Buckwheat
is a pueudo cereal belonging to the family Polygonaceae. Two species, viz. Fagopyrum tataricum and F. esculentum are suitable for cultivation. The former is very inferior in quality. The grains are used for preparing pan-cakes locally known as chilra which is highly relished. The tender leaves of buckwheat are used for preparing soups and vegetables. Good quality seed of local varieties may be sown. In case of P. tataricum, the practice of clipping the plants at knee-high stage prevents plants from lodging and also increases yields. The clipping also provides leaf vegetable for the market.
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