In Odisha Malkangiri district an indigenous crop called Roselle, locally known as Bhenda Dal is helping tribal communities strengthen food security and adapt to increasingly unpredictable weather conditions.
Roselle, scientifically known as Hibiscus sabdariffa, has traditionally been cultivated by tribal communities in the region. The crop can grow on rainfed uplands and hill slopes with limited water and few external inputs, making it particularly suitable for areas where agriculture depends heavily on monsoon rainfall.
The crop is widely grown in the Swabhiman Anchal region of Chitrakonda block, where farming is predominantly rainfed. Its ability to withstand moisture stress makes it a useful option for farmers facing irregular rainfall, prolonged dry periods and rising temperatures.
Roselle is valued in tribal households for both food and traditional medicinal uses. Its tender green leaves are cooked as saag or combined with pulses and vegetables. The plant’s bright red fleshy flower cups are used to prepare pickles, chutneys and refreshing drinks.
The crop also has considerable nutritional value. Roselle contains vitamin C, anthocyanins, flavonoids, polyphenols, iron, calcium and dietary fibre. Its characteristic red colour comes from anthocyanins, which are antioxidant compounds.
Beyond nutrition, Roselle provides an additional layer of resilience for households dependent on rainfed farming. When monsoon conditions become unpredictable and conventional crops face a higher risk of failure, hardy indigenous crops can help maintain household food supplies.
According to the report, Roselle was documented under the Forgotten Foods Programme implemented by the Watershed Support Services and Activities Network (WASSAN), in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Government of Odisha. The initiative focuses on documenting and reviving traditional food species that contribute to nutrition, livelihoods and climate resilience.
The crop could also offer economic opportunities through value added products. Roselle can be processed into beverages, preserves, pickles and other food products, potentially creating additional income for rural households and community enterprises.
However, many traditional food crops across India are gradually disappearing because of commercial monocultures, changing dietary preferences, migration and the increasing dominance of uniform agricultural systems. The decline of these crops also threatens the traditional knowledge associated with their cultivation, harvesting and preparation.
Roselle highlights the importance of Indigenous agricultural knowledge in addressing modern climate challenges. Tribal communities have traditionally selected and cultivated crops suited to local environments, often with minimal water and external inputs.
As climate change places increasing pressure on India’s rainfed agriculture, protecting such indigenous crops could help diversify food systems, improve nutritional security and reduce farmers’ dependence on climate-sensitive crops.
The experience of Malkangiri shows that some climate-resilient agricultural solutions may already exist within traditional farming systems. Protecting Roselle and other indigenous food crops could therefore help preserve both biodiversity and the knowledge systems that have supported communities for generations.