Ghasnis: More than just grazing lands
Project Background
The farmlands of Kinnaur are unique in that they are surrounded by either temperate grasslands (locally called ghasnis) or forests creating an integrated agroecological landscape. Traditionally, these grasslands provided fodder for livestock such as cows (for milk and manure), bulls (for ploughing and manure), donkeys (for transporting goods), sheep and goats (for meat, milk, wool, and skin). This symbiotic relationship between farmlands and grasslands sustained agricultural practices for generations. However, with the rise of agricultural modernization, the need for these animals has declined. Most households no longer keep bulls or donkeys, and very few maintain cows, sheep or goats. As a result, maintaining these ghasnis is no longer seen as essential, and in the push to expand farmland, the natural biodiversity they support is being lost. Many of these areas are being cleared to increase agricultural space, often with the assumption that they are empty or useless, ignoring the vital ecosystems they sustain. Ghasnis also sustain a wide variety of wild edible plants that were traditionally consumed by locals during spring—a time when fresh foods were scarce in the snow-covered mountains. However, over time, reliance on these plants has declined, further diminishing their cultural and dietary significance. Beyond their traditional uses, these ghasnis provide critical ecosystem services that remain undervalued and poorly understood. Endemic and endangered species such as Salam Panja (Dactylorhiza hatagirea) and Sapal (Angelica glauca) thrive in the ghasnis, contributing ecological, medicinal, and commercial value. However, due to a lack of research and awareness, these critical habitats remain undervalued and at risk and their degradation could have far-reaching consequences beyond agriculture. By actively involving local tribal communities—many of whom own these lands—we can identify sustainable commercial opportunities while promoting conservation efforts, ensuring a balance between preserving biodiversity and economic benefit.
Project Goals and Approach
Quantifying Ecological Significance: We aim to assess the ecosystem services provided by ghasnis in terms of pollinator support, pest control, and natural weed control. This data will establish the unique contribution of ghasnis to local ecosystems and agricultural productivity.
Impacting Biodiversity: By cultivating naturally occurring plant species found in the ghasnis—ones with traditional, cultural, and medicinal value—we can amplify their ecological and economic significance while preserving traditional knowledge. For our pilot experiments, we have identified ten plant species based on input from locals, who have shared their preferences for plants they wish to cultivate. These species naturally grow in the ghasnis and are typically collected by the locals from wild populations in nearby forests.
As part of this initiative, we are providing locals with seeds and training on cultivation techniques, enabling them to grow these plants in their own backyards and farmlands. This approach takes advantage of the plants’ natural adaptation to local ecological conditions, making their cultivation easier and more sustainable. By offering an alternative source for collecting these valuable species, it also reduces harvesting pressure on wild populations, allowing them to remain undisturbed. Additionally, we will study the ecological interactions of these species, such as plant-pollinator dynamics, to further improve our propagation techniques.
Why it Matters
Ghasnis are crucial for fodder, pollinators, and maintaining ecological balance. Unlike commercial crops that flower briefly, they flower year-round, sustaining pollinators across seasons. They also offer alternative food sources for pests, potentially reducing crop infestations.
Our Collaboration
To achieve our goals, we are working closely with scientists, including Dr. Vinita Gowda's Tree Lab at IISER Bhopal, as well as the tribal community of Kinnaur and other Himalayan communities in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Through these collaborations, we are documenting traditional knowledge on cultivating and managing valuable ghasni herbs and investigating the science behind their significance. Additionally, we are recording the diverse uses of these plants through our collaboration with Zed.tell’s Project Tenfa.
Community Impact
Protecting ghasnis is not just about preserving local biodiversity; it also safeguards Kinnaur’s agricultural heritage, ecosystem health, and local livelihoods. While many Himalayan plants struggle to propagate in controlled laboratory environments, in situ propagation—growing them in their native habitats—offers a solution. By combining traditional practices with scientific know-how, we can ensure plant survival while carrying our ecological research. Our strategy aims to revitalize these grasslands and empower communities through sustainable practices and knowledge-sharing.