Biocultural vulnerability of traditional crops in the Indian Trans-Himalaya

Abstract

Traditional agricultural landscapes are vital reservoirs of biocultural heritage and agrobiodiversity, yet traditional farming systems and their unique crop landraces face increasing marginalization and genetic erosion. Using northwest Himalaya as a case study, we examine the ecological resilience and genetic diversity of an understudied traditional crop, black pea (scientific name unclear), alongside barley (Hordeum vulgare), and compare them to the introduced cash crop, green pea (Pisum sativum L.). Participatory field experiments with local farmers revealed that traditional crops outperform introduced varieties in survival and reproduction traits across sites. To our knowledge, we generate the first whole-genome sequencing data for black peas. Clustering and nutritional analyses highlight black pea’s genetic richness and dietary potential. Our findings underscore the importance of integrating traditional ecological knowledge with ecological science to sustain agrobiodiversity, enhance climate resilience, and promote sustainable food systems. We provide insights for global agrifood innovations and socioecological stability in fragile mountain ecosystems.