Essay On Traditional Food

“Traditional Food”

North East India comprises of eight states and more than 200 tribal or ethnic communities, which are unique, each having its own distinct language and culture and therefore identity. Culture of any ethnic community is reflected mainly in the language, attire and food of the people. Being the basic need of the people, food has always been central to the survival efforts of the people from one generation to another. For indigenous communities like ours, the natural environment is the main source of food for many people. Our food systems contain treasures of knowledge from long-evolved cultures and patterns of living in local ecosystems. NEI is rich in biodiversity and thus this is reflected in the varieties of food items of each community. The region is considered by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) as a centre of rice germplasm. Although jhum cultivation, a traditional system of agriculture, is often cited as a reason for the loss of forest cover of the region, this primary agricultural economic activity practiced by local tribes reflects the usage of 35 varieties of crops. This is evident in the diet patterns of communities. A study conducted in Meghalaya by MLCU in 2010 reveals that up to 54 percent of people still forage the forests for wild edibles. This is true not only for Meghalaya but also for other communities in the

It is therefore essential to come together, not only to showcase our own food but to share our knowledge with one another. Moreover, what is important I think is to make today’s generation of youths understand the essence of traditional food in terms of health benefits, food security, culture and identity. It is only with this understanding that we can promote and preserve our own traditional