The distribution and utilization pattern of Musa spp., by Khamti tribe in Arunachal Pradesh, India

Abstract

The study was conducted to document the distribution and utilization pattern of Musa spp., by the Khamti tribe in Namsai district, Arunachal Pradesh. This study was conducted from January to June 2023 through a questionnaire survey and informal interviews with 60 respondents from the Khamti tribe. In this study, 10 Musa spp., were reported from the Namsai district. Of these, 7 were wild Musa spp., namely, Musa balbisiana Colla, Musa flaviflora N.W.Simmonds, Musa itinerans Cheesman, Musa markkuana (M.Sabu, A.Joe & Sreejith) Hareesh, A.Joe & M.Sabu, Musa siangensis Taid, S.S.Singh & Gajurel, Musa velutina H.Wendl. & Drude and one unknown Musa spp. M1 and 3 cultivated Musa sp. Jahaji, Chinikol, Plantain. The Khamti tribe utilized Musa spp., in eight different use categories for a variety of sociocultural purposes, including ceremonies and rituals (CNR), commercial purposes (COM), construction (CON), edible/consumption (EDB), livestock feed (FED), traditional medicinal (MED), packing (PAC) and other processes (OTH). The EDB and COM use categories had the highest utilisation (26% each), followed by CNR (15%), OTH (11%), etc. Fruits and inflorescences were used the most (21% each), followed by leaves and pseudostems (16% each). The tribe used the different plant parts of M. balbisiana most (7 uses) followed by M. itinerans. The practice of traditional knowledge in rituals, ceremonies, and ethnic dishes reflects the Khamti tribe’s successful preservation and transmission of culture, while indicating the presence of other species were recorded other than Musa spp. in traditional medicine, magico-religious practices, and cuisine that may be valuable to the wider world.