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<p>The traditional grass storage method practiced in the Himalayan hills exemplifies the intersection of indigenous knowledge, agricultural sustainability, and ecological ingenuity. This note aims to highlight the traditional grass storage method commonly practiced by the native communities of the Uttarakhand Himalayan region. This method involves the harvesting, sun-drying, and bundling of fodder grasses, which are then stored in elevated structures known as <i>Soo</i> or <i>Lut</i>. It ensures a reliable supply of livestock fodder during harsh climatic conditions, particularly in the winter season. Agriculturally, the practice reduces post-harvest losses and strengthens the resilience of Himalayan farming systems. Ecologically, it contributes to biodiversity conservation and enhances soil carbon sequestration, thereby supporting climate change mitigation. Culturally, it is deeply embedded in the socio-ecological fabric of Himalayan communities, reflecting a longstanding tradition of sustainable resource management. Despite its benefits, the system faces challenges such as weather unpredictability and a decline in the transmission of traditional construction knowledge. Nevertheless, it represents a low-input, climate-adaptive strategy with potential for broader application in resource-constrained mountain regions. This study advocates for the formal recognition of the practice, including the pursuit of a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, and underscores the importance of integrating indigenous systems into contemporary agricultural and environmental policy frameworks.</p>

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Soo or Lut: An Indigenous Traditional Method of Grass Storage in the Uttarakhand Himalayan Hills

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年9月18日

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  • Ishwar Prakash Sharma,
  • Chandra Kanta

摘要

The traditional grass storage method practiced in the Himalayan hills exemplifies the intersection of indigenous knowledge, agricultural sustainability, and ecological ingenuity. This note aims to highlight the traditional grass storage method commonly practiced by the native communities of the Uttarakhand Himalayan region. This method involves the harvesting, sun-drying, and bundling of fodder grasses, which are then stored in elevated structures known as Soo or Lut. It ensures a reliable supply of livestock fodder during harsh climatic conditions, particularly in the winter season. Agriculturally, the practice reduces post-harvest losses and strengthens the resilience of Himalayan farming systems. Ecologically, it contributes to biodiversity conservation and enhances soil carbon sequestration, thereby supporting climate change mitigation. Culturally, it is deeply embedded in the socio-ecological fabric of Himalayan communities, reflecting a longstanding tradition of sustainable resource management. Despite its benefits, the system faces challenges such as weather unpredictability and a decline in the transmission of traditional construction knowledge. Nevertheless, it represents a low-input, climate-adaptive strategy with potential for broader application in resource-constrained mountain regions. This study advocates for the formal recognition of the practice, including the pursuit of a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, and underscores the importance of integrating indigenous systems into contemporary agricultural and environmental policy frameworks.