An appraisal of the traditional post-harvest pest management methods in Northeast Indian uplands

There has been a paradigm shift in recent years towards the use of natural, reliable, and sustainable products in grain protection; from the conventional use of synthetic toxic substances. The role of traditional knowledge in storage protection is being increasingly realized across the globe. The age-old traditional post-harvest pest management methods practiced by 6 indigenous communities in three hill districts of Meghalaya and Manipur of Northeast India, Garo, Mao, Maram Poumai, Thadou and Tangkhul have been described. Applicability of the traditional methods in ensuring food security through reduction of post-harvest loss is discussed. It is opined here that due recognition should be given to traditional methods of an area in the post-harvest protection programme of that area. Continuous use of these methods by the indigenous communities through generations reflects a potential management option of grain protection for subsistence farmers, otherwise these could have perished long back soon after their development.