Underutilized Crops

Yanglem Sofia Devi holds a Doctorate and Master's degree in Agriculture (Agronomy) from Central Agricultural University, Imphal, Meghalaya, India and Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Maharashtra, India respectively. She has been working at KVK East Garo Hills, CAU-I, Meghalaya, India since 2018. Devi is also a receipient of the Young Scientist Award and Women Scientist Award for her outstanding contribution to Agronomy.Mayengbam Premi Devi is currently working at College of Agriculture, Kyrdemkulai, Meghalaya, India (CAU, Imphal) and has contributed significantly to research and promotion of underutilized horticultural crops. Her pioneering contributions include complete nutritional aspects of Kachai lemon and tree bean with value addition through unique processing technologies. Priyadarshini Salam currently serves at KVK Imphal East, CAU, Imphal, Manipur, India with over 6 years of experience in agricultural extension and farmer empowerment. Salam holds a Doctorate in Horticulture (Floriculture & Landscape Architecture) from YS Parmar University of Horticulture & Forestry, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India and M.Sc. in Horticulture from Orissa University of Agriculture & Forestry, Bhubaneswar, India. Rajeev Kumar presently works with the Project Preparation & Monitoring Unit of Hariyali Mission, Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of Bihar, India. He completed M.Sc. in Environmental Science from A.N. College, Patna, Bihar, India and also holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Science from Magadh University, Gaya, Bihar, India.Palak Gupta is currently working at the Tea Board India, Kolkata, West Bengal, India. She was born in Jammu District, Jammu & Kashmir, India where she completed undergraduate studies at GCW Parade, Jammu, postgraduate degree in Biochemistry from SKUAST-Jammu, India and Ph.D. in Biochemistry from GBPUAT, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, India. She possesses about 10 years of professional expertise in biochemistry.Mahendra Kumar Tiwari is working at Government Hussainabad Inter College, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. He holds M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics and B.Ed. in Agriculture. He has three years of experience at Government Creative Training College, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India and has dedicated 30 years to promoting scientific agriculture and horticulture. He earned his Doctorate in Agricultural Economics from C.S.J.M. University, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, 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.

• PrefaceAbout the EditorsIntroduction to Underutilized CropsNutritional Value of Underutilized CropsEconomic Potential of Underutilized CropsKey Underutilized CropsTraditional Knowledge and Cultural SignificanceAgronomic Practices for Underutilized CropsChallenges in Cultivating Underutilized CropsInnovations in Breeding and BiotechnologyPolicy Framework and Government Initiatives, Global Perspectives on Underutilized CropsCase Studies: Successful Implementation in Farming Systems, Marketing and Value AdditionRole of Technology in Promoting Underutilized CropsClimate Resilience and SustainabilityEducation and Awareness ProgramsFuture Trends in Underutilized Crop CultivationResearch and Development Needs