The Staple of the Indian Diet

Cereals, as the seeds of the grasses, are the basic staple food consumed in India. India boasts a staggering variety, with some of the most prominent being:

Rice: Rice is the most popular cereal grain in the Indian diet. It comes in various types such as Basmati rice, which is famous for its pleasant smell, and Sona Masuri, considered for its softness. From the green fields of Kerala to the fertile plains of Punjab, this crop is grown all across the country.

Wheat: Another staple cereal is wheat, which is used in making rotis, parathas, breads, and a lot of other preparations. Harvested golden fields of wheat dancing under the sun are famous for the states of Punjab and Haryana in India, which play a crucial role in feeding the country.

Millets: These small-grained powerhouses, such as jowar also known as sorghum and bajra also known as pearl millet, are making a comeback due to their rich nutritional profile and ability to withstand drought conditions. Especially suitable for the climatic conditions of India, millets used to be common in many areas. Due to awareness of healthy eating and returning to indigenous crops, millets are slowly appearing on Indian plates again.

Maize (Corn): Corn, commonly consumed in animal feeds, is gradually making its way into snacking and local cuisines. Though not as prominent as the major cereals, corn is incorporated into the Indian diet, though not as commonly or as frequently in certain regions of the country.

Oats: Commonly known for their nutritional values, oats are widely used either as porridge or breakfast cereals. Relatively new to India’s breakfast palette, oats have risen to the occasion and targeted the health-conscious, urban populace.

India’s Biodiversity – Species Richness

India is one of the mega diverse countries among 12 countries of the world because it has much variety of plant and animal species. Here’s just a glimpse of this incredible diversity:

Mammals: Ranging from the regal Royal Bengal Tiger, the national animal, roaming across the jungles of Madhya Pradesh to the shy One-Horned Rhinoceros residing in the plains of Assam, India hosts more than 400 types of mammals only. The Himalayas also host specific mountain creatures such as the snow leopard and the bharal or blue sheep.

Birds: India is a paradise for bird watchers as the country is home to more than 1300 species. Some of the birds found in India are the national bird, the Indian peafowl, which is known for its colorful feathers, and the Great Indian Hornbill, which boasts of its large wings. From the Himalayan Griffon vulture soaring high in the Himalayas to the bright Malabar Grey Hornbill in the Western Ghats, India has them all.

Amphibians and Reptiles: India has a diverse population of frogs, snakes, lizards, and turtles with more than 400 species of amphibians and 600 species of reptiles. The Western Ghats boast the maximum amphibian species while the scorching deserts of Rajasthan have hardy lizards such as the Monitor Lizard and the Indian Sand Boa.

Plants: Different terrains characterize India, making it possible to host a variety of plants with over 45,000 species of flowering plants. The mighty Himalayas have alpine vegetation, and the tropical rainforests of the south have many species of plants endemic to the region. From the gorgeous flowers of the northeast to the magnificent banyan trees that can be found across the country, India’s flora is ever fascinating.

Why India is Special?

There are so many types and species of cereal crops that can be grown in India due to its diverse geographical areas and production systems. This variety offers several benefits:

Food Security: Availability of cereals provides adequate food supply to feed the large population of the country. As India has diverse crops that can be grown in different climates, food grains can be produced in large quantities, thus controlling imports.

Dietary Needs: It offers options for all dietary restrictions and preferences. Be it gluten-free millets or protein pulses, India’s food basket has it all in store for everyone. This leads to a rich, diverse, and healthy diet that adequately supports the population.

Economic Opportunity: These cereals and species are grown and traded in India and play a big role in boosting the economy. The agricultural sector plays an important role in supporting the livelihoods of millions of people in India and earning foreign exchange through the exportation of spices, basmati rice, among other agricultural produce.

Ecological Balance: The number and variety of different creatures that inhabit the world are thus important in regulating the natural environment. The pollinating insects which are necessary for the production of fruits and seeds, the large herbivores that control plant growth are all beneficial to the ecosystem. Such biodiversity is crucial for the sustainability of ecological systems in the country.

Conservation and Sustainability

Though India has a vast number of varieties of cereals and species, it becomes essential to conserve them for the next generation. It is currently threatened by climate change, loss of habitat, and improper use of agricultural practices.

Here are some efforts being made to preserve this rich heritage:

Conservation Programs: The Indian Government has done a lot to protect the endangered species and their abode through various conservation measures. National parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and bioreserves are set up to serve as a shelter to flora and wildlife.

Sustainable Agriculture: Measures such as crop rotation, organic farming, and water conservation practices should be encouraged to minimize the effects of agriculture on the environment and sustainability of these cereals.

Community Involvement: Education and engagement of the local population are critical for the success of such projects. Raising farmers’ awareness of sustainable practices and cultivating their responsibility for the environment are important prerequisites.

India has an enormous and diverse number of cereals and species, which makes people proud of their country. The sustainable practices and the culture of conservation keep India’s diverse ecosystem alive, which will be beneficial for future generations.

The post India’s Rich Biodiversity and Agricultural Practices appeared first on TripALoud.

Chikhaldara

In the heartwarming Northwest region of Maharashtra, hidden among hills, there is a quaint hill station called Chikhaldara that tells an awesome story in legends from Bhagavata. Bheema did super cool things here because he managed to strike bad Keechaka and into this valley sent him flying kind of actions; thus developing Adventure Thus, it was named “Keechakadara” and today is known as Chikhaldara. This place is kind of cool. It’s the only place in Maharashtra where they grow coffee – that is, real COFFEE! Imagine yourself walking through a rich coffee plantation.

These deep valleys all around Chikhaldara, where mist lingers and trees bend, provide a wonderful spot for chilling during the sweltering summer. And guess what? It still has more to offer, such as the Melghat Tiger Project is home to about 80 tigers, panthers sloths, and sambars – that’s a real wildlife adventure. Don’t forget the Pandit Nehru Botanical Gardens – a cool place to enjoy some views.

What is great about the weather that we have here, my friend, is that it’s always breezy and crispy at times. Once you hit the pavement out there on foot, maybe you feel as though treading life among clouds. No matter if you love monsoons that are very refreshing for the body and mind or winters that are crisp, Chikhaldara becomes a wonderful break where history landscape beauty treks in the hills of the forest with its wildlife.

Sandhan Valley

Sandhan Valley is also known as the “valley of suspense” or the “shadowed valley.” This rather peaceful canyon nestles in front of a backdrop provided by the beautiful Sahyadri range. Picture this: it’s 1.5 km long and 200 feet deep, carved by water itself. It lies in the western part of the beautiful Bhandardara area near Samrad village.

Now, if you want some action, this place has it. You can dip your toes (or more) into the cool creek waters that range from ankle-deep to chest-deep. It may become a bit tricky when stepping on slippery rocks and squeezing through narrow gaps, but trust me, it is exhilarating! Sandhan Valley is not merely one of nature’s wonders; it behaves like a playground for adrenaline junkies who would dare to take on some cool challenges in this beautiful natural megastructure.

Mhaismal

Located hidden in the vegetation and greenery of Maharashtra’s Aurangabad district, Mhaismal is a small place that seems to display an interesting harmony between nature and spirituality. Unlike other hill stations, Mhaismal is not just hills and greenery; it has a unique religious place making it one of its kind destination. A visit to this secret location seems like a fresh breath of air, enclosed among the rippling hills and bright colors.

You will find peaceful places such as Amne Samne Ki Dargah, Goddess Girija Temple, and Balaji Temple that bring a bit of spirituality into the calm environment. And as you walk your way to Mhaismal, never forget the fantastic jewels of history – Ellora Caves and Devgiri Fort. So in case you are ready for an adventure that combines the unknown with spiritual calm, Mhaismal is a perfect mix of nature’s abundance and peaceful quietness.

Tapola

Have you ever dreamed of getting a taste of Kashmir in Maharashtra? Well, you can! Just go and visit the beautiful village, full of charm, Tapola, which is also famously known as Mini Kashmir. It’s a comfortable place situated about 28 km from Mahabaleshwar, and Mumbai is around 250 km away.

Leave those crowded hill stations and polluted, over-crowded places – retreat to Tapola for peace. Tapola is a heavenly place for those looking forward to easy getaways, with its beautiful trekking routes and picture-perfect campsites, plus the glamorous sights of lakes and hills. Step off, revel in the magnificent landscapes, and do not forget to take it all in – especially Shivsagar Lake.

Morachi Chincholi

Do you remember a place where peacocks wander around, displaying their tails and giving performances? Morachi Chincholi is then the place to be. Imagine this – peacocks wandering around streets and farms casually, something that’s not just unusual but incredibly magical. Since spotting the national bird of India is often a difficult task these days, such a village, which lies just 55 km away from Pune, turns into the haven where you can easily notice and see those gorgeous birds.

Morachi Chincholi is not all about peacocks; it’s a serene entry into the world of nature. So, why not plan a vacation and enjoy the tranquility of nature, watching these magnificent animals in such an idyllic setting?

The post Visit the Top 4 Unexplored Destinations of Maharashtra appeared first on TripALoud.

You can easily change the formatting of selected text in the document text by choosing a look for the selected text from the Quick Styles gallery on the Home tab. You can also format text directly by using the other controls on the Home tab. Most controls offer a choice of using the look from the current theme or using a format that you specify directly.

To change the overall look of your document, choose new Theme elements on the Page Layout tab. To change the looks available in the Quick Style gallery, use the Change Current Quick Style Set command. Both the Themes gallery and the Quick Styles gallery provide reset commands so that you can always restore the look of your document to the original contained in your current template.

On the Insert tab, the galleries include items that are designed to coordinate with the overall look of your document. You can use these galleries to insert tables, headers, footers, lists, cover pages, and other document building blocks. When you create pictures, charts, or diagrams, they also coordinate with your current document look.

You can easily change the formatting of selected text in the document text by choosing a look for the selected text from the Quick Styles gallery on the Home tab. You can also format text directly by using the other controls on the Home tab. Most controls offer a choice of using the look from the current theme or using a format that you specify directly.

To change the overall look of your document, choose new Theme elements on the Page Layout tab. To change the looks available in the Quick Style gallery, use the Change Current Quick Style Set command. Both the Themes gallery and the Quick Styles gallery provide reset commands so that you can always restore the look of your document to the original contained in your current template.

On the Insert tab, the galleries include items that are designed to coordinate with the overall look of your document. You can use these galleries to insert tables, headers, footers, lists, cover pages, and other document building blocks. When you create pictures, charts, or diagrams, they also coordinate with your current document look.

You can easily change the formatting of selected text in the document text by choosing a look for the selected text from the Quick Styles gallery on the Home tab. You can also format text directly by using the other controls on the Home tab. Most controls offer a choice of using the look from the current theme or using a format that you specify directly.

To change the overall look of your document, choose new Theme elements on the Page Layout tab. To change the looks available in the Quick Style gallery, use the Change Current Quick Style Set command. Both the Themes gallery and the Quick Styles gallery provide reset commands so that you can always restore the look of your document to the original contained in your current template.

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