 5

Karwar 4 4 7 6 4 3

TOTAL 20 6 16 9 12 6

Note: Traditional varieties of banana cultivated in coastal, inland and foothill regions are 20, 16

and 12 respectively. Hybrid varieties of banana cultivated in coastal, inland and foothill regions

are 6, 9 and 6 respectively. Cultivation of traditional and hybrid varieties in each coastal taluks

varies depending on the climatic and edaphic factors besides the choice of crop varieties available

to farmer.

36

Banana is widely cultivated in the region; the notable varieties are Boodibale, Chipsbale,

Kari bale, Mitga, Mysore Mitga, Nenibale, Rasabale, Pachebale and Sakkarebale.

Onbale/Shanbale/Shilanti bale are used as vegetable and for preparation of chips. Wild banana

with black seeds is having high medicinal value. Sakkarebale is very sweet and Putbale is

short, small and tasty variety of fruit. Red coloured Nendra bale has been introduced from

Kerala and it is used for making fried items. Higher diversity of traditional banana is found in

Uttara Kannada district followed by Udupi district and Dakshina Kannada district.

Table : Local and hybrid varieties of banana cultivated in Coastal Karnataka



DK 15 5 13 5 11 6 16 7

Udupi 18 5 14 6 12 6 19 7

UK 20 4 16 8 13 5 20 8

Figure : Graphical representation of local and hybrid varieties of banana cultivated in

Coastal Karnataka

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Higher diversity of traditional (20) and hybrid (8) varieties recorded in Uttara Kannada

district than in Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts. The trend of higher diversity has been

found in Uttara Kannada followed by Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts. During the last

ten years or so due to spread of “Bunchy-top disease” the yield of banana is on the decline.

Improved Cavendish variety has been introduced as commercial variety in the recent past.

There are 28 banana varieties being grown in the region.

37

Description of Banana Varieties (Musa paradisiaca)


1 Kari bale Sweet with light sour, thick skin and tasty fruit with

longer shelf life.

2 Bargi karibale

Very sweet, thin skin and tasty fruit with longer shelf life.

3 Bidiri mitga

Very rare fruit like elakki, petiole is long, long fruit, small fruit and very sweet.

4 Hooru mitga

Very sweet, thin skin and tasty fruit with longer shelf life. Locally famous and in high demand.

5 Mysore mitga

Slightly sour in taste, thin skin and tasty fruit with longer shelf life.

6 Bud bale Light sour & sweet at ripe.

7 Onbale Unripe fruit is used as vegetable.

8 Pachbale (Cavendis) Sweet, long, big fruit, good taste & high yielding

9 Karbale

Medium sized round fruit with long keeping quality. Even fruit covers turns black, fruit is in good condition and tasty.

10 Shanbale Big green fruit used as vegetable and also for fried items

11 Sakrebale Medium sized fruit with very sweet taste.

12 Yelakki Small to medium sized fruit with tasty fruits with moderate yield

OTHER FRUITS

JACK FRUIT The natural diversity among jackfruit is very high. It is used as table fruit and also as vegetable.

Ripe fruits have distinct fragrance and taste. Edible, rigid and hard fruits are locally called as

bakke and variability among bakke are known as Rudra bakke, Chandra bake and Bili bakke.

Edible soft fruits are called Thulve or Imba and also found Areimba or Arethulve. The unripe

fruits are used as vegetable. The unripe Artocarpus lakucha fruits are sour in taste. The fruits

are harvested, cut into halves, dried in sunlight, stored and used as souring agent in the

preparation of food. Breadfruit Artocarpus insis is used as vegetable. Higher traditional (41

varieties) fruit diversity has been recorded along the foothill region than in other regions but

38

the introduction of improved varieties (18 varieties) recorded along the coastal ecological

region.

Table : Traditional and hybrid fruit crops grown in Coastal Karnataka



Mangalore 31 12 33 9 36 7

Bantwala 33 9 30 10 37 8

Belthangadi 31 10 36 11 36 9

Udupi 28 10 31 9 33 8

Karkala 29 12 30 10 30 8

Kundapur 31 11 31 10 31 9

Bhatkal 33 12 32 12 31 7

Honnavar 27 13 33 10 36 9

Ankola 34 12 31 9 33 8

Kumta 29 13 29 8 34 8

Karwar 28 11 29 12 32 9

TOTAL 36 18 39 17 41 12

Note: Traditional varieties of fruit crops (jack, sapota, pine apple, narale, etc) cultivated in coastal, inland and foothill regions are 36, 39 and 41 respectively. Hybrid varieties of fruit crops cultivated in coastal, inland and foothill regions are 18, 17 and 12 respectively. Cultivation of traditional and hybrid varieties of fruit crops in each coastal taluks varies depending on the climatic and edaphic factors besides the choice of crop varieties available to farmer.

Table : Local and hybrid fruit crops grown in Coastal Karnataka



DK 32 15 38 11 37 12 38 17

Udupi 31 15 36 14 38 12 39 16

UK 35 17 39 15 38 12 42 19

39

Figure: Graphical representation of local and hybrid fruit crops grown in Coastal Karnataka

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Highest diversity of local and hybrid fruits other than mango and banana has been

documented in Uttara Kannada than Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts. Same trend was

also noticed among other coastal districts also. There are numerous varieties of wild fruits that

are used by forest dwellers. Carissa carandus is one of the most nutritious fruits occurring in

wild and other fruits such as wild Kokum, Uppage, Jujube, Black berry (Neralu), Gooseberry

etc are also common. Brick red coloured fruit Amtrubale is the local pineapple variety having

spinous outer surface. Dr. Soans of Mudbidre has introduced the exotic fruits like Rambutan,

Mangosten and gumless jack. These fruits have become popular in the region. Totally around

50 species of fruit yielding plants have been documented after conducting field survey as

described in table. These are on the decline due to lack of adequate protection and decrease in

forest density.

Description of other fruit crops

Sl. No. Scientific name Local name Description

1 Artocarpus heterophyllus

Bakke halasu Chandra bakke, Rudra bakke. Jackfruit with rigid fruit even at ripe. Ripe

fruits are consumed.

2 Artocarpus heterophyllus

Amble halasu

Local variety of jackfruit. Half soft & half stiff type; full soft type is very soft at ripe, knife is not required to open the fruit. Rarely used as fruit and unripe fruit is used as vegetable, chip making etc.

3 Anacardium occidentale

Godambi Local variety, nut size is small. Ullal and Vengurla varieties are having bigger seeds.

40

4 Cucumis melo var. Melo

Karbuja hannu Nutritious and tasty pulp, used in the preparation of juice during Ramanavami festival.

5 Garcinia indica Panapuli

Red fruit juice reduces obesity and has medicinal value. Yellow/White fruits have higher medicinal value.

6 Garcinia gummigatta

Uppage Used as souring agent, reduces obesity and have medicinal value.

7 Ananas comosus Amtrubale (local pineapple)

Spines on fruit surface, sour and sweet in taste. Have high medicinal value.

8 Annona reticulata Ramphala More pulp with light sour and sweet taste.

9 Annona reticulata Jamble fruit Small spines on all parts including leaves and fruits are sweet.

10 Citrullus lunatus Kallangadi hannu White patches on the surface, pulp is reddish, watery and sweet.

11 Syzigium cumini Kuntu nerale Small, round fruit with little pulp.

12 Syzigium cariyophyllatum

Jogi hannu Round, small, tasty fruit. Plant has medicinal value.

13 Syzigium gardneri Nerale Medium sized, Round, small, tasty fruit. Plant has medicinal value.

14 Syzigium cumini Jam nerale Big long fruit with good quantity of pulp.

15 Carica papaya Parangi hannu Local and Taiwan variety: Small fruit with good quantity of pulp containing viable seeds. Wild fruit is more nutritious than hybrids.

16 Psidium gujava Peralu hannu Local variety fruit is small and sweet containing seeds. Hybrid variety has less number of soft seeds and more pulp. There are in red and white coloured fruits both in local and hybrid varieties.

17 Achras zapota Sapota hannu Local variety - Small - Medium sized round sweet fruit. Hybrid like Cricket ball – Variety is oblong, bigger in size and sweet.

18 Artocarpus lackucha

Vatehuli Unripen fruits opened and cut in to thin slices, dried and stored for use as souring agent.

19 Flucortia montana Sampige hannu Red coloured oblong edible sweet fruits. These nutritious fruits are available during summer.

41

20 Mimosops elengi Pagade mara Edible sweet fruits available during summer. Flowers are fragrant containing nectar, which is used to prepare traditional wine by folk women.

21 Canthium parviflorum

Kare hannu Yellow coloured sweet fruits; turns brown after ripening. Pet fruits of children during summer season.

22 Zizyphus juzuba Bare hannu

One of the major NTFPs occurring during summer season. Sweet and nutritious fruit.

23 Gardenia gummifera

Bukke hannu One of the major NTFPs occurring during summer season. Sweet, nutritious fruit. Gum is used for treating constipation.

24 Carissa caranda Kavale kai

Small sized fruits from spiny shrub. Green fruit turn brick red when ripe with high iron content.

25 Lichy fruit

Introduced plants with attractive coloured, nutrient fruit.

26 Spondia pinnata Amte kai

Green medium sized sour fruits used fro pickle making.

VEGETABLE CROPS

Vegetables include edible parts of plants such as leaves (Amaranthus), stems (Asparagus),

roots (carrots), flowers (broccoli), bulbs (Onion), seeds (Pulses) and fruits such as cucumber,

squash, pumpkin, capsicum, etc. Botanically, fruits are the reproductive parts of plants (ripened

ovaries containing one or many seeds), whereas vegetables are the vegetative parts of plants

which sustain the growth and survival of plant. Vegetables are consumed in varieties of ways

such as part of main meal or as snacks. The nutrients stored in different types of vegetable vary

considerably. With the exception of pulses, vegetables provide little protein and fat. Vegetables

contain water soluble vitamins like vitamin B and vitamin C, fat-soluble vitamins including

vitamin A and vitamin D and also contain carbohydrates and minerals. Many root or non-root

vegetables that grow in the subsurface of soil can be stored through winter in a root cellar or

other similarly cool, dark and dry place to prevent mold, greening and sprouting. Care should

be taken in understanding the properties and vulnerabilities of particular kinds of roots to be

stored. These vegetables can last through to early spring and be nearly as nutritious as when

they are fresh. During storage, leafy vegetables lose moisture and vitamin C degrades rapidly.

They should be stored for as short a time as possible in a cool place using proper containers.

42

Table: Traditional and hybrid vegetable crops grown in Coastal Karnataka



Mangalore 39 11 58 17 63 10

Bantwala 45 13 47 13 59 10

Belthangadi 43 12 54 18 68 8

Udupi 49 14 41 8 43 8

Karkala 48 18 39 16 49 11

Kundapur 36 12 38 10 39 8

Bhatkal 47 14 43 7 41 7

Honnavar 48 13 38 9 39 9

Ankola 41 16 43 16 42 8

Kumta 52 16 46 14 43 12

Karwar 23 8 38 13 27 7

TOTAL 73 23 86 18 90 12

Note: Traditional varieties of vegetable crops cultivated in coastal, inland and foothill regions are 73, 86 and 90 respectively. Hybrid varieties of vegetable crops cultivated in coastal, inland and foothill regions are 23, 18 and 12 respectively. Cultivation of traditional and hybrid varieties of vegetable crops in each coastal taluk varies depending on the climatic and edaphic factors besides the choice of crop varieties available to farmer.

There are 46 major kinds of vegetables documented with good number of sub varieties

under Kesu tuber (Remusatia vivipara) namely Kari kesu, Goi kesu, Heggesu, Bena kesu, Bili

kesu, Pathrode, Mara kesu, motte kesu, Bombay kesu, mund kesu, etc., Vegetables are among

one of the most diverse domesticated crops in the coastal region of Karnataka. Highest

diversity of traditional varieties (90 varieties) has been recorded in the foothill ecological

region followed by inland coast (86 varieties) and coastal (73 varieties) eco-regions.

Intervention of hybrids is in reverse trend as shown in table. Traditional varieties are believed

to have higher nutritional content. Very high genetic diversity has been found in Brinjal, green

leafy vegetable, Kesu, Ladies finger, Capsicum, etc., with higher local diversity in foothills and

comparatively higher improved varieties along the coast as shown in table. Bhatkal badne is a

big fruit each weighing about 500-700 grams. Gokarna badne is slender, long, white fruit with

distinct taste. Bhatkal gulla is round medium sized brown fruit with white stripes on the fruit.

Udupi gulla is medium to large sized with purple coloured fruits.

43

These gullas are specially used for cooking special dishes of food. Urbadane kai, Matti

gulla, Nilavara badne, Benagal gulla, Alendgulla, Udupi gulla are other brinjal varieties.

Higher diversity of traditional vegetable varieties has been recorded along the foothill region

and more hybrid varieties were grown along coastal ecological region.

Chillies are distinct in characters like Gokarna badne which is white, medium sized

fruit, very hot and in great demand locally. Ghandari/Sooji menasu is very small, very hot, very

short fruit and highly medicinal. Even bigger chilli fruit is used for making fried items like

Bajji.

Red and white coloured sweet potatoes are grown andalso Tapioca (Mara genasu) is

used as both vegetable and for preparation of chips. There are three kinds of Ladies finger,

which include bigger, larget white fruits with less fiber in the fruit. Medium sized, white, fibre-

less and small sized green fruit with distinct taste are also grown. Raw jackfruits are also used

as vegetable. Among cucumbers Mullu sauthe is a local tasty cucumber with small soft spines

on the fruits, nati southe is green slender taste fruit. Variability observed among Sambar

Sovuthe or Mangalore Sovuthe is with respect to size, colour pattern and taste. Location

specific tasty fruits of ash guard are found. Beetle leaves are the attractive climbers in home

gardents. Ambadi, Honnavar Rani betel leaf, Calcutta betel leaf are the prominent betel wines

grown only in taluks of Uttara Kannada, but absent in Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts.

Honnavar Rani betel leaf is famous for its taste and has high demand in national and also in

international market. Higher diversity of begetables recoded in Uttara Kannada (122 varieties)

district followed by Udupi (91 varieites) and Dakshina Kannada (85 varieties) district.

Table : Local and hybrid vegetable crops grown in Coastal Karnataka



DK 52 23 58 18 59 10 61 24

Udupi 59 22 67 17 68 9 69 22

UK 73 23 86 18 90 12 96 26

44

Figure : Graphical representation of local and hybrid vegetable crops grown in Coastal

Karnataka

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Highest diversity of traditional vegetables has been documented in Uttara Kannada

followed by Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts. Among the improved vegetable varieties

not much variability was found between the districts but shows higher trend in coastal eco-

region followed by inland coast and foothill eco-regions.

Among tubers, Kesu is having high diversity. Kari kesu, bena/Bili kesu, Goi kesu,

Pathrode, etc., are among the major ones. Pathrode variety is famous for its leaves rather than

its tuber, used as traditional wrap material to prepare some tasty, delicious food. Leaf stalk of

Kari kesu is black and Bili kesu is silver white. Goi kesu is bitter and stringent in taste;

therefore cut pieces are soaked for few hours in water to remove the chemicals responsible for

bitterness through leaching.

As Basale (Bassella) has high medicinal value apart from nutritive value, it is grown with

care. Bili Basele dantu is having green leaves and stem, where as Kempu Basele is having red

stem and leaves. Bombay Basale is also grown in the region.

Beetroot, Noolkol, Thonde kai, Carrot, green chilly, beans, Cauliflower, cabbage, red

chilly, tomato etc., are grown outside Western Ghats region in Deccan plateau and brought to

local market for sale.

45

Description of vegetable crops

Sl. No.


1 Cyamopsis tetragonaloba

Bili chouli

Grown in small quantity for domestic use for both human and cattle consumption.

2 Remusatia vivipara

Kesugadde

Kari kesu, Big, long fruit and Bena kesu: Medium sized, white, long fruit used as vegetable. Bil kesu: It is a climber; both leaf and tuber are used. Pathrode: Tuber is bitter and not used for consumption. Only leaves are used for preparation of special dish called Pathrode.

3 Cucumis spp. Ibbudle Like magikai, it is sweet but having less keeping quality, grown during summer and monsoon seasons. Good for health especially for body cooling.

4 Ipomoea batatas

Genasu Both white and red colouredtubers are local varieties sweet in taste and both are preferred equally. Thuppa genasu: Both fruit and tubers are consumed.

5 Capsicum annum

Chilly Ankola menasu: red fruit and very hot, Gokarna menasu: Green, small fruit with medium hot, Sugi menasu; Very small, green/red fruit, very hot, used in traditional medication. Udupi bili menasu: White fruits having distinct and very hot taste

6 Cucurbita pepo Kumbla Alu kumbla is small sized, green fruit, where as Sweet kumbla is yellowish red sweet fruit used for making Curry.

7 Hibiscus esculentus

Bende kai Bili bende: Long type, 5 to 10 inches long and small types around 4-5 inches long, less fiber content and tender to eat. Kasthuri bendi: Very tasty, whitish green fruit. Long duration crop with fewer yields. Hasiru bende: Green coloured fruits with moderate fiber content.

8 Moringa oliefera

Nugge kai

Local varieties are tasty and nutritious when tender but fibrous when mature.

9 Lufa acutangula Ere kai

Local varieties are tasty and nutritious when tender but fibrous when mature. There are two types based on length and size of fruit.

10 Cucumis spp Mangalore southe

Medium sized greenish-yellow, yellowish-orange fruit commonly used for preparing curry.

11 Brassica oleracea

Elekosu Introduced from plains, grown in commercial scale. Needs chemical insecticides for crop protection.

12 Spondias pinnata

Amte kai Small fruit from tree with light sour taste used for making pickle.

13 Solanum melangana

Bhatkal badne

Medium sized long fruits with brown strips on the fruit.

46

14 Solanum melangana

Bargi badne

White, round, big sized fleshy fruit, tasty.

PLANTATION CROPS

Arecanut, Coconut and Cashew are the major cash crops in the region as shown in

Annexure 4. As paddy cultivation has become unprofitable the farmers have switched over to

cultivation of cash crops. As areca nut grows well under moist soil condition having good

drainage, there is tendency of farmers to encroach the forestland, streams and valleys to raise

the arecanut gardens. Encroachment of forestland has resulted in the decline of Myristica

swamps and severely affecting the climax of vegetation. Watershed values of streams, valleys

and catchments have also been affected negatively. Sugarcane, groundnut, betel leaves are

grown as major crops of Uttara Kannada district but are rarely grown in Udupi district.

There are 12 varieties of areca nut documented in the region; the important varies like

Mangala, Srimangala, Coimbatore, Moorur, Aradhana, Mohit nagar, Ratnagiri, Vitla, Singapur

and SAS are grown. Majority of them are local varieties.

Daskabbu, Kemp kabbu, Kari kabbu, Bili kabbu are sugarcane varieties grown only in

Uttara Kannada district. Cashew is one of the cash crops grown along the coast. Ullal-1, Ullal-3

varieties, Vengurla, etc are the major varieties. There are 11 cashew varieties recorded in the

region. There are 13 hybrid and local coconut varieties recorded in the region as given in table

4.6.3. Areca nut, Coconut, cashew, pepper and rubber are the important commercial crops

grown in the coastal Karnataka. More hybrid varieties are cultivated than local varieties but the

area under cultivation varies. Local varieties of Areca nut and coconut is in larger extant than

improved varieties. Higher improved varieties have been recorded in Uttara Kannada district

(39 varieties) than in Dakshina Kannada (26 varieties) and Udupi (25 varieties) districts as

documented in table 16.

Table : Local and hybrid commercial crops grown in Coastal Karnataka.



DK 13 23 11 24 13 22 14 26

Udupi 13 23 13 20 12 21 15 25

UK 23 37 19 34 19 34 24 39

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Figure : Graphical representation of local and hybrid commercial crops grown in Coastal

Karnataka

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D. Kannada Udupi U. Kannada

Description of commercial crops

Sl. No.

Scientific name

Local name Description

1 Areca catechu Adike

Local varietry and Kadu adike: resistance to some diseases, yield for longer period, Mangala, Srimangala, Aradhana: Comparatively yield is higher, sensitive to diseases, yields for longer period. Mohit nagar, Ratnagiri, Vitla, Singapore: Improved selection varieties with enhanced yield, competitively resistant to pests and diseases.

2 Cocos nucifera Tengina kai

Malbar tall - Tall tree with medium sized nut, yields for longer period.Fruit with thick kernel, high oil content, Kochi kai – Small fruit in large numbers, Kundiri – Small fruit with thick kernel, bears less number of fruits. Seethali, Deevi, Singapur, Philippines and T.N.T varieties: Introduced varieties yield is good but sensitive to pests and diseases. Tall tree with medium sized brown nut, this variety is preferred to grow for its sweet tender nut yield is till 30-40 years. Arkanji kenda: Same fruit with mixed orange and green colour. T X D: Dwarf tree with medium sized green nut, it is grown for its sweet tender nut, yield continues for till 30-40 years.

3 Piper nigrum Kalu menasu

It is a local variety having comparatively small fruits on short panicle with strong aroma. Paneeur; Comparatively bigger fruits arranged longed panicle Mallisara: Fruits longer, arranged neatly on a long panicle. Gidda kare; Fruits are short, round, arranged in medium sized panicle.

4 Piper betel Vilyadele

Honnava rani ele/Kari ele: Black leaves spicy and hot in taste, Ambadi, White leaves spicy hot. Calcutta: White leaves with mild spicy flavour.

5 Vanilla planifera

Vanilla

Introduced from outside plant yields good quantity of fruits of commercial importance.

6 Anacardium occidentale

Cashew

Fruit is fleshy and edible. Kernal is high nutritious and tasty and have high demand. Kernal is commercial part and size of hybrid varieties are good

ORNAMENTAL CROPS

48

Majority of the ornamental plants are of improved varieties, which include Hibiscus, Rose,

Anthurium, Crotons, Kariveer hoovu, Hulimise hoovu, etc. There is a good diversity of species

and varieties among the local ornamental plants like Euphorbia pulcherima, rose, Hibiscus,

Abbalga, etc. Higher diversity of ornamental plants is concentrated in the ecological regions of

towns and big villages. Hibiscus, Abbalga, Crotons, Rose, palms, etc., are among the major

ornamental species. 34 species of ornamental plant species and 38 agro-forestry tree species

documented from the region are as described in 4.64. Higher diversity of ornamental plants

found in Uttara Kannada district (135 varieties), followed by Udupi (85 varieties) and Dakshina

Kannada (78 varieties) as given in table 17. Higher distribution of local ornamental species

found along Inland eco-region followed by foothill region. Diversity of improved ornamental

species and varieties occurring along the coastal region are as shown fig.

Table : Local and hybrid ornamental plants grown in Coastal Karnataka



DK 30 43 28 38 21 30 32 46

Udupi 31 47 27 37 23 30 34 51

UK 50 72 52 66 42 49 56 79

Figure : Graphical representation of local and hybrid Ornamental plants grown in Coastal

Karnataka

01020304050607080



D. Kannada Udupi U. Kannada

49

Description of ornamental plants

Sl. No. Scientific name Local name Description

1 Mammia surugi Surugi Fragrant flower used for manufacture of perfume. The tree has got medicinal properties.

2 Polyialthia longifolia Ashoka Ornamental tree having medicinal properties.

3 Cestrum nocturnum Ratri raani Grown around by houses and gardens for its fragrant flowers.

4 Jasminum spp. Jagi hoovu

White flower used for worship and also in ceremonies

5 Euphorbia pulcherrima

Shrubby plants with red coloured young leaves and old green leaves. Looks very attractive.

6 Crossandra infundibuliformis

Abbalge Brick red coloured attractive flowers. Regularly used as ornamental flower and also for ceremonies

7 Kanda hoovu White coloured attractive flowers from local plants used for ceremonies

8 Kudichendu mallige hoovu

White coloured attractive flowers from local plants used for ceremonies

9 Mimosops elangi Ranjalu Dried brownish flowers from local tree used for ceremonies as dry flower

10 Hibiscus rosa-sinensis

Dasavala Multipurpose plants grown commonly in gardens. Bears attractive, variegated flowers.

11 Hibiscus spp Dasavala Multipurpose plants grown commonly in gardens. Bears attractive, variegated flowers

12 Calotropis gigantean Ekkada hoovu Dirty white pinkish attractive flowers from local medicinal plants used for ceremonies

13 Ixora coccinia Bright brick red attractive flower head grown in gardens

14 Jasmine White flower used for worship and also in ceremonies

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15 Coleus spp Plants with attractive variegated foliage grown in gardens

16 Bryophyllum spp Plants with attractive variegated fleshy foliage grown in gardens

17 Rosa multiflora Rose Spiny plants grown commonly in gardens for attractive, buetiful variegated flowers

18 Jantigina hoovu White flower used for worship and also in ceremonies

19 Bambusa vulgaris Yellow Bamboo Bamboo with golden yellow coloured culms and a attractive thin dark green strip on the stem grown in gardens

MEDICINAL PLANTS AND AGRO-FORESTRY

From time immemorial the medicinal plants have provided relief to many ailments. There is

a vast reserve of medicinal plants in the region. Due to increase in population, change in the

standard of living and the potential carcinogenic hazardous substances possessed by the

synthetic chemicals, the medicinal plants form an important ingredient of modern system of

medicine. About 90% of medicinal plants used by the pharmaceutical industry are collected

from the wild. While over 800 species are used in the manufacture and production of drugs by

industries, less than 20 species of plants are under commercial cultivation. Over 70% of the

plant collections involving destructive and unsustainable method of harvesting have made

several medicinal plants to become endangered, vulnerable and threatened. The medicinal plant

diversity documented in the three ecological regions at taluk level.

Table: Occurrence of medicinal plants and agro-forestry species in Coastal Karnataka

Medicinal plant species Agro-Forestry tree species

District Coast Inland Foothills Coast Inland Foothills

D. Kannada 108 105 123 39 47 53

Udupi 110 113 120 37 41 50

U. Kannada 166 168 178 40 47 51

TOTAL 172 182 189 48 53 62

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Even though the modern system of medication is the principal healing system of ailments,

people are using local medicinal plants in their primary health care. People are having

traditional knowledge on the usage of medicinal plants for human and veterinary ailments. Old

and aged people are having good knowledge of medicinal plants than younger generation. The

usage of medicinal plants is through some traditional foods like drinking of good number of

thambli (Spicy butter milk). Different medicinal plants are used for preparation of different

types of thambli in different seasons. Some of the medicinal plants are used as a part of

tradition and also as primary health care measures.

Higher diversity of medicinal plants has been documented in the foothill ecological region than

in other eco-regions. Farmers in the region are using more than 100 species of medicinal plants

for their need but we have documented around 190 medicinal plant species from the farmlands.

Higher diversity was found along the foothill (189 species) eco-region as compared to inland

(182 species) and 172 species in coastal eco-regions as shown in table 18. Higher diversity of

agro-forestry tree species was found along the foothill (62 species) eco-region as compared to

inland (53 species) and 48 species in coastal eco-region as shown in table. Introduction of some

species like teak and silver oak are found along the coast.

Description medicinal plant species

Sl. No.


1 Mucuna pruriens Kuli belu Leguminous, trifoliate straggler weed plant with hairy leaves. Bears white hairy pods. The hairs cause itching and irritation of skin when in contact. Plant is used as medicinal plant, seeds as aphrodisiac in auyurveda.

2 Wattakaka valubilis Katsi Leaves, flowers, and the rind of unripe fruits are boiled and eaten as vegetable or used in preparation of curry. Seeds are eaten. Roots and tender stalks are emetic and purgative. Plant yields a strong fiber. Alcoholic extract of the plant showed activity against sarcoma 180 in mice. Leaves used in the treatment of boils and absciss.

3 Beynia retusa Hooli Young twigs are used against Jaundice and it is a fruit plant.

4 Calotropis gigantean Yekkada gida

Latex contain high concentrations of alkaloids used for many curatives

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5 Ocimum spp. Luvunga tulsi

Grown as traditional plant and have high medicinal properties. Leaves used against fever, cold etc.

6 Atalantia spp Armunde kai

Citrus smelling leaves and also fruit is used in traditional medication

7 Hygrophila spinosa Kanti mullu gida

Though it is a local weed used against skin ailments

8 Cordia oblique Challeannu

Fruit pulp having high medicinal properties

10 Sauvrapusandrogynus Chakramuni

Leaves are highly nutritious and contain high vitamins so commonly called Multi Vitamin plant

11 Clitoria ternatea Shankapushpa

Bears attractive blue flower and whole plants used for stomach ailments and also against fever.

12 Capsicum anum Gandhari menasu

Very short and small fruit, very hot and used as medicinal plant. Used both in human and also veterinary curative.

13 Cassia occidentalia Leaf- laxative, vermicide; seed- laxative. Root for snake bite, skin diseases, sores, scabies; leaf for skin diseases, bone fracture, indigestion; seed for skin diseases, ringworm, eczema.

Xanthoxylum retusi Jummana kai

Plant is used against diabetes and have other medicinal properties

Myristica malabarica Rampatre

Brick red coloured network structure covered on the seed called mase. It is used as medicine, seed is also have high medicinal value

14 Monochoria vaginalis Neerabasle

Root chewed to relieve toothache; bark eaten to relieve asthma.

15 Celosia argentia Bendole arve Seed- aphrodisiac. Seeds for eye diseases, clearing the eyes, treat mouth sores and blood diseases, diarrhea.

16 Emblica officinalis Nelli kai Raj nelli: Introduce from outside fruits with ridges. Bettada nelli: Locally improved with round big fruit best suited for pickle making and ayurvedic medicine.

17 Costus speciosus Kori juttu Rhizomes used for diabetes.

18 Apama siliquosa Chakrani beru Fruits used for fever.

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19 Averrhoa bilimbi Bimbuli huli Fruits are sour in taste and rich in Vitamin C.

20 Hemidesmus indicus Sugandhi beru Whole plant used as medicine.

21 Gymnema sylvestre Janki beru Plant is used against diabetes and has other medicinal properties.

22 Ventilago madraspatna

Aithal Large climber used as aphrodisiac.

23 Strychbos nux-vomica Kasarka Fruit is poisonous used as fish poison, bark for veterinary medication and whole plant has high medicinal value.

24 Aristolochia tagala Ishwara beru Plants have highly medicinal properties.

25 Salacia chinensis Ekanayakana beru

Fruit is used as medicine.

26 Glochidion malabaricum

Madyal soppu Large tree yields good timber.

27 Cyclea peltate Padrande Crushed leaves used for hair treatment and the plant is highly valued for its medicinal properties.

28 Gnetum ula Nokate Kernels yield oil, which is used in the treatment of rheumatism and as an illuminant; also to a small extent for edible purpose.

29 Sida acuta Bala Root- tonic, antipyretic; leaf- demulcent, diuretic, emollient. Root for nervous and urinary diseases; leaf on elephantiasis, haemorrhoids.

Table : Uses of agro forestry species in Coastal Karnataka

Sl. No.

Scientific names Local names Uses

1 Dalbergia latifolia Beete mara Highly valued timber species rarely found

2 Pterocarpus marsupium

Hooru honne Local timber yielding tree, left in the farm bund. Gum extracted from the bark of the tree is used for anemia.

3 Pterocarpus spp. Kadu honne Local timber yielding tree, left in the farm bund

4 Sapindus emarginatus Antuwala Important NTFP tree mainly for soap nut. Fruits are used as an alternative detergent to soap and for treatment of hair.

5 Caryota urens Bayne mara Local tree rarely used for tapping of toddy. Fruits are used for preparation of medicines.

6 Tamarindus indica Hunse mara Fruits are used as souring agent

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7 Lagertroemia lanceolata

Nandi mara Timber yielding tree on the bunds of farm lands

8 Acacia auriculiformis Akesia Introduced tree used as small timber, pulpwood and for furniture.

9 Casuarina equisetifolia Gali mara Tree used as small timber, pulpwood and for furniture. It is also a good soil binder.

10 Bambusa spp. Bamboo Multipurpose woody grass used for making basket, mats etc.,

11 Emblica officinalis Nelli Vitamin rich fruit yielding tree and also used in medication

12 Vateria indica Bili dhupa Roadside plants yields resin from wounded bark as room freshener and insect repellant

13 Ficus recemosa Hatti mara

14 Ficus bengalensis Alada mara Large evergreen tree, worshiped by the people.

15 Psidium gujava Guava Fruit tree cultivated in the garden. Local fruits with seeds and hard to eat. Hybrids yield soft seeded fruits.

16 Carissa carandas Kavle kai Round green fruits, turns pinkish-brown when ripe. Latex oozes from the wounded parts of plant. Fruits are believed to contain iron

17 Zingiber spp. Kukkase gida Stem like Zinger with mango smell. Highly valued tuber used for medicinal purpose

18 Careya arborea Anchuvali Local tree left in the farm bund

19 Bombax ceiba Silk cotton Soft wood tree yielding silk cotton. Wood is used for making match sticks and packing boxes

20 Xanthoxylum rhetsa Jumma Medium sized tree found in most of the farms produce aromatic fruits commonly used in the district.

FODDER AND WEEDS

Table : Occurrence of weeds and fodder specses in Coastal Karnataka

Weeds Fodder plants

District Coast Inland Foothills Coast Inland Foothills

D. Kannada 14 15 21 28 31 39

Udupi 16 17 19 27 36 36

U. Kannada 23 24 28 34 34 41

TOTAL 25 27 31 37 41 47

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Agricultural residues like paddy straw and shoots of pulse crop are the major source of

fodder for livestock. Numerous wild plant species like local grass (kharda grass), shoots

of pulse crops like cow pea, black gram, green gram, ground nut, jowar, etc., are used

as fodder. Majority of fodder species are herbs and shrubs. Highest diversity among

fodder crops recorded in the foothill ecological region (47 species) followed by inland

(41 species) and coastal (37 species) eco-region is as given in table.

WEEDS

Weeds are nothing but the plants grown other than intended species in the farmland.

Local weeds occurring in paddy fields after the harvest of crop are good fodder species

like Nore, garaga, Huidi gidda, karki gidda, etc. Veterinary department is promoting the

improved varieties of grass and other fodder crops like Guinea grass, Rhodes grass,

NB21, etc. Highest diversity of weeds has been recorded in the foothill ecological

region (31 species) followed by inland (27 species) and coastal (25 species) eco-region

as given in table.

Table: Uses of weeds occurring in Coastal Karnataka

Sl.

No.

Scientific

names

Local names Uses

1 Mimosa pudica Muttidare

muni

Common plant young leaves are used as fodder and also as

medicine

2 Cassia tora Chagta Leaf- laxative, vermicide; seed- laxative. Root for snake bite,

skin diseases, sores, scabies; leaf for skin diseases, bone

fracture, indigestion; seed for skin diseases, ringworm, eczema.

3 Parthenium

hysteroporus

Parthenium Introduced from outside major weed commonly known as

Congress weed. Whole plant- febrifuge, tonic, emmenagogue,

analgesic. Whole plant used to treat fever; root in treatment of

dysentery.

4 Chromolaena

odorata

Eupatorium Introduced weed from outside commonly called as Communist

weed; research is in progress for using the plant as green

manure. Leaf for dysentery and treatment of bleeding

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5 Leucas aspera Thumbe Whole plant- antipyretic, antiseptic, carminative, vermifuge,

febrifuge; anorexia, cough, dyspepsia, fever, intestinal worms,

respiratory diseases, jaundice, skin diseases; leaves used to treat

eye diseases, snake bite, veneral diseases, headache.

6 Clerodendron

viscosum

Thaggi Leaf- tonic. Leaf on sores and tumors

7 Breynia spp. Hooli Young twigs are used against Jaundice and it is a fruit plant

8 Typha

angustifolia

Nore Weed in Paddy field and can be used as fodder

9 Eclipta prostrata Garga Weed in Paddy field and can be used as fodder

10 Eleucina indica Huida jaddu Weed in Paddy field and can be used as fodder

ACTIVITIES RELATING TO ECOSYSTEM AND USE OF NATURAL RESOURCES IN THE REGION

Activities that link the residents of the region impinging on ecosystems and natural resources

include collection of Non-Timber Forest Produce (NTFP), medicinal herbs, firewood, small

timber for making implements, cane for making basket, tapping of toddy from toddy palm

(Caryota urens), making charcoal, weaving baskets, mats, drawing water from streams,

diverting stream water for irrigation of agricultural and plantation crops, domestic use, fishing

in streams and rivers, grazing of livestock in forests and grasslands, using leaf litter as manure,

use of areca stems for channelizing the flow of water, use of coconut shells for making spoons,

use of cashew and rubber plant twigs as fuel, etc.

Other activities to be noted in the study are activities of trading in rubber and areca nut,

collection and local purchase of areca leaves, working in agricultural fields, maintaining

plantations of rubber, areca, coconut, etc. marketing of areca leaf sheath plates, trading in

NTFPs, enjoying aesthetic values while visiting or passing through the scenic areas, wildlife

reserves, etc.

Comprehensive information on availability and knowledge of local biological resources,

their medicinal or any other use or any other traditional knowledge associated primarily in the

context of management of natural resources; the process is just a beginning and as yet only a

small number of documents have been complied. It is only the superficial documentation of

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activities and still elaborate recording of diversity of cultivars and also professional ethno-

botanical knowledge. Scientific corroboration of this data is a challenge that remains to be

addressed.

In the long run we have every hope that Information System would become a useful tool

supporting a process of community-based management of natural resources and contribute

towards conservation and rewarding of folk knowledge. This would greatly facilitate

information flow with the use of CDs and web based resources. The media can also be used to

build the human capability to undertake such exercises. Finally, the information system process

should assist in building people's capacity for sound management of natural resources.

Conclusion The proximity of land area to sea and periodic inundation by seawater in the Western Ghats

region may influence the origin of diversity among domesticated varieties of crops and species.

Good number of traditional varieties are grown in the region but unfortunately artificial culture

of prawn and intensive agriculture through introduction of HYV has reduced the area for

traditional varieties. This has resulted in the extinction of few local varieties from the region.

There is need for urgent action to preserve these local species and varieties.

Traditional special varieties of paddy, banana, mango and vegetables are having distinct

quality, taste and aroma with high value of nutrition and disease resistance. Vegetables are one

of the major groups of crop diversity. Mainly Brinjal, green leafy vegetables, chilly, tuber crops

like Kesu (Colacasia), lady’s finger, are the major vegetable crops having high diversity and

special significance. Diversity of fruit crops like jack, Carissa carandus and others should be

preserved with care by providing incentives to farmers. Use of medicinal plants in the

traditional food system should be encouraged. There is need for protection and development of

threatened species in the interest of preservation of genetic material for research and crop

improvement programme.

Landraces of many crops have provided the genes needed for pest and disease resistance or for

the crops to adapt to poor soils, drought and cold temperatures. Unfortunately, we are losing

these pristine heritage sites with the change of people’s perception on greedy unsustainable

cultivation practices. Documentation of crop diversity involves assessment of local level

ecosystem. The information base needs to be organized by addressing the Intellectual Property

Rights and conservation plans along with understanding of human aspiration, priorities of

conservation and elaboration of biodiversity management plan for sustainable management.

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♦ Intellectual Property Rights on Agro-biodiversity: Traditional rice varieties have distinct

characters like aroma, pest & disease resistance, drought resistance and salt-water

tolerance. These varieties should be conserved and protected from biopiracy. Local

varieties of vegetables, fruits like appemidi mango, banana, jack and others have unique

characters, which are species specific. There is need for acquiring IPR over these species.

♦ Recognition and Incentives to local farmers involved in the conservation of traditional

crop varieties: Persons like Mr. Deva Rao of Mittabagilu village of Belthangadi taluk in

Dakshina Kannada district deserve to be recognized, encouraged and honored by providing

incentives, as they are totally involved in the preservation of traditional varieties of crops.

This will help in creating awareness among younger generation and motivating them in the

continuation of conservation programme.

♦ Creation of separate marketing channels for traditional crops and their products: There

is need for providing separate marketing channel for traditional crops and products. Value

addition at local level generates additional income and provides rural employment. This

will help in ensuring food security locally.

♦ Assessment of pest and disease resistance properties of traditional crop varieties:

Generally local crops have characters like distinct taste, nutritionally rich, resistance to pest

& diseases, resistance to drought and salt tolerance, etc. These characters of the species

should be preserved for further crop improvement programme as in-situ gene bank.

♦ Extension of agro-forestry to meet the domestic needs: Still there is lot of opportunity to

increase the agro-forestry activity through planting of multipurpose trees to meet the daily

requirement of fuel wood, fodder, small timber, bamboo, medicine, etc. This will help in

reducing the pressure on natural forests. Multiple products derived from agro-forestry

provide opportunity for value addition at local level where there is high potential for rural

employment.

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SURVEY REPORT - Karnataka