Page 48 - SCERT Kerala State Syllabus 8th Standard Basic Science Textbooks English Medium Part 1_Neat

Native Varieties for tomorrow…

Indigenous varieties of a locality are varieties that acquire natural
immunity by adapting to the climate, the availability of food, soil
texture of that place etc. We had many cattle varieties of high disease
resistance and low cost of management, though they were less productive.
We also had crops of diverse taste and nutrients. Many indigenous
tuber crops are disappearing today. Dioscorea (Kachil), taro, arrow
root (Koova) etc., have been eliminated from our diet. We must realize
that through the extinction of these food crops, that are rich in nutrients
and easy to cultivate, we are losing invaluable treasure.

Extinction of indigenous varieties causes depletion of our biological
wealth. We can develop new high quality varieties only from indigenous
varieties that can survive the challenges of adverse climatic conditions.
We mustn’t ignore the reality that these valuable resources cannot be
regained if lost once.

Given below are a few indigenous varieties.
Expand the table collecting more information.

Crop Varieties
Mango Muvandan
Kilichundan
Plantatin Njalipoovan,
Palayamkodan

Table 3.3
Animal Varieties
Cow Vechoor,
Kasaragod Kullan
Goat Malabari,
Attappadi black

Table 3.4

Basic Science VIII 47