Traditional methods for vegetable and grain storage in Leh district of trans-Himalayan Ladakh

Abstract

Cold, arid and high-altitude regions of Ladakh are exceptionally unique in the world and are characterized by extreme temperature variation, thin atmosphere with high UV radiation and less oxygen availability. Cultivation is not viable in Ladakh during the winter due to sub-zero temperatures, resulting in a severe shortage of fresh vegetables and an unbalanced diet. To combat the scarcity of fresh vegetables during the region's harsh winters, farmers have developed low-cost traditional methods for storing vegetables such as potato, cabbage, onion, radish, carrot, and grains such as wheat and barley that are compatible with the region's ecological and socioeconomic conditions. Indigenous knowledge and techniques are extremely valuable in the daily lives of Ladakh natives. In this study every traditional storage method been investigated from Leh district of U.T Ladakh. Hilly areas suffer various climate issues in the present scenario; thus, it is critical to promote the traditional strategy for sustainable agriculture and food security. This study discusses prevalent storage structures of Ladakh region such as Pang-Nga, Sadong, Tsodbang for keeping vegetables like potato, radish, carrot, cabbage, and grains. Charches, Thingches, and khygches method especially designed for winter storage of onions.