Indian Journal of Plant Genetic Resources

Plant genetic resources (PGR) are considered to be the integral part of human life to provide food, medicine and industrial raw materials. They also offer immense potential and untapped benefits for future generations. The pattern of resource utilization link human beings firmly with the culture, beliefs and religion, which they have adopted socially since long past and in return knowingly or unknowingly played an important role in their conservation. In this way, the culture and religion, which are most important part of human life remain in harmony and in return, help in conservation of surrounding plant diversity for its sustainable utilization. In the present communication, an attempt has been made to study the role of folk culture, ceremonies and rituals performed by hill communities in PGR conservation. Therefore, an integration of traditional culture with modern scientific developments by adding value would help in effective conservation of plant diversity in the area of study. Information on the use of plant genetic resources for religious purposes have been collected and the role of religious ceremonies in conservation of PGR have been discussed.