A study of the ITK used in fisheries and Bioresources of Lai Lyngdoh area, West Khasi Hills, Meghalaya

Abstract

Indigenous traditional knowledge (ITK) has been in use different districts of Meghalaya and it is of different types. In West Khasi hills of district few important ITK is used especially in connection with fish. Besides ITK, bioresources are seen to play an important role in the lives of indigenous communities in Lai Lyngdoh area. The Lai Lyngdoh area in Nongstoin is a group of 34 villages that falls under the jurisdiction of the three Lyngdoh i.e. Marskuin, Nonglwai and Nongkhlaw located in West Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya. The locals in the area mostly depend on the surrounding environment for their livelihood. From the surrounding forests and forest streams, a variety of minor products are harvested and a number of edibles which include wild fruits, leafy green, wild vegetables, mushroom, fish, frog, crustaceans, tubers and medicinal plants are also gathered. Indigenous traditional knowledge (ITK) in the use of bio-resources is still preserved and practised in the indigenous communities and the documentation of local culture and knowledge will play an important role in conservation process. These resources, however, need to be valued and used sustainably so that they can continue to support the community.