Abstract:

Wild rice [Zizania latifolia (Griseb.) Turcz ex stapf.)], locally called ‘Kambong’ or ‘Ishing-kambong’ (in Manipuri) is an aquatic/wetland plant of Manipur and is used for various purposes by the ethnic people ranging from food to fodder, thatch roofing, firewood substitute, house wall plastering material, etc. The infected gall forming culm (infected with the fungus Ustilago esculenta P. Henn.) is highly eaten by the local people of Manipur and regarded as delicacy and fetching Rs 28-55 per kg and is a source of livelihood for a section of rural populace.