Diversity of Vegetables Marketed During the Pongal Festival in the Tirunelveli District, Tamil Nadu

Abstract

Fruit and vegetables provide nutrition and food security, income-generating opportunities, ecosystem services, and contribute to cultural identities. Protecting these species, and by extension, demands urgent action. The present study is to understand the diversity of vegetables sold in the markets of Tirunelveli District Tamil Nadu. Field visits were made to the local markets in and around Tirunelveli covering nearly 30 km2. A major survey was done at Tirunelveli Town Wholesale Market Complex, Palayamkottai Market complex, and various farmer markets (Ulaver Santhai). A total of 62 species belonging to 41 genera and 19 families were identified in the study. Out of 62 species, 61 belong to angiosperms and 01 to fungi. Cucurbitaceae is the dominant family with 11 species. Brassica largest genera share 10 species. Totally 20 species of geophytic vegetables were recorded in the study area. Out of them majority (45% of the species) were monocots, and family Brassicaceae, is dominant with 5 species. The present study concluded with an appeal for sufficient, sustained funding to ensure a global rescue plan for vegetable diversity can shift the research and development agenda to focus on nutrition and well-being.