Traditional knowledge and practices of Bhotiya pastoralists of Kumaon Himalaya: the need for value addition

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Abstract
Little is known about traditional knowledge and practices developed by the transhumant societyon available plants, animal resources, medicinal herbs and other technologies of high altitude Himalaya, where resources are scarce. Moreover, these traditional specializations ofthe indigenous people known as ‘Bhotiyas’ are breaking down because of lack of income generation and value addition. The impact of modernization and development has relegated the traditional systems of medicine, handicraft and cattle breeding further behind. The institutional attitude towards such knowledge systems has also been quite discouraging. This paper tries to document the traditional knowledge of some important herbs in their society, traditional cattle breeding achievements, and the traditional handicrafts, and suggests the immediate need for value addition in these sectors in order to save them from extinction and to add to the income of the people.

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