Energy flow through an Apatani village ecosystem of Arunachal Pradesh in Northeast India

Abstract

The energy flow through the ecosystem of a typical Apatani village in Arunachal Pradesh in northeastern India was studied. The energy and economic efficiency of the rice agro-ecosystem of this region is exceptionally high, and rice is exported after meeting local needs. The cropping pattern varies depending upon the amount of organic residues recycled into the system. Where recycling is more efficient and substantial, pisciculture is integrated with rice cultivation. Dry land cultivation of millet and mixed cropping in home gardens contribute toward meeting the diverse needs of the people. Swine and poultry husbandry is an important link with agro-ecosystems through the detritus food chain. Mithun (Bos frontalis)husbandry, which is dependent upon large forested grazing lands, is important for social and religious reasons, as well as being a source of food. Fuelwood is extracted from the natural forest and from the cultivated bamboo gardens; the latter also provide construction materials. This village ecosystem with high overall energy efficiency is based on tight recycling of resources.