Explore Diversity at Joida Tuber Festival

Cultural

Unveil Uttara Kannada's Tuber Diversity with Us

Uncover Joida's Eclectic Tuber Festival Delights

LIVELY

Experience Uttara Kannada's Festive Tuber Diversity

Welcome to Tuber Festival

Nisargasutra, a self-funded voluntary organization, stands as a beacon of change with a team comprising enthusiastic and experienced scientists, researchers, and activists.

Over the past 18 months, our dedicated team has actively immersed itself in every facet of understanding the ecosystem, focusing on key regions such as Tamhini Ghats and the broader expanse of the Western Ghats.

Introduction

We cannot live without food; it is the main source of proteins, vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates. Consumability, safety, and taste are the primary criteria for any and every edible food. But in reality, this order is exactly opposite, which endangers our life in the present scenario.

The compelling nexus of demand is taking the basic food cycle and the food growers onto a backfoot. We, Nisargasutra, are pioneering work in this field of food security, intending to make safe and nutritious food a part of the modern human diet and lifestyle. Our mission at large is to explore the otherwise unexplored world of tubers, wild vegetables, mushrooms, millets, medicinal plants, and many other nutritious sources of food.

Mission

As a part of this activity, we are promoting the Joida Tuber Festival, which is one of its kind and showcases over 50 edible tubers. We view this festival as a starting point for a major activity that will bring "Tubers" to the forefront and encourage more and more farmers to undertake the farming of these tubers.

It will also be a source of income for them as we are in the process of establishing a marketing and supply chain. To do so, we are conducting thorough research on nutritional, agricultural, and botanical values and are also in the process of popularizing this very important food source. We are also promoting exotic preparations through varied recipes to make "Tubers" a major part of our regular diet. Join us in this mission, and together let us make our life healthy.

What we are Covering

Joida Tuber Mela: Unveiling the Hidden Treasures of Uttara Kannada's Forest-Dependent Communities

The Joida Tuber Mela, held annually in the heart of Uttara Kannada, in the first week of January, has emerged as a celebration of diversity, culture, and sustenance. This unique event showcases an impressive array of more than 46 tuber varieties, including those cultivated by the Kunbi community in the lush Kali valley. Participants from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Chamrajnagar, and beyond converge to share their tuber cultivation expertise, enriching the cultural tapestry of this vibrant gathering.

Nestled amidst the dense forests of Joida taluka, local women utilize their backyards to cultivate an assortment of roots and tubers, vital for sustaining their families throughout the year.

The tubers, ranging from towering taro to cylindrical tania with bulbous centers, reflect the rich tapestry of tastes, colors, and nutritional benefits often overlooked beyond these forested landscapes.

While yam and roots are indispensable to the survival of forest-dependent communities, the broader populace remains unaware of the diverse offerings these tubers provide. Today, sweet potatoes and yams from Joida have captured the attention of thousands nationwide, resulting in an increased market value for these unique varieties.

Notably, the rise in popularity has prompted women to engage in small-scale cultivation, harmoniously integrated into the existing forest ecosystem. Beyond serving as an additional income source, the Tuber Mela acts as a catalyst for learning and discovery, fostering a sense of community and empowerment among the women of Joida.

For the people of Joida, this festival has transcended mere economic significance, becoming an integral part of their identity. The Joida Tuber Mela not only preserves and promotes the rich heritage of tuber cultivation but also serves as a platform for sustainable practices, economic growth, and cultural exchange.