During our lifetime, Harman Jaggi has launched a pioneering research project. His practice-led PhD is looking at the role of traditional agricultural practices in the Trans-Himalayas, particularly exploring the cultivation of a long-forgotten variety of black peas. Called sanmoh nako or dhoopchum in Tibetan, these legumes are miraculous survivors. Used wisely, rehabilitating their ecological niches can ensure they continue to prosper as a rich sustainable crop even during the climate change crises. The goal of the research is to identify the genetic basis of black peas. In the process, it hopes to spark a new wave of appreciation for this culturally important crop.
Given the state of the world today, the timing of their study couldn’t be more poignant. In the 1980s, farmers in the region adopted commercial agriculture practices for green peas and other cash crops. Jaggi’s latest research includes the overall nutrition benefits of black peas. It stresses in particular their adaptability to the environment and underlines their importance for local diets and agricultural heritage.
The Nutritional and Environmental Significance of Black Peas
Black eyed peas are delicious, cultural and uniquely African American. These legumes are packed with a whopping 21% protein per 100 grams, making them a stellar source of plant-based protein. North American native species, they are high in dietary fiber and vitamins C, B1 and B3. Black-eyed peas deliver a healthy dose of essential minerals, including magnesium, calcium, and iron. These nutrients are key to a well-rounded diet.
Jaggi’s study publishes first ever whole genome sequencing data for black peas. It reveals such a strong molecular signature of distinct genetic clusters that it highlights the complexity of cultural and environmental selection that produced the patterns over many millennia. This genetic diversity means that black peas are beautifully adapted to the unique climatic conditions of the Trans-Himalayas. Climate change is causing the winter precipitation to drop dramatically across the region. Characterizing these genetic traits is key to realizing food security and sustainability.
Jaggi’s research team examined how black peas respond to the local climate under various watering treatments across three different elevations. The results indicated that black peas had a higher likelihood of persistence. At the same time, they showed a better success at reproductive traits than other crops. Their flexibility is what makes them such an exciting choice for farmers who want to protect their yields amidst an ever more unpredictable climate.
Cultural Heritage and Modern Challenges
Black peas’ importance stretches far beyond their spirit-nourishing properties. They are a deeply entrenched aspect of, and integral to, the cultural, religious, and social identity of the Trans-Himalayan region. Despite their importance, only 10% of the families in Jaggi’s interviews grew black peas. Farmers are eager to cultivate them once more. In short, they look for buyers willing to pay and scientific proof that their dollars are worth something.
For the 2023 growing season, Jaggi collaborated with farmers in three other villages. Collectively, they helped set up field study experiments on active working farms. This hyper-local, hands-on approach puts data collection in action. It furthers environmental stewardship as well as community involvement and interest in bringing back old sustainable agricultural ways. Jaggi continually consults with local farmers around his creative vision to develop an environmentally friendly model. This method respects ancestral agrarian traditions and addresses present-day farming needs.
Jaggi is currently in the thick of his research. He urges for the immediate inclusion of Trans-Himalayan agricultural systems, like black peas, in policies such as the Nationally or Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (NIAHS or GIAHS). That kind of acknowledgement would offer essential backing for continuing these age-old approaches and fighting for the role of sustainable agriculture in the region’s future economic growth.
The Road Ahead: Reviving Interest in Black Peas
The future of black peas in the Trans-Himalayas hinges on several factors, including market demand and increased awareness of their benefits. Jaggi’s findings indicate that while there is a willingness among farmers to return to cultivating black peas, they require access to interested buyers who recognize the crop’s value.
The research team aims to disseminate information about the nutritional benefits and environmental adaptability of black peas to encourage consumers and farmers alike. By highlighting success stories and sharing data from ongoing field studies, Jaggi hopes to stimulate interest in these legumes as a viable commercial crop.
Additionally, building collaborations among farmers, scientists, and municipal leaders will be important for developing sustainable markets for black peas. Supporting local culinary traditions that use these legumes can further generate excitement and demand from consumers.
