Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge Vol. 13 (3), July 2014, pp. 473-483 Nuances of traditional knowledge in utilization of rice landraces by a farming community in North-Eastern Thailand Satian Chunta1*, Preecha Prathepha1, Thiha1 & Boonrat Jongdee2 1Walairukhavej Botanical Research Institute, Mahasarakham University, Thailand 44150 2Ubon Ratchathani Rice Research Center, Thailand 34000 * E-mails:
[email protected];
[email protected] Received 18.12.13, revised 05.05.14 Thailand has a large number of rice landrace varieties which are still grown by native tribes and small farmers in distant areas of the country. In these remote areas agricultural practices are primarily for food sufficiency and the farmer’s livelihood. Different native rice varieties are used for different purposes. Traditional utilization of rice landraces in Northeastern Thailand include: food, medicine, rituals, wine and native whisky; agriculture and animal feed; economic purposes and exchange. This paper presents the traditional knowledge of utilization of rice landraces of farmers in four selected locations of Northeastern Thailand (Sakon Nakhon, Roi Et, Ubon Ratchathani and Nakon Rachasima Provinces). Keywords: Traditional knowledge, Utilization, Rice landraces, Farmers, Northeastern Thailand IPC Int. Cl.8: A01, A01G 9/00, A01G 16/00 Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is the principal staple food when hybrid seeds failed to give the desired results, for more than half of the world’s population. Rice is being attacked by different infectious pest, diseases especially important in Asia, where it is the most and other climate hazards. North eastern Thailand has significant food crop for more than 2 billion people1. various ethnic groups that cultivate and conserve The study shows that the preferences of consumers in native rice varieties.