Putijam: A Nearly Forgotten Fruit Tree
Putijam, a fruit tree once commonly planted in low-lying areas prone to waterlogging, is now largely forgotten. Alongside other trees like Hijol, Koroch, Jarul, Kodom, and Chalita, Putijam was strategically chosen for its resilience. Its ability to thrive even when its roots are submerged for parts of the year makes it unique, as most trees cannot withstand such conditions. This characteristic allowed Putijam trees to survive in environments where other flora would perish. The article highlights the decline in the cultivation and recognition of this once-valuable fruit-bearing tree.
The decline of Putijam cultivation reflects broader trends in agricultural biodiversity loss, often driven by economic pressures favoring monocultures or more commercially viable crops. The tree's resilience in waterlogged conditions, a characteristic shared with other native species, suggests potential for ecological restoration and climate adaptation strategies. Future agricultural planning could benefit from re-evaluating such hardy, underutilized native species for their contributions to ecosystem stability and food security, particularly in regions facing increased water variability.
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