New edible yam species, Dioscorea balakrishnanii has been found in the evergreen shola forests of Wayanad, Kerala. Known domestically as chola kizhangu by the Kattunayikar tribes, the tuber has a low glycemic index and a strong flavour, and is potentially a viable food security crop.
Scientific Discovery
It took a decade of research before the yam was identified and researchers found out that the yam had male and female flowers. It was a local usage that had not been recorded previously.
Ecological Significance
- Occur only in the shola forests in Western Ghats.
- A total of 23 varieties of yams in 14 species is common in Wayanad alone.
- These yams are part of traditional knowledge and tribal diets.
Naming and Recognition
The species is named after Dr. V. Balakrishnan, a police officer and environmentalist who has made contributions to the field of biodiversity research and helped to develop the legislation protecting plant varieties.
Food Security Potential
Dioscorea balakrishnanii is nutritionally valuable, and can be grown in most regions, meaning it would diversify tuber crops and enable sustainable agriculture, as well as improve dietary resilience.
Conservation and Indigenous Knowledge.
The result underlines that that the Western Ghats is a biodiversity rich region and should be preserved. Identification of the species was very much depend upon the Kattunayikar community and this in turn reflects the fact that indigenous traditions play a pivotal role in conservation of natural resources.
Month: Current Affairs - September 03, 2025
Category: current affairs daily