Underutilized Crops by Devi, Yanglem Sofia; Devi, Mayengbam Premi; Salam, Priyadarshini;

Short description:

This book offers a comprehensive guide to underutilized crops in India covering nutritional benefits, sustainable practices, climate resilience, and policy frameworks for agricultural scientists and policymakers.

Long description:

This book examines underutilized crops in India covering nutritional benefits, economic potential, and ecological significance for sustainable agriculture. The book explores traditional knowledge systems, agronomic practices, and cultivation techniques for enhancing crop productivity and also includes:

• Comprehensive examination of underutilized crops in India covering nutritional benefits, economic potential, and ecological significance for sustainable agriculture


• Analysis of traditional knowledge systems and cultural significance of indigenous crops for community engagement and agricultural heritage preservation


• Investigation of agronomic practices and cultivation techniques for enhancing yield and sustainability of underutilized crop production systems


• Study of breeding innovations and biotechnology applications for improving underutilized crop varieties and adaptation to climate change


• Assessment of policy frameworks and government initiatives supporting underutilized crop development and market integration strategies

This title has been co-published with Elite Publishing House. T&F does not sell or distribute the print versions in India.

"This book makes a timely and valuable contribution to the growing discourse on sustainable food systems, nutritional diversification, and climate-resilient agriculture.
The book presents a well-balanced synthesis of scientific knowledge, practical insights, and policy relevance, demonstrating how these crops can strengthen agrobiodiversity and enhance resilience in vulnerable farming systems.

A key strength of this volume lies in its integrative approach. The chapters thoughtfully connect crop diversity with nutrition, sustainability, traditional knowledge, and adaptive farming strategies. The emphasis on climate resilience further enhances the contemporary relevance of the book. It is particularly valuable for those engaged in promoting diversified diets, climate-smart agriculture, and sustainable rural development."

— Dr Sheetanshu Gupta, Central Agricultural University, Manipur, India.

Table of Contents:

Preface

About the Editors

1. Introduction to Underutilized Crops


2. Nutritional Value of Underutilized Crops


3. Economic Potential of Underutilized Crops


4. Key Underutilized Crops


5. Traditional Knowledge and Cultural Significance


6. Agronomic Practices for Underutilized Crops


7. Challenges in Cultivating Underutilized Crops


8. Innovations in Breeding and Biotechnology


9. Policy Framework and Government Initiatives, Global Perspectives on Underutilized Crops


10. Case Studies: Successful Implementation in Farming Systems, Marketing and Value Addition


11. Role of Technology in Promoting Underutilized Crops


12. Climate Resilience and Sustainability


13. Education and Awareness Programs


14. Future Trends in Underutilized Crop Cultivation


15. Research and Development Needs