The Jeypore tract of Orissa, India is famous for the genetic diversity of Asian cultivated rice and has been considered the center of origin of aus ecotype. The landraces or traditional varieties growing here are thought to harbor dominant genes for biotic and abiotic stresses, aroma and palatability and hold promise for their utilization in future plant breeding and biotechnology programs.

This paper examines the composition of traditional food crops among the different tribal communities and the method of sustainable food crop production. Three tribal communities, inhabiting seven villages in Orissa, India were studied. A structured questionnaire was administered to elicit information in the areas of crop mixtures and reasons for such mixtures.