Underutilized food crops treasure for the future IndiaMONIKA THAKUR

Underutilized crops are lesser-known plant species in terms of marketing and research but well adapted to marginal and stressconditions Their indigenous potential and ethnobotanical data are well known to people whereas commercial importance andmarket value is unknown to the public The survey conducted and the indigenous data gathered gave information that UUCrsquos makeIndian economy sounder and in many cases benefit the environment as well by replacing the depleting resources with the new onesIn India strategy development and appropriate policies are limited to a large extent because of the lack of authentic documentationon these crops The Indian government policies and strategies for food security should take into account the diversity of underutilizedcrops Although the options for scaling-up neglected crops for large-scale agriculture appear to be increasingly exhausted manyspecies have the potential to contribute to food security nutrition dietary and culinary diversification health and income generationBasically these UUCrsquos are multifold food crops as the treasures for the future India have greater potential for food and securityincome generation and environmental services

Key Words Underutilized crops Food security Health benefits

How to cite this article Thakur Monika (2014) Underutilized food crops treasure for the future India Food Sci Res J 5(2) 174-183

INTRODUCTIONWith the increasing population and fast depletion of

natural resources it became necessary to explore thepossibilities of using newer indigenous plant resourcesAgriculture in todayrsquos context is one of the most importantsources of renewable wealth in the world There are manyplants species still lying unexplored and underexploitedTherefore there has been focused attention by the researcherson exploiting alternative or underutilized plant species formultifarious use ldquoUnderutilized cropsrdquo are plant species thatare used traditionally for their food fibre fodder oil ormedicinal properties but have yet to be adopted by large-scale agriculturalists Underutilized plants in generalconstitute those plant species that occur as life support speciesin extreme environmental conditions and threatened habitatshaving genetic tolerance to survive under harsh conditionsand possess qualities of nutritional andor industrialimportance for a variety of purposes Kunkel (1984) discussed

HIND INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

that once underutilized food crops are properly utilized theymay help to contribute in food security nutrition healthincome generation and environmental services when properlyutilized The underutilized foods can be defined as ldquothe foodswhich are less available less utilized or rarely used or regionspecificrdquo (William and Haq 2002)

Underutilized or neglected crops species are oftenindigenous ancient crop species which are still used at somelevel within the local national or even internationalcommunities but have the potential to contribute further tothe mix of food sources than they currently do (Mayes et al2011) Neglected and underutilized plants are those that couldbe - and in many cases historically have been - used for foodand other uses on a larger scale Global Facilitation Unit (GFU)for Underutilized species also define UUCrsquos as ldquothose plantspecies with under-exploited potential for contributing to foodsecurity health (nutritionalmedicinal) income generation andenvironmental servicesrdquo These underutilized crop specieshave also been described as ldquominorrdquo ldquoorphanrdquo ldquopromisingrdquoand ldquolittle-usedrdquo

UUCrsquos have poor shelf-life un-recognized nutritionalvalue poor consumer awareness and reputational problems

MONIKA THAKUR Amity Institute of Food Technology Amity UniversityNOIDA (UP) INDIAEmail mthakur1amityedu monikaharsh05gmailcom

AUTHOR FOR CORRESPONDENCE

A REVIEWFOOD SCIENCERESEARCH JOURNAL

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Hind Instidute of Science and Technology175Food Sci Res J 5(2) | Oct 2014 |

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Hind Instidute of Science and Technology176Food Sci Res J 5(2) | Oct 2014 |

UNDERUTILIZED FOOD CROPS

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therefore also called as ldquopoor peoplersquos foodrdquo As the demandfor food changes (re-discovery of nutritional and culinaryvalue therapeutic valuendashcomplete ethnobiology) UUCrsquos canovercome the constraints to the wider production and use bythe poor people As a matter of fact many formerly neglectedcrops are now globally significant crops (oilpalm soybeankiwi fruit) and have shown the potential to contribute to foodsecurity nutrition dietary and culinary diversification healthand income generation (Hammer et al 2001) Underutilizedplant species have a distinctive past current or potential usevalue but their use is currently limited relative to theireconomic potential (Gruegravere et al 2006)

To be considered as an lsquounderutilized food croprsquo a plantmust have the following features

ndash Crop must have a scientific or ethnobotanical proofof food value

ndash Crop must have been cultivated either in the pastor only being cultivated in a specific geographicalarea

ndash It must be currently cultivated less than otherconventional crops

ndash Crop must have weak or no formal seed supplysystem

ndash Crops are recognized to have indigenous uses inlocalized areas

ndash Received little attention from research extensionservices farmers policy and decision makers andtechnology providers

ndash May be highly nutritious andor have therapeuticmedicinal or therapeutic properties or other multipleuses

Need of explore UUC With the increasing population pressure India is facing

serious challenges of food security unemployment andenvironment degradation About 65 per cent of the Indianpopulation is presently living in rural areas and 85per cent ofthese rural families are dependent on agro-based activitiesfor their livelihood (Williams and Haq 2002) Staple cropsface major challenges in the near future and a diversificationaway from over-dependency on staple crops will be importantas part of the progress towards the goal of achieving securityof food production Just three crops-rice maize and wheataccount for about 40 per cent of the worldrsquos consumption ofcalories and protein About 95 per cent of the worldrsquos foodneeds are provided for by just 30 species of plants In contrastat least 12650 plant species names have been compiled asedible (Kunkel 1984) From past UUCrsquos continue to play apersistent role in the subsistence and economy of poor peoplethroughout the developing countries Despite their potentialfor dietary diversification and the provision of micro-nutrientssuch as vitamins and minerals they still continue to attract

little research and development attention Therefore thedeveloping countries like India are being encouraged todiversify their food exports by developing new resources

In India there are large areas of marginal and wastelandwhich are not suitable for cultivation of staple crops eitherdue to poor quality soil or lack of water resources Most ofUUC species are tolerant to harsh agro-climatic conditionsthey have excellent potential for establishment on marginaland wasteland throughout the tropics (Hegde 2002) Manyunderutilized fruit crops such as ber tamarind jamungooseberry etc which are in good demand but these crops arenot very popular among farmers (Hegde 2002) Most of theselesser known fruit trees establish through natural regenerationof the seeds grow slowly without any nutrition start bearingfruits after a long period Hence these species are renamed asneglected without any commercial importance

Neglected or underutilized crops have the potential toplay a number of roles in the improvement of food security inIndia that include being

ndash part of a focused effort to help the poor for subsistenceand income

ndash a way to reduce the risk of over-dependency on verylimited numbers of major staple food crops

ndash a way to increase sustainability of agriculture througha reduction in inputs

ndash increase the food qualityndash a way to preserve and celebrate cultural and dietary

diversityndash a way to use marginal and wastelands for agricultural

purposes to meet the ever increasing food demand(Mayes et al 2011)

Thus these UUCrsquos because of their untapped potentialshall be very soon explored to combat food securityUnfortunately the lack of attention and authenticated dataclaim their potential value as under-exploited and they arein danger of continued genetic erosion ultimately leading todisappearancerdquo (ICUC 2006) Therefore there has been aconcern to diversity the agriculture and explore the possibilitiesof newer plant resources and promote utilization ofunderutilized nutritive food crops Apart from being the storehouse of nutrients these crops are evolved with very importantgenetic pool for resistance to biotic and abiotic stress

Current research status of UUC The past three decades have seen a wide and varied range

of research interests on underutilized crops Whereas most ofthese interests were focused on particular projects of individualresearchers there have been a number of significantprogrammes to promote underutilized species for agriculturalsystems as alternative crops or as sources of new productsand these programmes have been undertaken in bothdeveloping and developed countries Additionally there has

MONIKA THAKUR

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been a broader recognition that underutilized crops shouldalways be promoted to improve food security A report oncurrent research and research proposals for enhancedcooperation on UUCrsquos was documented by Williams and Haq(2002) Various international research organizations havebeen established to focus on UUCrsquos which have been enlisted

International centre for underutilized crops (ICUC) This is a research development and training

organization It provides expertise and acts as a knowledgehub and supported research on national priorities forgermplasm collections agronomy and post harvestmethodology of underutilized species and associated scientificconferences and training events In recent years the focushas expanded to include processing and marketingassessments and entrepreneurship development only ICUChave several professional networks in twenty one countries inparticular as UTFANET (Underutilized Tropical Fruits in AsiaNetwork) UTVAPNET (Underutilized Tropical Vegetablesfor Asia and the Pacific Network) SEANUC (Southern andEast Africa Network for Underutilized Crops and ACUC(Asian Centre for Underutilized Crops) etc

Global facilitation unit (GFU)The GFU is a multi-institutional initiative that acts

globally to promote a wider use of underutilized plant speciesthrough supporting and facilitating the work of otherstakeholders The mission rather to create an enablingenvironment for stakeholders who are engaged in developingunderutilized species

Convention on biological diversity (CBD) Became a rallying point and promoted the concept of

maintaining local agro-biodiversity All these variousinternational units which are working on underutilized specieshave led to a better liaison between relatively isolated groupsof workers but there are still major gaps The ConsultativeGroup on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR)organized a workshop in 1999 at Chennai (India) followedthe major FAO Global Plan of Action One of the outcomeswas a recommendation to survey all ongoing activities onunderutilized species worldwide

Crops for the future (CFF) has been an independent international organization that

works with its partners and has a mandate to promote andfacilitate the greater use of neglected and underutilized cropsto advocate research policies and capacity building onunderutilized crops for the diversification of agriculturalsystems and diets (Crops for the Future 2009-13) It wasformed in 2008 following a merger between the InternationalCentre for Underutilized Crops (ICUC) and the Global

Facilitation Unit (GFU) for Underutilized Species In additionCrops for the Future Research Centre (CFFRC) a researcharm of CFF being built adjacent to UNMC is the first-of-its-kind with a global mandate for research and development ofunderutilized plants for food and non-food uses

Consumption marketing and promotion of underutilizedcrop products

There are very many difficulties in popularizing UUCrsquosat market and consumer level because of a variety of reasonsHence there has been uttermost need to give guidance andknowledge to consumers about the use of UUCrsquos Major fruitand vegetable distributors failed to market UUCrsquos and theirproducts in the most desired and tempting way by displayingthe quality price and information results in ignorance aboutthe fruit texture colour flavour and optimum maturity beforeconsumption by consumers Basically most of the consumersare unaware about these plant products their mode of usageexpectation of sensory qualities and mode of storage andripening Finally there is a lack of sustained and informativeresearch on the same field

The availability of information has been always a majorconstraint in the promotion of underutilized plant speciesThe possibility of accessing these data to guide workers atlocal level should be also addressed Opportunities forstrengthening informatics capacities for instance onecomputer per village managed by local extension officersshould not be seen as far fetched Improving the availabilityof information on underutilized crops has been one of themost important areas demanding our immediate attentionAt the formal level individual studies on underutilized cropscontinue to need support to ensure their publication At locallevel there has been a need to gather and documentinformation which has been maintained within farmingcommunities The recognition of the value of this byresearchers and scientists can often act as a powerful stimulusto improve a communityrsquos own valuation of the knowledge(Singh et al 2008) A spectacular wide strategy has to bedeveloped for underutilized crops for the benefit of mankindBut for the same protocol for increasing use of underutilizedcrops for food security involves overcoming many constraintsand obstacles from genetic through management culturalacceptability and marketing to policy and decision-makersin government (Padulosi et al 2002) There are very goodexamples for the development of an indigenous crop withinits local community where it provides direct benefits to thatcommunity through food and often income security providingthe local community with purchasing power (Mayes et al2011)

Constraints in utilization and marketing of UUCrsquos Overall the slow progress and poor popularity in the

UNDERUTILIZED FOOD CROPS

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Hind Instidute of Science and Technology179Food Sci Res J 5(2) | Oct 2014 |

effective development and utilization of underutilized cropsresults from a number of constraints which are summarizedbelow

ndash Lack of information on production nutritionalquality consumption and utilization of many of theunderutilized plant products which are unpopularcompared to major fruits

ndash Lack of awareness on economic benefits and marketopportunities

ndash Lack of technology for value addition through villagelevel food processing

ndash Lack of improved quality planting materialndash Lack of technology to reduce the gestation period

and enhance the fruit productionndash Lack of interest by researchers agriculturists and

extension workersndash Lack of producer interestndash Low yieldndash Post-harvest and transport lossesndash Non-existence of marketing network and

infrastructure facility for underutilized fruitsndash Lack of national policyndash Lack of credit and investmentndash Non-availability of scientific resources for testing

valuation and post harvest management of differentunderutilized fruits

ndash Disorganized communities

Advantages of UUCrsquos The benefits of these underutilized plant species are many

fold ndash They have potential to contribute to poverty

elimination through employment opportunities andincome generation and also through improvedefficiency and profitability of farm household labouruse in both rural and urban environments

ndash With the use of underutilized crops there is a way toreduce the risk of over-reliance on very limitednumber of major crops

ndash They can contribute to sustainable livelihoodsthrough household food security as they can widenthe food edibility options

ndash They add nutrients to the diet and are sometimesconvenience food for low income urban people Theyare adapted to fragile environments and cancontribute to the stability of agroecosystemsparticularly in the arid semi-arid lands mountainssteppes and tropical forests

ndash They provide a broad spectrum of crops to improveproductivity and global food security and to meetnew market demands

ndash They assist development of rural community through

small-scale investmentndash They have a strong cultural and sacred identify and

are associated with traditional customs and beliefsTherefore a best way to preserve and celebratecultural and dietary diversity

Indian government strategy In India strategy development and appropriate policies

are limited to a large extent by a lack of authenticdocumentation on underutilized crops The Indian governmentpolicies and strategies for food security should take intoaccount the diversity of underutilized cops For this thing theEthnobotanical data available on indigenous neglected Indiancrops is more valuable Indigenous knowledge must be tappedand combined from various localities and merged withscientific solutions to create new opportunities Recognitionof UUCrsquos in India was initiated in 1960rsquos at the IndianAgricultural Research Institute New Delhi This research waslater extended by All India Coordinated Research Project(AICRP) on Under-utilized plants (UUP) in 1982 with itsheadquarters at National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources(NBPGR) New Delhi towards collection evaluationutilization and conservation maintenance of under utilizedcrops Later on this work was also carried out in variousparts of India (Paroda 1979 Bhag Mal 1988 Bhag Mal andJoshi 1991 Paroda and Bhag Mal 1989 1992 Joshi et al2002 Joshi 2005) So far 115 leafy vegetables and 46 othervegetables have been documented as underutilized in India(Anonymous 2003) Ravi et al (2010) discussed themobilizing neglected and underutilized crops to strengthenfood security and alleviate poverty in India In India also anational co-ordinated project by Ministry of Agriculture hasbeen launched to do research on UUCrsquos Still the threat hasbeen for the crops as their underutilized potential is continuedto be under utilized ultimately this will lead to disappearanceof the same crop

Some underutilized crops of India There are many underutilized food crops in India and

majority are not well known or well documented (Solomon1998) Singh et al 2012 studied the diversity of underutilizedvegetable crops species in North-East India Bal (2003) studiesthe underutilized fruits for Punjab subtropics Theethnobotanical data for all the underutilized species is still tobe explored for such species Some of the underutilized plantspecies are documented in Annexure-I

Various processed products from under utilized fruits The main processed products consumed by people were

jam RTS ndash fruit drinks chutneys candies pickles squashesconcentrate etc (Fig 1 Roy 2000 Khurdiya 2001 a and bSingh et al 2008) Various processed products like canned

MONIKA THAKUR

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Hind Instidute of Science and Technology180Food Sci Res J 5(2) | Oct 2014 |

jackfruit bulbs in syrup squash raw jack pickle roasted jackseeds jack seed flour and candied jackfruit have beenprepared from Jack fruit (Berry and Kalra 1998 Chadha andPareek 1988 Chandra and Prakash 2009) Various processedproducts such as nectar squash slab toffee powder etc canbe made with Bael pulp Ber can be processed to preparedmurrabba candy dehydrated ber pulp jam and ready-to-serve beverage (Khurdiya 1980 Pareek 2001) Jamun fruitscan be processed into excellent quality fermented and non-fermented beverages Besides that good quality jelly jamleather can be prepared A good quality jelly can also beprepared from its fruits The seeds can be processed intopowder which is very useful to cure diabetes (Khurdiya 2001a and b) The main processed product made from Karonda ispickle Ripe ber fruit is consumed as popular dessert andprocessed for various value added products such as murabbacandy sharbat squash and powdered fruits after drying arealso consumed

Banana hearts are used as a vegetable (Solomaon 1998)either raw or steamed with dips or cooked in soups curriesand fried foods (Duda Online 2009)

Conclusion Many underutilized crops were once more widely grown

but are today falling into disuse for a variety of agronomicgenetic economic and cultural factors Farmers and consumersare using these crops less because they are in some way notcompetitive with other crop species in the same agriculturalenvironment The general decline of these crops may erodethe genetic base and prevent the use of distinctive useful traitsin crop adaptation and improvement Production post harvesthandling and processing of underutilized fruits practiced todayperpetuate heavy loses inadequate infrastructure facilitiescripple marketing prospects low production of under utilized

fruits results in lesser yield of processed products there byincreasing the production cost during processing To overcomethese problems the development of technologies is requiredurgently to minimize the losses during post harvest handlingand also technologies suitable for specific processing purposesproducts development and storage of fresh and processedproducts

Whatever research and field projects have been carriedout these are mostly fragmented and information on them isdifficult to compile However this paper will attempt toprovide the background current research constraints forsustainable production approaches to research andpotential strategies and action plans which we hope wouldbe helpful to lead the st r a tegic developmen t ofunderutilized crops for sustainable food and nutritionsecurity and poverty alleviation By corroborating theethnobotanical data the ways to combat food security canbe unlocked UUCrsquos are indispensable for food and nutritionsecurity and will have a greater potential for incomegeneration and environmental services As underutilizedcrops have a great potential to alleviate hunger directlythrough increasing food production in the challengingenvironments where major food crops are severely limitedday by day This paper finally concludes that with therealization of importance and uses of the underutilized cropsin India the potential for agricultural - rural developmentand food and nutrition security can be unlocked

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Arora RK and Nayar ER (1984) Wild relatives of crop plantsin India NBPGR Science Monograph No 7 NEW DELHI(INDIA)

Berry SK and Kalra CL (1987) Cultivation and processingof jackfruit Indian Ed Pack 42 (5) 62-67

Bhag Mal and Joshi V (1991) Plant genetic resources ndashConservation and management RS Paroda and RK Arora(eds) Malhotra Publishing House NEW DELHI (INDIA)

Bhag Mal (1988) Underutilized plant programme in India ndash conceptand future perspective In Life support species diversity andconservation RS Paroda Promila Kapoor RK Arora andBhag Mal (eds) Proc CCSICAR International Workshop inmaintenance and evaluation of Life Support Service in Asiaand Pacific Region April 4-7 NBPGR NEW DELHI (INDIA)

Bhatnagar N Bhandari NC Dwivedi NK and Rana RS(1991) Performance and potential of Jojoba in Indian aridregions Indian J Pl Genet Resour 4 (2) 57-66

Underutilized crops

processed products

Squashes Syrups

Sauces

RTS fruit drink

Juices

murabba

concentrates

pickles

Candies

Wine

Jelly

Jam

Canning Dehydrated products

Fig 1 Various processed food products from underutilized fruits

UNDERUTILIZED FOOD CROPS

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Hind Instidute of Science and Technology181Food Sci Res J 5(2) | Oct 2014 |

Chadha KL and Pareek OP (1988) Genetic resources of fruitscrops achievements and gaps Indian J Pl Genet Resour 143-48

Chandra D (2001) Analgesic activity of aqueous and alcoholicextract of Madhuca longifolia Indian J Pharmacol 33 108-111

Chandra DS and Prakash J (2009) Minor fruits a livelihoodopportunity for the tribal peoples of Tripura IInd InternationalSymposium on pomegranate and minor includingMediterranean fruits ISPMMF 2009

Devmurari V Shivanand P Goyani MB Vaghani S andJivani NP (2009) A review Carissa congestaPhytochemical constituents traditional use andpharmacological properties Pharmacogonosy Re 3 (6) 375-377

Doughari JH (2006) Antimicrobial activity of Tamarindusindica Linn Tropical J Pharmaceutical Res 5 (2) 597-603

Duda Online (2009) Fried banana flowers Retrieved on 20th March2013

Frison EA and Sharrock SL (1999) Introduction Theeconomic social and nutritional importance of banana in theworldrdquo In Bananas and food security edited by C Picq EFoureacute and EA Frison International Symposium DoualaCameroon 10ndash14 November (1998) Montpellier FranceINIBAP pp 21ndash35

Gaikwad RD Ahmed LM Khalid MS and Swamy P(2009) Anti-inflammatory activity of Madhuca longifolia seedsaponin mixture Pharmaceutical Biol 47 592-597

Ganjare AB Nirmal SA and Patilm AN (2011) Use ofapigenin from Cordia dichotoma in the treatment ofcolitis Fitoterapia 82 1052ndash1056

Hammer K Heller J and Engels J (2001) Monographs onunderutilized and neglected crops Genetic Resources amp CropEvolution 48(1)3ndash5 doi101023A1011253924058Accessed on 15th November 2013

Hegde K Thakker SP Joshi AB Shastry CS andChandrashekhar KS (2009) Anticonvulsant activityof Carissa carandas Linn Root extract in experimentalmice Tropical J Pharmaceutical Res 8 (2) 117-125

Hegde NG (2002) Promotion of underutilised fruit crops InFruits for the future in Asia Haq N and Hughes A (eds)Proceedings of the Regional Consultation Meeting BangkokThailand International Centre for Underutilised CropsUniversity of Southampton Southampton UK pp 45-53

ICUC (2006) Annual Report 2005-2006 (PDF online reproduction)Colombo Sri Lanka International Centre for UnderutilisedCrops ISBN 955-1560-03-5 ISSN 1800-2315

Idowu OO (2009) Contribution of neglected and underutilizedcrops to household food secuirity and health among ruraldwellers in Oyo state Nigeria Acta Hort (ISHS) 806 49-56

Jamkhande PG Barde SR Patwekar SL and Tidke PS(2013) Plant profile phytochemistry and pharmacologyof Cordia dichotoma (Indian cherry) A review Asian Pacific JTropical Medicine 3 (12) 1009ndash1012

Jawanda JS and Bal JS (1978) The ber highly paying andrich in value Indian Hort 23 19-21

Jigna P Rathish N and Sumitra C (2005) Preliminaryscreening of some folklore medicinal plants from western Indiafor potential antimicrobial activity Indian J Pharmacol 37(6) 408-409

Joshi V Gautam PL Mal Bhag Sharma GD and KocharS (2002) Conservation and use of underutilized crops AnIndian prespective In Managing plant genetic diversity JJMEngels V Ramanatha Rao AHD Brown and MT Jakson(Ed) CABI Publishing USA 359-370 pp

Joshi V (2005) Some promising under utilized industrial crops forcultivation on wastelands of India Green page Article NaturProd Radiance 4 (5) 396-403

Kapoor LD (1990) CRC handbook of Ayurvedic medicinal plantsBoca Raton Fla CRC Press 58 pp ISBN 0-8493-0559-4

Khurdiya DS and Roy SK (1958) Processing of jamun(Syzygium cumini Linn) fruits into ready-to-serve beverage JFood Sci Technol 22 27ndash30

Khurdiya DS (1980) A new beverage from dried ber (Zizyphusmauritiana Lam) J Food Sci Technol 17 158-159

Khurdiya DS (2001a) Post harvest management of underutilizedfor fresh marketing Winter school on exploitation ofunderutilized fruits pp 266ndash274

Khurdiya DS (2001b) Post harvest management of underutilizedfruits for processed products Winter school on exploitation ofunderutilized fruits pp 291ndash298

Koley TK Barman K Koley TD and Asrey R (2011)Nutraceutical properties of Jamun (Syzygium cumini L) andits processed products Indian Food Industry 30 (4) 34-37

Kumar PK Vidyasagar G Ramakrishna D ReddyMadhusudhana I Gupta VSSS Atyam and Raidu S(2011) Screening of Madhuca indica for antidiabetic activityin streptozotocin and streptozotocinndashNicotinamide induceddiabetic rats Internat J Pharm Tech Res 3 (2) 1073-1077

Kumari P Joshi GC and Tiwari LM (2011) Diversity andstatus of ethno-medicinal plants of Almora district inUttarakhand India Internat J Biodiversity amp Conservation3 (7) 298-326

Kunkel G (1984) Plants for human consumption Koeltz ScientificBooks Koenigstein Germany

Kuppast IJ and Nayak PV (2006) Wound healing activityof Cordia dichotoma Forst fruits Indian J Natur Prodamp Resour 5 (2) 99ndash102

Lakhanpal TN and Rana M (2005) Medicinal and nutraceuticalgenetic resources of mushrooms In Plant genetic resourcesCharacterization and utilization pp 288-303

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Luximon-Ramma A Bahoru T and Crozier A (2003)Antioxidant actions and phenolic and vitamin C contents ofcommon Mauritian exotic fruits J Sci Food amp Agric 83(5) 496ndash502

Maisale AB Attimarad SL Haradigatti DS and KarigarA (2010) Antihelmintic activity of fruit pulp of Cordiaddichotoma Internat J Res Ayurveda amp Pharm 1 (2) 597ndash600

Maiti R Jana D Das UK and Gosh H (2004) Antidiabeticeffect of aqueous extract of seed of Tamarindus indica instreptozotocin-induced diabetic rats J Ethnopharmacol 92(1) 85ndash91

Manikandan K (2011) Nutritional and medicinal values ofmushrooms In M Singh B Vijay S Kamal and GCWakchaure (Eds) Mushroom cultivation marketing andconsumption (pp 11-14) Directorate of Mushroom ResearchSolan (HP) INDIA

Mayes S Massawe PG Alderson JA Roberts SN Azam-Ali and Hermann M (2011) The potential for underutilizedcrops to improve security of food production J Exp Bot1-5

Mazumdar BC (2004) Minor fruit crops of Indiandashtropical andsub-tropical Daya Publishing House NEW DELHI INDIA

Nariya PB Bhalodia NR Shukla VJ and Acharya RN(2011) Antimicrobial and antifungal activities of Cordiadichotoma (Forester F) bark extracts Ayurveda 32585ndash589

Okhuoya JA Khuoya JA Akapaja EO Osemwegie OOGhenekaro AO and Ihayere CA (2010) Nigerianmushrooms Underutilized non-wood forest resources J ApplSci Environ Mgmt 14 (1) 43ndash54

Padulosi S Hodgkin T Williams JT and Haq N (2002)Underutilized crops Trends challenges and opportunities inthe 21st Century In Managing plant genetic diversity (edsEngels JMM Rao Ramanatha V Brown AHD JacksonMT) Rome Italy 30 323-338

Pareek OP (2001) Ber International Centre for CropsSouthampton (UK)

Parekh J and Chanda S (2007) In vitro screening of antibacterialactivity of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of various Indianplant species against selected pathogens fromEnterobacteriaceae African J Microbiol Res 1(6) 92ndash99

Paroda RS (1979) Plant resources of Indian arid zone in industrialuses In Arid land plant resources (JR Goodin and DavidK Northinghton (eds) Texas Technical University Texas 729pp

Paroda RS and Mal Bhag (1989) New plant resources for foodand industry in India In New crops for food and industry GEWickens N Haq and P Day (eds) Chapman and Hall Londonpp 135-149

Paroda RS and Mal Bhag (1992) Developing nationalprogramme for research on underutilized crops in IndiaProceedings of International Crop Science Congress AmesIowa (USA) 14-22 July

Patil DN Kulkarni AR Shahapurkar AA and Patil BS(2010) Release of drug neomycin fromCordia dichotoma transdermal film Internat J Pharma amp Bio Sci 2 1ndash5

Pattnaik S Subramanyam VR and Kole C (1996)Antibacterial and antifungal activity of ten essential oils invitro Microbios 86 (349) 237ndash246

Popescu R and Kopp B (2013) The genus Rhododendron anethnopharmacological and toxicological review JEthnopharmacol 147 (1) 42-62

Ravi BS (2004) Neglected millets that save the poor fromstarvation LEISA India (1) 34-36

Ravi SB Hrideek TK Kumar ATK Prabhakaran TRMal B and Padulosi S (2010) Mobilizing neglected andunderutilized crops to strengthen food security and alleviatepoverty in India Indian J Pl Genet Resour 1 (23) 110-116

Roy SP Shirode D Patel T Prabhu K Shetty SR andRajendra SV (2008) Antiulcer activity of 70 per centethanolic extract of bark of Madhuca longifolia Indian JNatur Prod amp Resour 24 8

Sampath KP Bhowmik D Duraivel S and Umadevi M(2012) Traditional and medicinal uses of banana JPharmacognosy amp Phytochemistry 1 (3) 51ndash63

Sandip P Patel S and Patel V (2011) Investigation into themechanism of action of Madhuca longifolia for its anti-epileptic activity Pharmacognosy Commu 1 18-22

Shahapurkar AA (2011) Drug neomycin release from Cordiadichotoma transdermal film and anti-inflammatoryactivity Internat Res J Pharm 2 (9) 107ndash109

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Singh D Wangshu L and Prahalad VC (2008) Processingand marketing feasibility of underutilized fruit species ofRajasthan IAMO Forum pp 1-12

Singh SJ Batra VK Singh SK and Singh TJ (2012)Diversity of underutilized vegetable crops species in North-East India with special reference to Manipur A review NeBIO3 (2) 87-95

Tambekar DH and Khante BS (2010) Antibacterial propertiesof traditionally used medicinal plants for enteric infections byadivasirsquos (bhumka) in melghat forest (Amravati district)Internat J Pharmaceutical Sci Rev amp Res 1 120-128

Tibuhwa DD (2013) Wild mushroom-an underutilized healthyfood resource and income generator experience from Tanzaniarural areas J Ethnobiology amp Ethnomedicine 9 49

Ved P (1991) Indian medicinal plant Current status in Himalayanmedicinal plants Potential and prospects (Edited by SamantSS Dhar U Palni LMS) Gramodaya Prakashan Nainitalpp 45-63

UNDERUTILIZED FOOD CROPS

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Hind Instidute of Science and Technology183Food Sci Res J 5(2) | Oct 2014 |

Vohra MM and De N N (1963) Comparative cardiotonicactivity of Carissa carandas (L) and Carissa spinarum (A)Indian J Medical Res 51 (5) 937-940

Wasser SP and Weis AL (1999) Medicinal properties ofsubstances occurring in Higher Basidiomycetes mushroomscurrent perspectives Internat J Medicinal Mushrooms 31ndash62

Williams JT and Haq N (2002) Global research on underutilizedcrops - an assessment of current activities and proposals forenhanced cooperation Southampton UK International Centrefor Underutilized Crops ISBN 92-9043-545-3 Accessed on21st August 2013

WEBLIOGRAPHY

Ali R and Rab F (2000) Research needs and new productsdevelopment from underutilized tropical fruits Acta Hort(ISHS) 518241-248 Retrieved from httpwwwactahortorgbooks518518_33htm Accessed on 10th April 2014

Angolo A (2008) Banana plant with five hearts is instant hit inNegros Occ ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation Retrievedfrom httpwwwabs-cbnnewscomclassified-odd051308banana-plant-five-hearts-instant-hit-negros-occ Accessed on11th March 2014

Bael Fruit (2011) Bael fruit - Medicinal properties and healthbenefits Retrieved from blogonlineherbscombael-fruit-medicinal-properties-an - United States Accessed on 11th

March 2014

Bal JS (2003) Genetic resources of under-utilized fruits in Punjabsubtropics httpwwwactahortorgbooks623623_37htmActa Hort (ISHS) 623 325-331

Crops for the Future (2009-13) Crops for the future strategic plan2009-2013 Retrieved from httpwww crops forthefuture orgwp-contentuploads200903strategic-plan-2009-2013pdfAccessed on 10th March 2014

FACT (1998) Ziziphus mauritiana - a valuable tree for arid andsemi-arid lands Retrieved from httpwwwwinrockorgfnrmfactnetfactpubFACTSHziziphushtm Accessed on 29th June

2012

Gruegravere G Giuliani A and Smale M (2006) Marketing ofunderutilized plant species for the benefit of the poor AConceptual framework Environemnt and ProductionTechnology Division Retrieved from International Food PolicyResearch Institute wwwifpriorg pp 1-54

Gruere GP Nagarajan L King EDI and Oliver (2007)Collective action and marketing of underutilized plant speciesInternational Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) SeriesNo 69 Retrieved from httpwwwifpriorgpublicationcollective-action-and-marketing-underutilized-plant-speciesAccessed on 11th April 2014

Joshi S and Joshi S (2008) Simarouba glauca DC (Paradisetree) (brochure) - Ideas Retrieved from ideasrepecorgpagsuasbcp43624html Accessed on 11th May 2014

Parimala (2007) Medicinal uses of jack fruit Retrieved fromwwwjaspariinfo200703medicinal-uses-of-jackfruithtmlAccessed on 26th July 2013

Patti AK (2010) Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus or Artocarpusheterophylla) by Abhay Kumar Pati Odisha India retrievedfrom httpprlogorg10748390

Roy SK (2000) Promotion of underutilized tropical fruit processingand its impact on world trade Retrieved from httpwwwactahortorgbooks518518_31htm Acta Hort (ISHS)518 233-236

Scott S (2012) Benefits of Rhododenderon herb Retrievd fromwwwlivestrongcomarticle120355-benefits-rhododendron-herb

Solomon C (1998) Encyclopedia of Asian Food (Periplus ed)Australia New Holland Publishers Retrieved fromISBN 0855616881 httpwwwasiafoodorgglossary_1cfmalpha=Bampwordid=3219ampstartno=1ampendno=25 Accessed on20th April 2014

Upadhyaya HD (2009) Sustainable conservation and utilizationof genetic resources of two underutilized crops ndash finger milletand foxtail millet ndash to enhance productivity nutrition andincome in Africa and Asia Monograph Retrieved from httpoaricrisatorgideprint5199 Accessed on 12th May 2014

Received 29052014 Accepted 26092014

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UNDERUTILIZED FOOD CROPS

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Hind Instidute of Science and Technology177Food Sci Res J 5(2) | Oct 2014 |

therefore also called as ldquopoor peoplersquos foodrdquo As the demandfor food changes (re-discovery of nutritional and culinaryvalue therapeutic valuendashcomplete ethnobiology) UUCrsquos canovercome the constraints to the wider production and use bythe poor people As a matter of fact many formerly neglectedcrops are now globally significant crops (oilpalm soybeankiwi fruit) and have shown the potential to contribute to foodsecurity nutrition dietary and culinary diversification healthand income generation (Hammer et al 2001) Underutilizedplant species have a distinctive past current or potential usevalue but their use is currently limited relative to theireconomic potential (Gruegravere et al 2006)

To be considered as an lsquounderutilized food croprsquo a plantmust have the following features

ndash Crop must have a scientific or ethnobotanical proofof food value

ndash Crop must have been cultivated either in the pastor only being cultivated in a specific geographicalarea

ndash It must be currently cultivated less than otherconventional crops

ndash Crop must have weak or no formal seed supplysystem

ndash Crops are recognized to have indigenous uses inlocalized areas

ndash Received little attention from research extensionservices farmers policy and decision makers andtechnology providers

ndash May be highly nutritious andor have therapeuticmedicinal or therapeutic properties or other multipleuses

Need of explore UUC With the increasing population pressure India is facing

serious challenges of food security unemployment andenvironment degradation About 65 per cent of the Indianpopulation is presently living in rural areas and 85per cent ofthese rural families are dependent on agro-based activitiesfor their livelihood (Williams and Haq 2002) Staple cropsface major challenges in the near future and a diversificationaway from over-dependency on staple crops will be importantas part of the progress towards the goal of achieving securityof food production Just three crops-rice maize and wheataccount for about 40 per cent of the worldrsquos consumption ofcalories and protein About 95 per cent of the worldrsquos foodneeds are provided for by just 30 species of plants In contrastat least 12650 plant species names have been compiled asedible (Kunkel 1984) From past UUCrsquos continue to play apersistent role in the subsistence and economy of poor peoplethroughout the developing countries Despite their potentialfor dietary diversification and the provision of micro-nutrientssuch as vitamins and minerals they still continue to attract

little research and development attention Therefore thedeveloping countries like India are being encouraged todiversify their food exports by developing new resources

In India there are large areas of marginal and wastelandwhich are not suitable for cultivation of staple crops eitherdue to poor quality soil or lack of water resources Most ofUUC species are tolerant to harsh agro-climatic conditionsthey have excellent potential for establishment on marginaland wasteland throughout the tropics (Hegde 2002) Manyunderutilized fruit crops such as ber tamarind jamungooseberry etc which are in good demand but these crops arenot very popular among farmers (Hegde 2002) Most of theselesser known fruit trees establish through natural regenerationof the seeds grow slowly without any nutrition start bearingfruits after a long period Hence these species are renamed asneglected without any commercial importance

Neglected or underutilized crops have the potential toplay a number of roles in the improvement of food security inIndia that include being

ndash part of a focused effort to help the poor for subsistenceand income

ndash a way to reduce the risk of over-dependency on verylimited numbers of major staple food crops

ndash a way to increase sustainability of agriculture througha reduction in inputs

ndash increase the food qualityndash a way to preserve and celebrate cultural and dietary

diversityndash a way to use marginal and wastelands for agricultural

purposes to meet the ever increasing food demand(Mayes et al 2011)

Thus these UUCrsquos because of their untapped potentialshall be very soon explored to combat food securityUnfortunately the lack of attention and authenticated dataclaim their potential value as under-exploited and they arein danger of continued genetic erosion ultimately leading todisappearancerdquo (ICUC 2006) Therefore there has been aconcern to diversity the agriculture and explore the possibilitiesof newer plant resources and promote utilization ofunderutilized nutritive food crops Apart from being the storehouse of nutrients these crops are evolved with very importantgenetic pool for resistance to biotic and abiotic stress

Current research status of UUC The past three decades have seen a wide and varied range

of research interests on underutilized crops Whereas most ofthese interests were focused on particular projects of individualresearchers there have been a number of significantprogrammes to promote underutilized species for agriculturalsystems as alternative crops or as sources of new productsand these programmes have been undertaken in bothdeveloping and developed countries Additionally there has

MONIKA THAKUR

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Hind Instidute of Science and Technology178Food Sci Res J 5(2) | Oct 2014 |

been a broader recognition that underutilized crops shouldalways be promoted to improve food security A report oncurrent research and research proposals for enhancedcooperation on UUCrsquos was documented by Williams and Haq(2002) Various international research organizations havebeen established to focus on UUCrsquos which have been enlisted

International centre for underutilized crops (ICUC) This is a research development and training

organization It provides expertise and acts as a knowledgehub and supported research on national priorities forgermplasm collections agronomy and post harvestmethodology of underutilized species and associated scientificconferences and training events In recent years the focushas expanded to include processing and marketingassessments and entrepreneurship development only ICUChave several professional networks in twenty one countries inparticular as UTFANET (Underutilized Tropical Fruits in AsiaNetwork) UTVAPNET (Underutilized Tropical Vegetablesfor Asia and the Pacific Network) SEANUC (Southern andEast Africa Network for Underutilized Crops and ACUC(Asian Centre for Underutilized Crops) etc

Global facilitation unit (GFU)The GFU is a multi-institutional initiative that acts

globally to promote a wider use of underutilized plant speciesthrough supporting and facilitating the work of otherstakeholders The mission rather to create an enablingenvironment for stakeholders who are engaged in developingunderutilized species

Convention on biological diversity (CBD) Became a rallying point and promoted the concept of

maintaining local agro-biodiversity All these variousinternational units which are working on underutilized specieshave led to a better liaison between relatively isolated groupsof workers but there are still major gaps The ConsultativeGroup on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR)organized a workshop in 1999 at Chennai (India) followedthe major FAO Global Plan of Action One of the outcomeswas a recommendation to survey all ongoing activities onunderutilized species worldwide

Crops for the future (CFF) has been an independent international organization that

works with its partners and has a mandate to promote andfacilitate the greater use of neglected and underutilized cropsto advocate research policies and capacity building onunderutilized crops for the diversification of agriculturalsystems and diets (Crops for the Future 2009-13) It wasformed in 2008 following a merger between the InternationalCentre for Underutilized Crops (ICUC) and the Global

Facilitation Unit (GFU) for Underutilized Species In additionCrops for the Future Research Centre (CFFRC) a researcharm of CFF being built adjacent to UNMC is the first-of-its-kind with a global mandate for research and development ofunderutilized plants for food and non-food uses

Consumption marketing and promotion of underutilizedcrop products

There are very many difficulties in popularizing UUCrsquosat market and consumer level because of a variety of reasonsHence there has been uttermost need to give guidance andknowledge to consumers about the use of UUCrsquos Major fruitand vegetable distributors failed to market UUCrsquos and theirproducts in the most desired and tempting way by displayingthe quality price and information results in ignorance aboutthe fruit texture colour flavour and optimum maturity beforeconsumption by consumers Basically most of the consumersare unaware about these plant products their mode of usageexpectation of sensory qualities and mode of storage andripening Finally there is a lack of sustained and informativeresearch on the same field

The availability of information has been always a majorconstraint in the promotion of underutilized plant speciesThe possibility of accessing these data to guide workers atlocal level should be also addressed Opportunities forstrengthening informatics capacities for instance onecomputer per village managed by local extension officersshould not be seen as far fetched Improving the availabilityof information on underutilized crops has been one of themost important areas demanding our immediate attentionAt the formal level individual studies on underutilized cropscontinue to need support to ensure their publication At locallevel there has been a need to gather and documentinformation which has been maintained within farmingcommunities The recognition of the value of this byresearchers and scientists can often act as a powerful stimulusto improve a communityrsquos own valuation of the knowledge(Singh et al 2008) A spectacular wide strategy has to bedeveloped for underutilized crops for the benefit of mankindBut for the same protocol for increasing use of underutilizedcrops for food security involves overcoming many constraintsand obstacles from genetic through management culturalacceptability and marketing to policy and decision-makersin government (Padulosi et al 2002) There are very goodexamples for the development of an indigenous crop withinits local community where it provides direct benefits to thatcommunity through food and often income security providingthe local community with purchasing power (Mayes et al2011)

Constraints in utilization and marketing of UUCrsquos Overall the slow progress and poor popularity in the

UNDERUTILIZED FOOD CROPS

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Hind Instidute of Science and Technology179Food Sci Res J 5(2) | Oct 2014 |

effective development and utilization of underutilized cropsresults from a number of constraints which are summarizedbelow

ndash Lack of information on production nutritionalquality consumption and utilization of many of theunderutilized plant products which are unpopularcompared to major fruits

ndash Lack of awareness on economic benefits and marketopportunities

ndash Lack of technology for value addition through villagelevel food processing

ndash Lack of improved quality planting materialndash Lack of technology to reduce the gestation period

and enhance the fruit productionndash Lack of interest by researchers agriculturists and

extension workersndash Lack of producer interestndash Low yieldndash Post-harvest and transport lossesndash Non-existence of marketing network and

infrastructure facility for underutilized fruitsndash Lack of national policyndash Lack of credit and investmentndash Non-availability of scientific resources for testing

valuation and post harvest management of differentunderutilized fruits

ndash Disorganized communities

Advantages of UUCrsquos The benefits of these underutilized plant species are many

fold ndash They have potential to contribute to poverty

elimination through employment opportunities andincome generation and also through improvedefficiency and profitability of farm household labouruse in both rural and urban environments

ndash With the use of underutilized crops there is a way toreduce the risk of over-reliance on very limitednumber of major crops

ndash They can contribute to sustainable livelihoodsthrough household food security as they can widenthe food edibility options

ndash They add nutrients to the diet and are sometimesconvenience food for low income urban people Theyare adapted to fragile environments and cancontribute to the stability of agroecosystemsparticularly in the arid semi-arid lands mountainssteppes and tropical forests

ndash They provide a broad spectrum of crops to improveproductivity and global food security and to meetnew market demands

ndash They assist development of rural community through

small-scale investmentndash They have a strong cultural and sacred identify and

are associated with traditional customs and beliefsTherefore a best way to preserve and celebratecultural and dietary diversity

Indian government strategy In India strategy development and appropriate policies

are limited to a large extent by a lack of authenticdocumentation on underutilized crops The Indian governmentpolicies and strategies for food security should take intoaccount the diversity of underutilized cops For this thing theEthnobotanical data available on indigenous neglected Indiancrops is more valuable Indigenous knowledge must be tappedand combined from various localities and merged withscientific solutions to create new opportunities Recognitionof UUCrsquos in India was initiated in 1960rsquos at the IndianAgricultural Research Institute New Delhi This research waslater extended by All India Coordinated Research Project(AICRP) on Under-utilized plants (UUP) in 1982 with itsheadquarters at National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources(NBPGR) New Delhi towards collection evaluationutilization and conservation maintenance of under utilizedcrops Later on this work was also carried out in variousparts of India (Paroda 1979 Bhag Mal 1988 Bhag Mal andJoshi 1991 Paroda and Bhag Mal 1989 1992 Joshi et al2002 Joshi 2005) So far 115 leafy vegetables and 46 othervegetables have been documented as underutilized in India(Anonymous 2003) Ravi et al (2010) discussed themobilizing neglected and underutilized crops to strengthenfood security and alleviate poverty in India In India also anational co-ordinated project by Ministry of Agriculture hasbeen launched to do research on UUCrsquos Still the threat hasbeen for the crops as their underutilized potential is continuedto be under utilized ultimately this will lead to disappearanceof the same crop

Some underutilized crops of India There are many underutilized food crops in India and

majority are not well known or well documented (Solomon1998) Singh et al 2012 studied the diversity of underutilizedvegetable crops species in North-East India Bal (2003) studiesthe underutilized fruits for Punjab subtropics Theethnobotanical data for all the underutilized species is still tobe explored for such species Some of the underutilized plantspecies are documented in Annexure-I

Various processed products from under utilized fruits The main processed products consumed by people were

jam RTS ndash fruit drinks chutneys candies pickles squashesconcentrate etc (Fig 1 Roy 2000 Khurdiya 2001 a and bSingh et al 2008) Various processed products like canned

MONIKA THAKUR

174-183

Hind Instidute of Science and Technology180Food Sci Res J 5(2) | Oct 2014 |

jackfruit bulbs in syrup squash raw jack pickle roasted jackseeds jack seed flour and candied jackfruit have beenprepared from Jack fruit (Berry and Kalra 1998 Chadha andPareek 1988 Chandra and Prakash 2009) Various processedproducts such as nectar squash slab toffee powder etc canbe made with Bael pulp Ber can be processed to preparedmurrabba candy dehydrated ber pulp jam and ready-to-serve beverage (Khurdiya 1980 Pareek 2001) Jamun fruitscan be processed into excellent quality fermented and non-fermented beverages Besides that good quality jelly jamleather can be prepared A good quality jelly can also beprepared from its fruits The seeds can be processed intopowder which is very useful to cure diabetes (Khurdiya 2001a and b) The main processed product made from Karonda ispickle Ripe ber fruit is consumed as popular dessert andprocessed for various value added products such as murabbacandy sharbat squash and powdered fruits after drying arealso consumed

Banana hearts are used as a vegetable (Solomaon 1998)either raw or steamed with dips or cooked in soups curriesand fried foods (Duda Online 2009)

Conclusion Many underutilized crops were once more widely grown

but are today falling into disuse for a variety of agronomicgenetic economic and cultural factors Farmers and consumersare using these crops less because they are in some way notcompetitive with other crop species in the same agriculturalenvironment The general decline of these crops may erodethe genetic base and prevent the use of distinctive useful traitsin crop adaptation and improvement Production post harvesthandling and processing of underutilized fruits practiced todayperpetuate heavy loses inadequate infrastructure facilitiescripple marketing prospects low production of under utilized

fruits results in lesser yield of processed products there byincreasing the production cost during processing To overcomethese problems the development of technologies is requiredurgently to minimize the losses during post harvest handlingand also technologies suitable for specific processing purposesproducts development and storage of fresh and processedproducts

Whatever research and field projects have been carriedout these are mostly fragmented and information on them isdifficult to compile However this paper will attempt toprovide the background current research constraints forsustainable production approaches to research andpotential strategies and action plans which we hope wouldbe helpful to lead the st r a tegic developmen t ofunderutilized crops for sustainable food and nutritionsecurity and poverty alleviation By corroborating theethnobotanical data the ways to combat food security canbe unlocked UUCrsquos are indispensable for food and nutritionsecurity and will have a greater potential for incomegeneration and environmental services As underutilizedcrops have a great potential to alleviate hunger directlythrough increasing food production in the challengingenvironments where major food crops are severely limitedday by day This paper finally concludes that with therealization of importance and uses of the underutilized cropsin India the potential for agricultural - rural developmentand food and nutrition security can be unlocked

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Horticulture Bikaner (RAJASTHAN) INDIA

Arora RK and Pandey A (1996) Wild edible plants of IndiaDiversity conservation and use National Bureau of PlantGenetic Resources NEW DELHI INDIA

Arora RK and Nayar ER (1984) Wild relatives of crop plantsin India NBPGR Science Monograph No 7 NEW DELHI(INDIA)

Berry SK and Kalra CL (1987) Cultivation and processingof jackfruit Indian Ed Pack 42 (5) 62-67

Bhag Mal and Joshi V (1991) Plant genetic resources ndashConservation and management RS Paroda and RK Arora(eds) Malhotra Publishing House NEW DELHI (INDIA)

Bhag Mal (1988) Underutilized plant programme in India ndash conceptand future perspective In Life support species diversity andconservation RS Paroda Promila Kapoor RK Arora andBhag Mal (eds) Proc CCSICAR International Workshop inmaintenance and evaluation of Life Support Service in Asiaand Pacific Region April 4-7 NBPGR NEW DELHI (INDIA)

Bhatnagar N Bhandari NC Dwivedi NK and Rana RS(1991) Performance and potential of Jojoba in Indian aridregions Indian J Pl Genet Resour 4 (2) 57-66

Underutilized crops

processed products

Squashes Syrups

Sauces

RTS fruit drink

Juices

murabba

concentrates

pickles

Candies

Wine

Jelly

Jam

Canning Dehydrated products

Fig 1 Various processed food products from underutilized fruits

UNDERUTILIZED FOOD CROPS

174-183

Hind Instidute of Science and Technology181Food Sci Res J 5(2) | Oct 2014 |

Chadha KL and Pareek OP (1988) Genetic resources of fruitscrops achievements and gaps Indian J Pl Genet Resour 143-48

Chandra D (2001) Analgesic activity of aqueous and alcoholicextract of Madhuca longifolia Indian J Pharmacol 33 108-111

Chandra DS and Prakash J (2009) Minor fruits a livelihoodopportunity for the tribal peoples of Tripura IInd InternationalSymposium on pomegranate and minor includingMediterranean fruits ISPMMF 2009

Devmurari V Shivanand P Goyani MB Vaghani S andJivani NP (2009) A review Carissa congestaPhytochemical constituents traditional use andpharmacological properties Pharmacogonosy Re 3 (6) 375-377

Doughari JH (2006) Antimicrobial activity of Tamarindusindica Linn Tropical J Pharmaceutical Res 5 (2) 597-603

Duda Online (2009) Fried banana flowers Retrieved on 20th March2013

Frison EA and Sharrock SL (1999) Introduction Theeconomic social and nutritional importance of banana in theworldrdquo In Bananas and food security edited by C Picq EFoureacute and EA Frison International Symposium DoualaCameroon 10ndash14 November (1998) Montpellier FranceINIBAP pp 21ndash35

Gaikwad RD Ahmed LM Khalid MS and Swamy P(2009) Anti-inflammatory activity of Madhuca longifolia seedsaponin mixture Pharmaceutical Biol 47 592-597

Ganjare AB Nirmal SA and Patilm AN (2011) Use ofapigenin from Cordia dichotoma in the treatment ofcolitis Fitoterapia 82 1052ndash1056

Hammer K Heller J and Engels J (2001) Monographs onunderutilized and neglected crops Genetic Resources amp CropEvolution 48(1)3ndash5 doi101023A1011253924058Accessed on 15th November 2013

Hegde K Thakker SP Joshi AB Shastry CS andChandrashekhar KS (2009) Anticonvulsant activityof Carissa carandas Linn Root extract in experimentalmice Tropical J Pharmaceutical Res 8 (2) 117-125

Hegde NG (2002) Promotion of underutilised fruit crops InFruits for the future in Asia Haq N and Hughes A (eds)Proceedings of the Regional Consultation Meeting BangkokThailand International Centre for Underutilised CropsUniversity of Southampton Southampton UK pp 45-53

ICUC (2006) Annual Report 2005-2006 (PDF online reproduction)Colombo Sri Lanka International Centre for UnderutilisedCrops ISBN 955-1560-03-5 ISSN 1800-2315

Idowu OO (2009) Contribution of neglected and underutilizedcrops to household food secuirity and health among ruraldwellers in Oyo state Nigeria Acta Hort (ISHS) 806 49-56

Jamkhande PG Barde SR Patwekar SL and Tidke PS(2013) Plant profile phytochemistry and pharmacologyof Cordia dichotoma (Indian cherry) A review Asian Pacific JTropical Medicine 3 (12) 1009ndash1012

Jawanda JS and Bal JS (1978) The ber highly paying andrich in value Indian Hort 23 19-21

Jigna P Rathish N and Sumitra C (2005) Preliminaryscreening of some folklore medicinal plants from western Indiafor potential antimicrobial activity Indian J Pharmacol 37(6) 408-409

Joshi V Gautam PL Mal Bhag Sharma GD and KocharS (2002) Conservation and use of underutilized crops AnIndian prespective In Managing plant genetic diversity JJMEngels V Ramanatha Rao AHD Brown and MT Jakson(Ed) CABI Publishing USA 359-370 pp

Joshi V (2005) Some promising under utilized industrial crops forcultivation on wastelands of India Green page Article NaturProd Radiance 4 (5) 396-403

Kapoor LD (1990) CRC handbook of Ayurvedic medicinal plantsBoca Raton Fla CRC Press 58 pp ISBN 0-8493-0559-4

Khurdiya DS and Roy SK (1958) Processing of jamun(Syzygium cumini Linn) fruits into ready-to-serve beverage JFood Sci Technol 22 27ndash30

Khurdiya DS (1980) A new beverage from dried ber (Zizyphusmauritiana Lam) J Food Sci Technol 17 158-159

Khurdiya DS (2001a) Post harvest management of underutilizedfor fresh marketing Winter school on exploitation ofunderutilized fruits pp 266ndash274

Khurdiya DS (2001b) Post harvest management of underutilizedfruits for processed products Winter school on exploitation ofunderutilized fruits pp 291ndash298

Koley TK Barman K Koley TD and Asrey R (2011)Nutraceutical properties of Jamun (Syzygium cumini L) andits processed products Indian Food Industry 30 (4) 34-37

Kumar PK Vidyasagar G Ramakrishna D ReddyMadhusudhana I Gupta VSSS Atyam and Raidu S(2011) Screening of Madhuca indica for antidiabetic activityin streptozotocin and streptozotocinndashNicotinamide induceddiabetic rats Internat J Pharm Tech Res 3 (2) 1073-1077

Kumari P Joshi GC and Tiwari LM (2011) Diversity andstatus of ethno-medicinal plants of Almora district inUttarakhand India Internat J Biodiversity amp Conservation3 (7) 298-326

Kunkel G (1984) Plants for human consumption Koeltz ScientificBooks Koenigstein Germany

Kuppast IJ and Nayak PV (2006) Wound healing activityof Cordia dichotoma Forst fruits Indian J Natur Prodamp Resour 5 (2) 99ndash102

Lakhanpal TN and Rana M (2005) Medicinal and nutraceuticalgenetic resources of mushrooms In Plant genetic resourcesCharacterization and utilization pp 288-303

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Luximon-Ramma A Bahoru T and Crozier A (2003)Antioxidant actions and phenolic and vitamin C contents ofcommon Mauritian exotic fruits J Sci Food amp Agric 83(5) 496ndash502

Maisale AB Attimarad SL Haradigatti DS and KarigarA (2010) Antihelmintic activity of fruit pulp of Cordiaddichotoma Internat J Res Ayurveda amp Pharm 1 (2) 597ndash600

Maiti R Jana D Das UK and Gosh H (2004) Antidiabeticeffect of aqueous extract of seed of Tamarindus indica instreptozotocin-induced diabetic rats J Ethnopharmacol 92(1) 85ndash91

Manikandan K (2011) Nutritional and medicinal values ofmushrooms In M Singh B Vijay S Kamal and GCWakchaure (Eds) Mushroom cultivation marketing andconsumption (pp 11-14) Directorate of Mushroom ResearchSolan (HP) INDIA

Mayes S Massawe PG Alderson JA Roberts SN Azam-Ali and Hermann M (2011) The potential for underutilizedcrops to improve security of food production J Exp Bot1-5

Mazumdar BC (2004) Minor fruit crops of Indiandashtropical andsub-tropical Daya Publishing House NEW DELHI INDIA

Nariya PB Bhalodia NR Shukla VJ and Acharya RN(2011) Antimicrobial and antifungal activities of Cordiadichotoma (Forester F) bark extracts Ayurveda 32585ndash589

Okhuoya JA Khuoya JA Akapaja EO Osemwegie OOGhenekaro AO and Ihayere CA (2010) Nigerianmushrooms Underutilized non-wood forest resources J ApplSci Environ Mgmt 14 (1) 43ndash54

Padulosi S Hodgkin T Williams JT and Haq N (2002)Underutilized crops Trends challenges and opportunities inthe 21st Century In Managing plant genetic diversity (edsEngels JMM Rao Ramanatha V Brown AHD JacksonMT) Rome Italy 30 323-338

Pareek OP (2001) Ber International Centre for CropsSouthampton (UK)

Parekh J and Chanda S (2007) In vitro screening of antibacterialactivity of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of various Indianplant species against selected pathogens fromEnterobacteriaceae African J Microbiol Res 1(6) 92ndash99

Paroda RS (1979) Plant resources of Indian arid zone in industrialuses In Arid land plant resources (JR Goodin and DavidK Northinghton (eds) Texas Technical University Texas 729pp

Paroda RS and Mal Bhag (1989) New plant resources for foodand industry in India In New crops for food and industry GEWickens N Haq and P Day (eds) Chapman and Hall Londonpp 135-149

Paroda RS and Mal Bhag (1992) Developing nationalprogramme for research on underutilized crops in IndiaProceedings of International Crop Science Congress AmesIowa (USA) 14-22 July

Patil DN Kulkarni AR Shahapurkar AA and Patil BS(2010) Release of drug neomycin fromCordia dichotoma transdermal film Internat J Pharma amp Bio Sci 2 1ndash5

Pattnaik S Subramanyam VR and Kole C (1996)Antibacterial and antifungal activity of ten essential oils invitro Microbios 86 (349) 237ndash246

Popescu R and Kopp B (2013) The genus Rhododendron anethnopharmacological and toxicological review JEthnopharmacol 147 (1) 42-62

Ravi BS (2004) Neglected millets that save the poor fromstarvation LEISA India (1) 34-36

Ravi SB Hrideek TK Kumar ATK Prabhakaran TRMal B and Padulosi S (2010) Mobilizing neglected andunderutilized crops to strengthen food security and alleviatepoverty in India Indian J Pl Genet Resour 1 (23) 110-116

Roy SP Shirode D Patel T Prabhu K Shetty SR andRajendra SV (2008) Antiulcer activity of 70 per centethanolic extract of bark of Madhuca longifolia Indian JNatur Prod amp Resour 24 8

Sampath KP Bhowmik D Duraivel S and Umadevi M(2012) Traditional and medicinal uses of banana JPharmacognosy amp Phytochemistry 1 (3) 51ndash63

Sandip P Patel S and Patel V (2011) Investigation into themechanism of action of Madhuca longifolia for its anti-epileptic activity Pharmacognosy Commu 1 18-22

Shahapurkar AA (2011) Drug neomycin release from Cordiadichotoma transdermal film and anti-inflammatoryactivity Internat Res J Pharm 2 (9) 107ndash109

Sharker S Md Khadiza P and Shahid IZ (2009) Analgesicantibacterial and cytotoxic activity of Cordia dichotomaPharmacologyonline 2 195ndash202

Singh D Wangshu L and Prahalad VC (2008) Processingand marketing feasibility of underutilized fruit species ofRajasthan IAMO Forum pp 1-12

Singh SJ Batra VK Singh SK and Singh TJ (2012)Diversity of underutilized vegetable crops species in North-East India with special reference to Manipur A review NeBIO3 (2) 87-95

Tambekar DH and Khante BS (2010) Antibacterial propertiesof traditionally used medicinal plants for enteric infections byadivasirsquos (bhumka) in melghat forest (Amravati district)Internat J Pharmaceutical Sci Rev amp Res 1 120-128

Tibuhwa DD (2013) Wild mushroom-an underutilized healthyfood resource and income generator experience from Tanzaniarural areas J Ethnobiology amp Ethnomedicine 9 49

Ved P (1991) Indian medicinal plant Current status in Himalayanmedicinal plants Potential and prospects (Edited by SamantSS Dhar U Palni LMS) Gramodaya Prakashan Nainitalpp 45-63

UNDERUTILIZED FOOD CROPS

174-183

Hind Instidute of Science and Technology183Food Sci Res J 5(2) | Oct 2014 |

Vohra MM and De N N (1963) Comparative cardiotonicactivity of Carissa carandas (L) and Carissa spinarum (A)Indian J Medical Res 51 (5) 937-940

Wasser SP and Weis AL (1999) Medicinal properties ofsubstances occurring in Higher Basidiomycetes mushroomscurrent perspectives Internat J Medicinal Mushrooms 31ndash62

Williams JT and Haq N (2002) Global research on underutilizedcrops - an assessment of current activities and proposals forenhanced cooperation Southampton UK International Centrefor Underutilized Crops ISBN 92-9043-545-3 Accessed on21st August 2013

WEBLIOGRAPHY

Ali R and Rab F (2000) Research needs and new productsdevelopment from underutilized tropical fruits Acta Hort(ISHS) 518241-248 Retrieved from httpwwwactahortorgbooks518518_33htm Accessed on 10th April 2014

Angolo A (2008) Banana plant with five hearts is instant hit inNegros Occ ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation Retrievedfrom httpwwwabs-cbnnewscomclassified-odd051308banana-plant-five-hearts-instant-hit-negros-occ Accessed on11th March 2014

Bael Fruit (2011) Bael fruit - Medicinal properties and healthbenefits Retrieved from blogonlineherbscombael-fruit-medicinal-properties-an - United States Accessed on 11th

March 2014

Bal JS (2003) Genetic resources of under-utilized fruits in Punjabsubtropics httpwwwactahortorgbooks623623_37htmActa Hort (ISHS) 623 325-331

Crops for the Future (2009-13) Crops for the future strategic plan2009-2013 Retrieved from httpwww crops forthefuture orgwp-contentuploads200903strategic-plan-2009-2013pdfAccessed on 10th March 2014

FACT (1998) Ziziphus mauritiana - a valuable tree for arid andsemi-arid lands Retrieved from httpwwwwinrockorgfnrmfactnetfactpubFACTSHziziphushtm Accessed on 29th June

2012

Gruegravere G Giuliani A and Smale M (2006) Marketing ofunderutilized plant species for the benefit of the poor AConceptual framework Environemnt and ProductionTechnology Division Retrieved from International Food PolicyResearch Institute wwwifpriorg pp 1-54

Gruere GP Nagarajan L King EDI and Oliver (2007)Collective action and marketing of underutilized plant speciesInternational Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) SeriesNo 69 Retrieved from httpwwwifpriorgpublicationcollective-action-and-marketing-underutilized-plant-speciesAccessed on 11th April 2014

Joshi S and Joshi S (2008) Simarouba glauca DC (Paradisetree) (brochure) - Ideas Retrieved from ideasrepecorgpagsuasbcp43624html Accessed on 11th May 2014

Parimala (2007) Medicinal uses of jack fruit Retrieved fromwwwjaspariinfo200703medicinal-uses-of-jackfruithtmlAccessed on 26th July 2013

Patti AK (2010) Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus or Artocarpusheterophylla) by Abhay Kumar Pati Odisha India retrievedfrom httpprlogorg10748390

Roy SK (2000) Promotion of underutilized tropical fruit processingand its impact on world trade Retrieved from httpwwwactahortorgbooks518518_31htm Acta Hort (ISHS)518 233-236

Scott S (2012) Benefits of Rhododenderon herb Retrievd fromwwwlivestrongcomarticle120355-benefits-rhododendron-herb

Solomon C (1998) Encyclopedia of Asian Food (Periplus ed)Australia New Holland Publishers Retrieved fromISBN 0855616881 httpwwwasiafoodorgglossary_1cfmalpha=Bampwordid=3219ampstartno=1ampendno=25 Accessed on20th April 2014

Upadhyaya HD (2009) Sustainable conservation and utilizationof genetic resources of two underutilized crops ndash finger milletand foxtail millet ndash to enhance productivity nutrition andincome in Africa and Asia Monograph Retrieved from httpoaricrisatorgideprint5199 Accessed on 12th May 2014

Received 29052014 Accepted 26092014

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therefore also called as ldquopoor peoplersquos foodrdquo As the demandfor food changes (re-discovery of nutritional and culinaryvalue therapeutic valuendashcomplete ethnobiology) UUCrsquos canovercome the constraints to the wider production and use bythe poor people As a matter of fact many formerly neglectedcrops are now globally significant crops (oilpalm soybeankiwi fruit) and have shown the potential to contribute to foodsecurity nutrition dietary and culinary diversification healthand income generation (Hammer et al 2001) Underutilizedplant species have a distinctive past current or potential usevalue but their use is currently limited relative to theireconomic potential (Gruegravere et al 2006)

To be considered as an lsquounderutilized food croprsquo a plantmust have the following features

ndash Crop must have a scientific or ethnobotanical proofof food value

ndash Crop must have been cultivated either in the pastor only being cultivated in a specific geographicalarea

ndash It must be currently cultivated less than otherconventional crops

ndash Crop must have weak or no formal seed supplysystem

ndash Crops are recognized to have indigenous uses inlocalized areas

ndash Received little attention from research extensionservices farmers policy and decision makers andtechnology providers

ndash May be highly nutritious andor have therapeuticmedicinal or therapeutic properties or other multipleuses

Need of explore UUC With the increasing population pressure India is facing

serious challenges of food security unemployment andenvironment degradation About 65 per cent of the Indianpopulation is presently living in rural areas and 85per cent ofthese rural families are dependent on agro-based activitiesfor their livelihood (Williams and Haq 2002) Staple cropsface major challenges in the near future and a diversificationaway from over-dependency on staple crops will be importantas part of the progress towards the goal of achieving securityof food production Just three crops-rice maize and wheataccount for about 40 per cent of the worldrsquos consumption ofcalories and protein About 95 per cent of the worldrsquos foodneeds are provided for by just 30 species of plants In contrastat least 12650 plant species names have been compiled asedible (Kunkel 1984) From past UUCrsquos continue to play apersistent role in the subsistence and economy of poor peoplethroughout the developing countries Despite their potentialfor dietary diversification and the provision of micro-nutrientssuch as vitamins and minerals they still continue to attract

little research and development attention Therefore thedeveloping countries like India are being encouraged todiversify their food exports by developing new resources

In India there are large areas of marginal and wastelandwhich are not suitable for cultivation of staple crops eitherdue to poor quality soil or lack of water resources Most ofUUC species are tolerant to harsh agro-climatic conditionsthey have excellent potential for establishment on marginaland wasteland throughout the tropics (Hegde 2002) Manyunderutilized fruit crops such as ber tamarind jamungooseberry etc which are in good demand but these crops arenot very popular among farmers (Hegde 2002) Most of theselesser known fruit trees establish through natural regenerationof the seeds grow slowly without any nutrition start bearingfruits after a long period Hence these species are renamed asneglected without any commercial importance

Neglected or underutilized crops have the potential toplay a number of roles in the improvement of food security inIndia that include being

ndash part of a focused effort to help the poor for subsistenceand income

ndash a way to reduce the risk of over-dependency on verylimited numbers of major staple food crops

ndash a way to increase sustainability of agriculture througha reduction in inputs

ndash increase the food qualityndash a way to preserve and celebrate cultural and dietary

diversityndash a way to use marginal and wastelands for agricultural

purposes to meet the ever increasing food demand(Mayes et al 2011)

Thus these UUCrsquos because of their untapped potentialshall be very soon explored to combat food securityUnfortunately the lack of attention and authenticated dataclaim their potential value as under-exploited and they arein danger of continued genetic erosion ultimately leading todisappearancerdquo (ICUC 2006) Therefore there has been aconcern to diversity the agriculture and explore the possibilitiesof newer plant resources and promote utilization ofunderutilized nutritive food crops Apart from being the storehouse of nutrients these crops are evolved with very importantgenetic pool for resistance to biotic and abiotic stress

Current research status of UUC The past three decades have seen a wide and varied range

of research interests on underutilized crops Whereas most ofthese interests were focused on particular projects of individualresearchers there have been a number of significantprogrammes to promote underutilized species for agriculturalsystems as alternative crops or as sources of new productsand these programmes have been undertaken in bothdeveloping and developed countries Additionally there has

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been a broader recognition that underutilized crops shouldalways be promoted to improve food security A report oncurrent research and research proposals for enhancedcooperation on UUCrsquos was documented by Williams and Haq(2002) Various international research organizations havebeen established to focus on UUCrsquos which have been enlisted

International centre for underutilized crops (ICUC) This is a research development and training

organization It provides expertise and acts as a knowledgehub and supported research on national priorities forgermplasm collections agronomy and post harvestmethodology of underutilized species and associated scientificconferences and training events In recent years the focushas expanded to include processing and marketingassessments and entrepreneurship development only ICUChave several professional networks in twenty one countries inparticular as UTFANET (Underutilized Tropical Fruits in AsiaNetwork) UTVAPNET (Underutilized Tropical Vegetablesfor Asia and the Pacific Network) SEANUC (Southern andEast Africa Network for Underutilized Crops and ACUC(Asian Centre for Underutilized Crops) etc

Global facilitation unit (GFU)The GFU is a multi-institutional initiative that acts

globally to promote a wider use of underutilized plant speciesthrough supporting and facilitating the work of otherstakeholders The mission rather to create an enablingenvironment for stakeholders who are engaged in developingunderutilized species

Convention on biological diversity (CBD) Became a rallying point and promoted the concept of

maintaining local agro-biodiversity All these variousinternational units which are working on underutilized specieshave led to a better liaison between relatively isolated groupsof workers but there are still major gaps The ConsultativeGroup on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR)organized a workshop in 1999 at Chennai (India) followedthe major FAO Global Plan of Action One of the outcomeswas a recommendation to survey all ongoing activities onunderutilized species worldwide

Crops for the future (CFF) has been an independent international organization that

works with its partners and has a mandate to promote andfacilitate the greater use of neglected and underutilized cropsto advocate research policies and capacity building onunderutilized crops for the diversification of agriculturalsystems and diets (Crops for the Future 2009-13) It wasformed in 2008 following a merger between the InternationalCentre for Underutilized Crops (ICUC) and the Global

Facilitation Unit (GFU) for Underutilized Species In additionCrops for the Future Research Centre (CFFRC) a researcharm of CFF being built adjacent to UNMC is the first-of-its-kind with a global mandate for research and development ofunderutilized plants for food and non-food uses

Consumption marketing and promotion of underutilizedcrop products

There are very many difficulties in popularizing UUCrsquosat market and consumer level because of a variety of reasonsHence there has been uttermost need to give guidance andknowledge to consumers about the use of UUCrsquos Major fruitand vegetable distributors failed to market UUCrsquos and theirproducts in the most desired and tempting way by displayingthe quality price and information results in ignorance aboutthe fruit texture colour flavour and optimum maturity beforeconsumption by consumers Basically most of the consumersare unaware about these plant products their mode of usageexpectation of sensory qualities and mode of storage andripening Finally there is a lack of sustained and informativeresearch on the same field

The availability of information has been always a majorconstraint in the promotion of underutilized plant speciesThe possibility of accessing these data to guide workers atlocal level should be also addressed Opportunities forstrengthening informatics capacities for instance onecomputer per village managed by local extension officersshould not be seen as far fetched Improving the availabilityof information on underutilized crops has been one of themost important areas demanding our immediate attentionAt the formal level individual studies on underutilized cropscontinue to need support to ensure their publication At locallevel there has been a need to gather and documentinformation which has been maintained within farmingcommunities The recognition of the value of this byresearchers and scientists can often act as a powerful stimulusto improve a communityrsquos own valuation of the knowledge(Singh et al 2008) A spectacular wide strategy has to bedeveloped for underutilized crops for the benefit of mankindBut for the same protocol for increasing use of underutilizedcrops for food security involves overcoming many constraintsand obstacles from genetic through management culturalacceptability and marketing to policy and decision-makersin government (Padulosi et al 2002) There are very goodexamples for the development of an indigenous crop withinits local community where it provides direct benefits to thatcommunity through food and often income security providingthe local community with purchasing power (Mayes et al2011)

Constraints in utilization and marketing of UUCrsquos Overall the slow progress and poor popularity in the

UNDERUTILIZED FOOD CROPS

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Hind Instidute of Science and Technology179Food Sci Res J 5(2) | Oct 2014 |

effective development and utilization of underutilized cropsresults from a number of constraints which are summarizedbelow

ndash Lack of information on production nutritionalquality consumption and utilization of many of theunderutilized plant products which are unpopularcompared to major fruits

ndash Lack of awareness on economic benefits and marketopportunities

ndash Lack of technology for value addition through villagelevel food processing

ndash Lack of improved quality planting materialndash Lack of technology to reduce the gestation period

and enhance the fruit productionndash Lack of interest by researchers agriculturists and

extension workersndash Lack of producer interestndash Low yieldndash Post-harvest and transport lossesndash Non-existence of marketing network and

infrastructure facility for underutilized fruitsndash Lack of national policyndash Lack of credit and investmentndash Non-availability of scientific resources for testing

valuation and post harvest management of differentunderutilized fruits

ndash Disorganized communities

Advantages of UUCrsquos The benefits of these underutilized plant species are many

fold ndash They have potential to contribute to poverty

elimination through employment opportunities andincome generation and also through improvedefficiency and profitability of farm household labouruse in both rural and urban environments

ndash With the use of underutilized crops there is a way toreduce the risk of over-reliance on very limitednumber of major crops

ndash They can contribute to sustainable livelihoodsthrough household food security as they can widenthe food edibility options

ndash They add nutrients to the diet and are sometimesconvenience food for low income urban people Theyare adapted to fragile environments and cancontribute to the stability of agroecosystemsparticularly in the arid semi-arid lands mountainssteppes and tropical forests

ndash They provide a broad spectrum of crops to improveproductivity and global food security and to meetnew market demands

ndash They assist development of rural community through

small-scale investmentndash They have a strong cultural and sacred identify and

are associated with traditional customs and beliefsTherefore a best way to preserve and celebratecultural and dietary diversity

Indian government strategy In India strategy development and appropriate policies

are limited to a large extent by a lack of authenticdocumentation on underutilized crops The Indian governmentpolicies and strategies for food security should take intoaccount the diversity of underutilized cops For this thing theEthnobotanical data available on indigenous neglected Indiancrops is more valuable Indigenous knowledge must be tappedand combined from various localities and merged withscientific solutions to create new opportunities Recognitionof UUCrsquos in India was initiated in 1960rsquos at the IndianAgricultural Research Institute New Delhi This research waslater extended by All India Coordinated Research Project(AICRP) on Under-utilized plants (UUP) in 1982 with itsheadquarters at National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources(NBPGR) New Delhi towards collection evaluationutilization and conservation maintenance of under utilizedcrops Later on this work was also carried out in variousparts of India (Paroda 1979 Bhag Mal 1988 Bhag Mal andJoshi 1991 Paroda and Bhag Mal 1989 1992 Joshi et al2002 Joshi 2005) So far 115 leafy vegetables and 46 othervegetables have been documented as underutilized in India(Anonymous 2003) Ravi et al (2010) discussed themobilizing neglected and underutilized crops to strengthenfood security and alleviate poverty in India In India also anational co-ordinated project by Ministry of Agriculture hasbeen launched to do research on UUCrsquos Still the threat hasbeen for the crops as their underutilized potential is continuedto be under utilized ultimately this will lead to disappearanceof the same crop

Some underutilized crops of India There are many underutilized food crops in India and

majority are not well known or well documented (Solomon1998) Singh et al 2012 studied the diversity of underutilizedvegetable crops species in North-East India Bal (2003) studiesthe underutilized fruits for Punjab subtropics Theethnobotanical data for all the underutilized species is still tobe explored for such species Some of the underutilized plantspecies are documented in Annexure-I

Various processed products from under utilized fruits The main processed products consumed by people were

jam RTS ndash fruit drinks chutneys candies pickles squashesconcentrate etc (Fig 1 Roy 2000 Khurdiya 2001 a and bSingh et al 2008) Various processed products like canned

MONIKA THAKUR

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Hind Instidute of Science and Technology180Food Sci Res J 5(2) | Oct 2014 |

jackfruit bulbs in syrup squash raw jack pickle roasted jackseeds jack seed flour and candied jackfruit have beenprepared from Jack fruit (Berry and Kalra 1998 Chadha andPareek 1988 Chandra and Prakash 2009) Various processedproducts such as nectar squash slab toffee powder etc canbe made with Bael pulp Ber can be processed to preparedmurrabba candy dehydrated ber pulp jam and ready-to-serve beverage (Khurdiya 1980 Pareek 2001) Jamun fruitscan be processed into excellent quality fermented and non-fermented beverages Besides that good quality jelly jamleather can be prepared A good quality jelly can also beprepared from its fruits The seeds can be processed intopowder which is very useful to cure diabetes (Khurdiya 2001a and b) The main processed product made from Karonda ispickle Ripe ber fruit is consumed as popular dessert andprocessed for various value added products such as murabbacandy sharbat squash and powdered fruits after drying arealso consumed

Banana hearts are used as a vegetable (Solomaon 1998)either raw or steamed with dips or cooked in soups curriesand fried foods (Duda Online 2009)

Conclusion Many underutilized crops were once more widely grown

but are today falling into disuse for a variety of agronomicgenetic economic and cultural factors Farmers and consumersare using these crops less because they are in some way notcompetitive with other crop species in the same agriculturalenvironment The general decline of these crops may erodethe genetic base and prevent the use of distinctive useful traitsin crop adaptation and improvement Production post harvesthandling and processing of underutilized fruits practiced todayperpetuate heavy loses inadequate infrastructure facilitiescripple marketing prospects low production of under utilized

fruits results in lesser yield of processed products there byincreasing the production cost during processing To overcomethese problems the development of technologies is requiredurgently to minimize the losses during post harvest handlingand also technologies suitable for specific processing purposesproducts development and storage of fresh and processedproducts

Whatever research and field projects have been carriedout these are mostly fragmented and information on them isdifficult to compile However this paper will attempt toprovide the background current research constraints forsustainable production approaches to research andpotential strategies and action plans which we hope wouldbe helpful to lead the st r a tegic developmen t ofunderutilized crops for sustainable food and nutritionsecurity and poverty alleviation By corroborating theethnobotanical data the ways to combat food security canbe unlocked UUCrsquos are indispensable for food and nutritionsecurity and will have a greater potential for incomegeneration and environmental services As underutilizedcrops have a great potential to alleviate hunger directlythrough increasing food production in the challengingenvironments where major food crops are severely limitedday by day This paper finally concludes that with therealization of importance and uses of the underutilized cropsin India the potential for agricultural - rural developmentand food and nutrition security can be unlocked

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Horticulture Bikaner (RAJASTHAN) INDIA

Arora RK and Pandey A (1996) Wild edible plants of IndiaDiversity conservation and use National Bureau of PlantGenetic Resources NEW DELHI INDIA

Arora RK and Nayar ER (1984) Wild relatives of crop plantsin India NBPGR Science Monograph No 7 NEW DELHI(INDIA)

Berry SK and Kalra CL (1987) Cultivation and processingof jackfruit Indian Ed Pack 42 (5) 62-67

Bhag Mal and Joshi V (1991) Plant genetic resources ndashConservation and management RS Paroda and RK Arora(eds) Malhotra Publishing House NEW DELHI (INDIA)

Bhag Mal (1988) Underutilized plant programme in India ndash conceptand future perspective In Life support species diversity andconservation RS Paroda Promila Kapoor RK Arora andBhag Mal (eds) Proc CCSICAR International Workshop inmaintenance and evaluation of Life Support Service in Asiaand Pacific Region April 4-7 NBPGR NEW DELHI (INDIA)

Bhatnagar N Bhandari NC Dwivedi NK and Rana RS(1991) Performance and potential of Jojoba in Indian aridregions Indian J Pl Genet Resour 4 (2) 57-66

Underutilized crops

processed products

Squashes Syrups

Sauces

RTS fruit drink

Juices

murabba

concentrates

pickles

Candies

Wine

Jelly

Jam

Canning Dehydrated products

Fig 1 Various processed food products from underutilized fruits

UNDERUTILIZED FOOD CROPS

174-183

Hind Instidute of Science and Technology181Food Sci Res J 5(2) | Oct 2014 |

Chadha KL and Pareek OP (1988) Genetic resources of fruitscrops achievements and gaps Indian J Pl Genet Resour 143-48

Chandra D (2001) Analgesic activity of aqueous and alcoholicextract of Madhuca longifolia Indian J Pharmacol 33 108-111

Chandra DS and Prakash J (2009) Minor fruits a livelihoodopportunity for the tribal peoples of Tripura IInd InternationalSymposium on pomegranate and minor includingMediterranean fruits ISPMMF 2009

Devmurari V Shivanand P Goyani MB Vaghani S andJivani NP (2009) A review Carissa congestaPhytochemical constituents traditional use andpharmacological properties Pharmacogonosy Re 3 (6) 375-377

Doughari JH (2006) Antimicrobial activity of Tamarindusindica Linn Tropical J Pharmaceutical Res 5 (2) 597-603

Duda Online (2009) Fried banana flowers Retrieved on 20th March2013

Frison EA and Sharrock SL (1999) Introduction Theeconomic social and nutritional importance of banana in theworldrdquo In Bananas and food security edited by C Picq EFoureacute and EA Frison International Symposium DoualaCameroon 10ndash14 November (1998) Montpellier FranceINIBAP pp 21ndash35

Gaikwad RD Ahmed LM Khalid MS and Swamy P(2009) Anti-inflammatory activity of Madhuca longifolia seedsaponin mixture Pharmaceutical Biol 47 592-597

Ganjare AB Nirmal SA and Patilm AN (2011) Use ofapigenin from Cordia dichotoma in the treatment ofcolitis Fitoterapia 82 1052ndash1056

Hammer K Heller J and Engels J (2001) Monographs onunderutilized and neglected crops Genetic Resources amp CropEvolution 48(1)3ndash5 doi101023A1011253924058Accessed on 15th November 2013

Hegde K Thakker SP Joshi AB Shastry CS andChandrashekhar KS (2009) Anticonvulsant activityof Carissa carandas Linn Root extract in experimentalmice Tropical J Pharmaceutical Res 8 (2) 117-125

Hegde NG (2002) Promotion of underutilised fruit crops InFruits for the future in Asia Haq N and Hughes A (eds)Proceedings of the Regional Consultation Meeting BangkokThailand International Centre for Underutilised CropsUniversity of Southampton Southampton UK pp 45-53

ICUC (2006) Annual Report 2005-2006 (PDF online reproduction)Colombo Sri Lanka International Centre for UnderutilisedCrops ISBN 955-1560-03-5 ISSN 1800-2315

Idowu OO (2009) Contribution of neglected and underutilizedcrops to household food secuirity and health among ruraldwellers in Oyo state Nigeria Acta Hort (ISHS) 806 49-56

Jamkhande PG Barde SR Patwekar SL and Tidke PS(2013) Plant profile phytochemistry and pharmacologyof Cordia dichotoma (Indian cherry) A review Asian Pacific JTropical Medicine 3 (12) 1009ndash1012

Jawanda JS and Bal JS (1978) The ber highly paying andrich in value Indian Hort 23 19-21

Jigna P Rathish N and Sumitra C (2005) Preliminaryscreening of some folklore medicinal plants from western Indiafor potential antimicrobial activity Indian J Pharmacol 37(6) 408-409

Joshi V Gautam PL Mal Bhag Sharma GD and KocharS (2002) Conservation and use of underutilized crops AnIndian prespective In Managing plant genetic diversity JJMEngels V Ramanatha Rao AHD Brown and MT Jakson(Ed) CABI Publishing USA 359-370 pp

Joshi V (2005) Some promising under utilized industrial crops forcultivation on wastelands of India Green page Article NaturProd Radiance 4 (5) 396-403

Kapoor LD (1990) CRC handbook of Ayurvedic medicinal plantsBoca Raton Fla CRC Press 58 pp ISBN 0-8493-0559-4

Khurdiya DS and Roy SK (1958) Processing of jamun(Syzygium cumini Linn) fruits into ready-to-serve beverage JFood Sci Technol 22 27ndash30

Khurdiya DS (1980) A new beverage from dried ber (Zizyphusmauritiana Lam) J Food Sci Technol 17 158-159

Khurdiya DS (2001a) Post harvest management of underutilizedfor fresh marketing Winter school on exploitation ofunderutilized fruits pp 266ndash274

Khurdiya DS (2001b) Post harvest management of underutilizedfruits for processed products Winter school on exploitation ofunderutilized fruits pp 291ndash298

Koley TK Barman K Koley TD and Asrey R (2011)Nutraceutical properties of Jamun (Syzygium cumini L) andits processed products Indian Food Industry 30 (4) 34-37

Kumar PK Vidyasagar G Ramakrishna D ReddyMadhusudhana I Gupta VSSS Atyam and Raidu S(2011) Screening of Madhuca indica for antidiabetic activityin streptozotocin and streptozotocinndashNicotinamide induceddiabetic rats Internat J Pharm Tech Res 3 (2) 1073-1077

Kumari P Joshi GC and Tiwari LM (2011) Diversity andstatus of ethno-medicinal plants of Almora district inUttarakhand India Internat J Biodiversity amp Conservation3 (7) 298-326

Kunkel G (1984) Plants for human consumption Koeltz ScientificBooks Koenigstein Germany

Kuppast IJ and Nayak PV (2006) Wound healing activityof Cordia dichotoma Forst fruits Indian J Natur Prodamp Resour 5 (2) 99ndash102

Lakhanpal TN and Rana M (2005) Medicinal and nutraceuticalgenetic resources of mushrooms In Plant genetic resourcesCharacterization and utilization pp 288-303

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Hind Instidute of Science and Technology182Food Sci Res J 5(2) | Oct 2014 |

Luximon-Ramma A Bahoru T and Crozier A (2003)Antioxidant actions and phenolic and vitamin C contents ofcommon Mauritian exotic fruits J Sci Food amp Agric 83(5) 496ndash502

Maisale AB Attimarad SL Haradigatti DS and KarigarA (2010) Antihelmintic activity of fruit pulp of Cordiaddichotoma Internat J Res Ayurveda amp Pharm 1 (2) 597ndash600

Maiti R Jana D Das UK and Gosh H (2004) Antidiabeticeffect of aqueous extract of seed of Tamarindus indica instreptozotocin-induced diabetic rats J Ethnopharmacol 92(1) 85ndash91

Manikandan K (2011) Nutritional and medicinal values ofmushrooms In M Singh B Vijay S Kamal and GCWakchaure (Eds) Mushroom cultivation marketing andconsumption (pp 11-14) Directorate of Mushroom ResearchSolan (HP) INDIA

Mayes S Massawe PG Alderson JA Roberts SN Azam-Ali and Hermann M (2011) The potential for underutilizedcrops to improve security of food production J Exp Bot1-5

Mazumdar BC (2004) Minor fruit crops of Indiandashtropical andsub-tropical Daya Publishing House NEW DELHI INDIA

Nariya PB Bhalodia NR Shukla VJ and Acharya RN(2011) Antimicrobial and antifungal activities of Cordiadichotoma (Forester F) bark extracts Ayurveda 32585ndash589

Okhuoya JA Khuoya JA Akapaja EO Osemwegie OOGhenekaro AO and Ihayere CA (2010) Nigerianmushrooms Underutilized non-wood forest resources J ApplSci Environ Mgmt 14 (1) 43ndash54

Padulosi S Hodgkin T Williams JT and Haq N (2002)Underutilized crops Trends challenges and opportunities inthe 21st Century In Managing plant genetic diversity (edsEngels JMM Rao Ramanatha V Brown AHD JacksonMT) Rome Italy 30 323-338

Pareek OP (2001) Ber International Centre for CropsSouthampton (UK)

Parekh J and Chanda S (2007) In vitro screening of antibacterialactivity of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of various Indianplant species against selected pathogens fromEnterobacteriaceae African J Microbiol Res 1(6) 92ndash99

Paroda RS (1979) Plant resources of Indian arid zone in industrialuses In Arid land plant resources (JR Goodin and DavidK Northinghton (eds) Texas Technical University Texas 729pp

Paroda RS and Mal Bhag (1989) New plant resources for foodand industry in India In New crops for food and industry GEWickens N Haq and P Day (eds) Chapman and Hall Londonpp 135-149

Paroda RS and Mal Bhag (1992) Developing nationalprogramme for research on underutilized crops in IndiaProceedings of International Crop Science Congress AmesIowa (USA) 14-22 July

Patil DN Kulkarni AR Shahapurkar AA and Patil BS(2010) Release of drug neomycin fromCordia dichotoma transdermal film Internat J Pharma amp Bio Sci 2 1ndash5

Pattnaik S Subramanyam VR and Kole C (1996)Antibacterial and antifungal activity of ten essential oils invitro Microbios 86 (349) 237ndash246

Popescu R and Kopp B (2013) The genus Rhododendron anethnopharmacological and toxicological review JEthnopharmacol 147 (1) 42-62

Ravi BS (2004) Neglected millets that save the poor fromstarvation LEISA India (1) 34-36

Ravi SB Hrideek TK Kumar ATK Prabhakaran TRMal B and Padulosi S (2010) Mobilizing neglected andunderutilized crops to strengthen food security and alleviatepoverty in India Indian J Pl Genet Resour 1 (23) 110-116

Roy SP Shirode D Patel T Prabhu K Shetty SR andRajendra SV (2008) Antiulcer activity of 70 per centethanolic extract of bark of Madhuca longifolia Indian JNatur Prod amp Resour 24 8

Sampath KP Bhowmik D Duraivel S and Umadevi M(2012) Traditional and medicinal uses of banana JPharmacognosy amp Phytochemistry 1 (3) 51ndash63

Sandip P Patel S and Patel V (2011) Investigation into themechanism of action of Madhuca longifolia for its anti-epileptic activity Pharmacognosy Commu 1 18-22

Shahapurkar AA (2011) Drug neomycin release from Cordiadichotoma transdermal film and anti-inflammatoryactivity Internat Res J Pharm 2 (9) 107ndash109

Sharker S Md Khadiza P and Shahid IZ (2009) Analgesicantibacterial and cytotoxic activity of Cordia dichotomaPharmacologyonline 2 195ndash202

Singh D Wangshu L and Prahalad VC (2008) Processingand marketing feasibility of underutilized fruit species ofRajasthan IAMO Forum pp 1-12

Singh SJ Batra VK Singh SK and Singh TJ (2012)Diversity of underutilized vegetable crops species in North-East India with special reference to Manipur A review NeBIO3 (2) 87-95

Tambekar DH and Khante BS (2010) Antibacterial propertiesof traditionally used medicinal plants for enteric infections byadivasirsquos (bhumka) in melghat forest (Amravati district)Internat J Pharmaceutical Sci Rev amp Res 1 120-128

Tibuhwa DD (2013) Wild mushroom-an underutilized healthyfood resource and income generator experience from Tanzaniarural areas J Ethnobiology amp Ethnomedicine 9 49

Ved P (1991) Indian medicinal plant Current status in Himalayanmedicinal plants Potential and prospects (Edited by SamantSS Dhar U Palni LMS) Gramodaya Prakashan Nainitalpp 45-63

UNDERUTILIZED FOOD CROPS

174-183

Hind Instidute of Science and Technology183Food Sci Res J 5(2) | Oct 2014 |

Vohra MM and De N N (1963) Comparative cardiotonicactivity of Carissa carandas (L) and Carissa spinarum (A)Indian J Medical Res 51 (5) 937-940

Wasser SP and Weis AL (1999) Medicinal properties ofsubstances occurring in Higher Basidiomycetes mushroomscurrent perspectives Internat J Medicinal Mushrooms 31ndash62

Williams JT and Haq N (2002) Global research on underutilizedcrops - an assessment of current activities and proposals forenhanced cooperation Southampton UK International Centrefor Underutilized Crops ISBN 92-9043-545-3 Accessed on21st August 2013

WEBLIOGRAPHY

Ali R and Rab F (2000) Research needs and new productsdevelopment from underutilized tropical fruits Acta Hort(ISHS) 518241-248 Retrieved from httpwwwactahortorgbooks518518_33htm Accessed on 10th April 2014

Angolo A (2008) Banana plant with five hearts is instant hit inNegros Occ ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation Retrievedfrom httpwwwabs-cbnnewscomclassified-odd051308banana-plant-five-hearts-instant-hit-negros-occ Accessed on11th March 2014

Bael Fruit (2011) Bael fruit - Medicinal properties and healthbenefits Retrieved from blogonlineherbscombael-fruit-medicinal-properties-an - United States Accessed on 11th

March 2014

Bal JS (2003) Genetic resources of under-utilized fruits in Punjabsubtropics httpwwwactahortorgbooks623623_37htmActa Hort (ISHS) 623 325-331

Crops for the Future (2009-13) Crops for the future strategic plan2009-2013 Retrieved from httpwww crops forthefuture orgwp-contentuploads200903strategic-plan-2009-2013pdfAccessed on 10th March 2014

FACT (1998) Ziziphus mauritiana - a valuable tree for arid andsemi-arid lands Retrieved from httpwwwwinrockorgfnrmfactnetfactpubFACTSHziziphushtm Accessed on 29th June

2012

Gruegravere G Giuliani A and Smale M (2006) Marketing ofunderutilized plant species for the benefit of the poor AConceptual framework Environemnt and ProductionTechnology Division Retrieved from International Food PolicyResearch Institute wwwifpriorg pp 1-54

Gruere GP Nagarajan L King EDI and Oliver (2007)Collective action and marketing of underutilized plant speciesInternational Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) SeriesNo 69 Retrieved from httpwwwifpriorgpublicationcollective-action-and-marketing-underutilized-plant-speciesAccessed on 11th April 2014

Joshi S and Joshi S (2008) Simarouba glauca DC (Paradisetree) (brochure) - Ideas Retrieved from ideasrepecorgpagsuasbcp43624html Accessed on 11th May 2014

Parimala (2007) Medicinal uses of jack fruit Retrieved fromwwwjaspariinfo200703medicinal-uses-of-jackfruithtmlAccessed on 26th July 2013

Patti AK (2010) Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus or Artocarpusheterophylla) by Abhay Kumar Pati Odisha India retrievedfrom httpprlogorg10748390

Roy SK (2000) Promotion of underutilized tropical fruit processingand its impact on world trade Retrieved from httpwwwactahortorgbooks518518_31htm Acta Hort (ISHS)518 233-236

Scott S (2012) Benefits of Rhododenderon herb Retrievd fromwwwlivestrongcomarticle120355-benefits-rhododendron-herb

Solomon C (1998) Encyclopedia of Asian Food (Periplus ed)Australia New Holland Publishers Retrieved fromISBN 0855616881 httpwwwasiafoodorgglossary_1cfmalpha=Bampwordid=3219ampstartno=1ampendno=25 Accessed on20th April 2014

Upadhyaya HD (2009) Sustainable conservation and utilizationof genetic resources of two underutilized crops ndash finger milletand foxtail millet ndash to enhance productivity nutrition andincome in Africa and Asia Monograph Retrieved from httpoaricrisatorgideprint5199 Accessed on 12th May 2014

Received 29052014 Accepted 26092014

MONIKA THAKUR

174-183

Hind Instidute of Science and Technology178Food Sci Res J 5(2) | Oct 2014 |

been a broader recognition that underutilized crops shouldalways be promoted to improve food security A report oncurrent research and research proposals for enhancedcooperation on UUCrsquos was documented by Williams and Haq(2002) Various international research organizations havebeen established to focus on UUCrsquos which have been enlisted

International centre for underutilized crops (ICUC) This is a research development and training

organization It provides expertise and acts as a knowledgehub and supported research on national priorities forgermplasm collections agronomy and post harvestmethodology of underutilized species and associated scientificconferences and training events In recent years the focushas expanded to include processing and marketingassessments and entrepreneurship development only ICUChave several professional networks in twenty one countries inparticular as UTFANET (Underutilized Tropical Fruits in AsiaNetwork) UTVAPNET (Underutilized Tropical Vegetablesfor Asia and the Pacific Network) SEANUC (Southern andEast Africa Network for Underutilized Crops and ACUC(Asian Centre for Underutilized Crops) etc

Global facilitation unit (GFU)The GFU is a multi-institutional initiative that acts

globally to promote a wider use of underutilized plant speciesthrough supporting and facilitating the work of otherstakeholders The mission rather to create an enablingenvironment for stakeholders who are engaged in developingunderutilized species

Convention on biological diversity (CBD) Became a rallying point and promoted the concept of

maintaining local agro-biodiversity All these variousinternational units which are working on underutilized specieshave led to a better liaison between relatively isolated groupsof workers but there are still major gaps The ConsultativeGroup on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR)organized a workshop in 1999 at Chennai (India) followedthe major FAO Global Plan of Action One of the outcomeswas a recommendation to survey all ongoing activities onunderutilized species worldwide

Crops for the future (CFF) has been an independent international organization that

works with its partners and has a mandate to promote andfacilitate the greater use of neglected and underutilized cropsto advocate research policies and capacity building onunderutilized crops for the diversification of agriculturalsystems and diets (Crops for the Future 2009-13) It wasformed in 2008 following a merger between the InternationalCentre for Underutilized Crops (ICUC) and the Global

Facilitation Unit (GFU) for Underutilized Species In additionCrops for the Future Research Centre (CFFRC) a researcharm of CFF being built adjacent to UNMC is the first-of-its-kind with a global mandate for research and development ofunderutilized plants for food and non-food uses

Consumption marketing and promotion of underutilizedcrop products

There are very many difficulties in popularizing UUCrsquosat market and consumer level because of a variety of reasonsHence there has been uttermost need to give guidance andknowledge to consumers about the use of UUCrsquos Major fruitand vegetable distributors failed to market UUCrsquos and theirproducts in the most desired and tempting way by displayingthe quality price and information results in ignorance aboutthe fruit texture colour flavour and optimum maturity beforeconsumption by consumers Basically most of the consumersare unaware about these plant products their mode of usageexpectation of sensory qualities and mode of storage andripening Finally there is a lack of sustained and informativeresearch on the same field

The availability of information has been always a majorconstraint in the promotion of underutilized plant speciesThe possibility of accessing these data to guide workers atlocal level should be also addressed Opportunities forstrengthening informatics capacities for instance onecomputer per village managed by local extension officersshould not be seen as far fetched Improving the availabilityof information on underutilized crops has been one of themost important areas demanding our immediate attentionAt the formal level individual studies on underutilized cropscontinue to need support to ensure their publication At locallevel there has been a need to gather and documentinformation which has been maintained within farmingcommunities The recognition of the value of this byresearchers and scientists can often act as a powerful stimulusto improve a communityrsquos own valuation of the knowledge(Singh et al 2008) A spectacular wide strategy has to bedeveloped for underutilized crops for the benefit of mankindBut for the same protocol for increasing use of underutilizedcrops for food security involves overcoming many constraintsand obstacles from genetic through management culturalacceptability and marketing to policy and decision-makersin government (Padulosi et al 2002) There are very goodexamples for the development of an indigenous crop withinits local community where it provides direct benefits to thatcommunity through food and often income security providingthe local community with purchasing power (Mayes et al2011)

Constraints in utilization and marketing of UUCrsquos Overall the slow progress and poor popularity in the

UNDERUTILIZED FOOD CROPS

174-183

Hind Instidute of Science and Technology179Food Sci Res J 5(2) | Oct 2014 |

effective development and utilization of underutilized cropsresults from a number of constraints which are summarizedbelow

ndash Lack of information on production nutritionalquality consumption and utilization of many of theunderutilized plant products which are unpopularcompared to major fruits

ndash Lack of awareness on economic benefits and marketopportunities

ndash Lack of technology for value addition through villagelevel food processing

ndash Lack of improved quality planting materialndash Lack of technology to reduce the gestation period

and enhance the fruit productionndash Lack of interest by researchers agriculturists and

extension workersndash Lack of producer interestndash Low yieldndash Post-harvest and transport lossesndash Non-existence of marketing network and

infrastructure facility for underutilized fruitsndash Lack of national policyndash Lack of credit and investmentndash Non-availability of scientific resources for testing

valuation and post harvest management of differentunderutilized fruits

ndash Disorganized communities

Advantages of UUCrsquos The benefits of these underutilized plant species are many

fold ndash They have potential to contribute to poverty

elimination through employment opportunities andincome generation and also through improvedefficiency and profitability of farm household labouruse in both rural and urban environments

ndash With the use of underutilized crops there is a way toreduce the risk of over-reliance on very limitednumber of major crops

ndash They can contribute to sustainable livelihoodsthrough household food security as they can widenthe food edibility options

ndash They add nutrients to the diet and are sometimesconvenience food for low income urban people Theyare adapted to fragile environments and cancontribute to the stability of agroecosystemsparticularly in the arid semi-arid lands mountainssteppes and tropical forests

ndash They provide a broad spectrum of crops to improveproductivity and global food security and to meetnew market demands

ndash They assist development of rural community through

small-scale investmentndash They have a strong cultural and sacred identify and

are associated with traditional customs and beliefsTherefore a best way to preserve and celebratecultural and dietary diversity

Indian government strategy In India strategy development and appropriate policies

are limited to a large extent by a lack of authenticdocumentation on underutilized crops The Indian governmentpolicies and strategies for food security should take intoaccount the diversity of underutilized cops For this thing theEthnobotanical data available on indigenous neglected Indiancrops is more valuable Indigenous knowledge must be tappedand combined from various localities and merged withscientific solutions to create new opportunities Recognitionof UUCrsquos in India was initiated in 1960rsquos at the IndianAgricultural Research Institute New Delhi This research waslater extended by All India Coordinated Research Project(AICRP) on Under-utilized plants (UUP) in 1982 with itsheadquarters at National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources(NBPGR) New Delhi towards collection evaluationutilization and conservation maintenance of under utilizedcrops Later on this work was also carried out in variousparts of India (Paroda 1979 Bhag Mal 1988 Bhag Mal andJoshi 1991 Paroda and Bhag Mal 1989 1992 Joshi et al2002 Joshi 2005) So far 115 leafy vegetables and 46 othervegetables have been documented as underutilized in India(Anonymous 2003) Ravi et al (2010) discussed themobilizing neglected and underutilized crops to strengthenfood security and alleviate poverty in India In India also anational co-ordinated project by Ministry of Agriculture hasbeen launched to do research on UUCrsquos Still the threat hasbeen for the crops as their underutilized potential is continuedto be under utilized ultimately this will lead to disappearanceof the same crop

Some underutilized crops of India There are many underutilized food crops in India and

majority are not well known or well documented (Solomon1998) Singh et al 2012 studied the diversity of underutilizedvegetable crops species in North-East India Bal (2003) studiesthe underutilized fruits for Punjab subtropics Theethnobotanical data for all the underutilized species is still tobe explored for such species Some of the underutilized plantspecies are documented in Annexure-I

Various processed products from under utilized fruits The main processed products consumed by people were

jam RTS ndash fruit drinks chutneys candies pickles squashesconcentrate etc (Fig 1 Roy 2000 Khurdiya 2001 a and bSingh et al 2008) Various processed products like canned

MONIKA THAKUR

174-183

Hind Instidute of Science and Technology180Food Sci Res J 5(2) | Oct 2014 |

jackfruit bulbs in syrup squash raw jack pickle roasted jackseeds jack seed flour and candied jackfruit have beenprepared from Jack fruit (Berry and Kalra 1998 Chadha andPareek 1988 Chandra and Prakash 2009) Various processedproducts such as nectar squash slab toffee powder etc canbe made with Bael pulp Ber can be processed to preparedmurrabba candy dehydrated ber pulp jam and ready-to-serve beverage (Khurdiya 1980 Pareek 2001) Jamun fruitscan be processed into excellent quality fermented and non-fermented beverages Besides that good quality jelly jamleather can be prepared A good quality jelly can also beprepared from its fruits The seeds can be processed intopowder which is very useful to cure diabetes (Khurdiya 2001a and b) The main processed product made from Karonda ispickle Ripe ber fruit is consumed as popular dessert andprocessed for various value added products such as murabbacandy sharbat squash and powdered fruits after drying arealso consumed

Banana hearts are used as a vegetable (Solomaon 1998)either raw or steamed with dips or cooked in soups curriesand fried foods (Duda Online 2009)

Conclusion Many underutilized crops were once more widely grown

but are today falling into disuse for a variety of agronomicgenetic economic and cultural factors Farmers and consumersare using these crops less because they are in some way notcompetitive with other crop species in the same agriculturalenvironment The general decline of these crops may erodethe genetic base and prevent the use of distinctive useful traitsin crop adaptation and improvement Production post harvesthandling and processing of underutilized fruits practiced todayperpetuate heavy loses inadequate infrastructure facilitiescripple marketing prospects low production of under utilized

fruits results in lesser yield of processed products there byincreasing the production cost during processing To overcomethese problems the development of technologies is requiredurgently to minimize the losses during post harvest handlingand also technologies suitable for specific processing purposesproducts development and storage of fresh and processedproducts

Whatever research and field projects have been carriedout these are mostly fragmented and information on them isdifficult to compile However this paper will attempt toprovide the background current research constraints forsustainable production approaches to research andpotential strategies and action plans which we hope wouldbe helpful to lead the st r a tegic developmen t ofunderutilized crops for sustainable food and nutritionsecurity and poverty alleviation By corroborating theethnobotanical data the ways to combat food security canbe unlocked UUCrsquos are indispensable for food and nutritionsecurity and will have a greater potential for incomegeneration and environmental services As underutilizedcrops have a great potential to alleviate hunger directlythrough increasing food production in the challengingenvironments where major food crops are severely limitedday by day This paper finally concludes that with therealization of importance and uses of the underutilized cropsin India the potential for agricultural - rural developmentand food and nutrition security can be unlocked

LITERATURE CITEDAnonymous (2003) Annual Report for Central Institute of Arid

Horticulture Bikaner (RAJASTHAN) INDIA

Arora RK and Pandey A (1996) Wild edible plants of IndiaDiversity conservation and use National Bureau of PlantGenetic Resources NEW DELHI INDIA

Arora RK and Nayar ER (1984) Wild relatives of crop plantsin India NBPGR Science Monograph No 7 NEW DELHI(INDIA)

Berry SK and Kalra CL (1987) Cultivation and processingof jackfruit Indian Ed Pack 42 (5) 62-67

Bhag Mal and Joshi V (1991) Plant genetic resources ndashConservation and management RS Paroda and RK Arora(eds) Malhotra Publishing House NEW DELHI (INDIA)

Bhag Mal (1988) Underutilized plant programme in India ndash conceptand future perspective In Life support species diversity andconservation RS Paroda Promila Kapoor RK Arora andBhag Mal (eds) Proc CCSICAR International Workshop inmaintenance and evaluation of Life Support Service in Asiaand Pacific Region April 4-7 NBPGR NEW DELHI (INDIA)

Bhatnagar N Bhandari NC Dwivedi NK and Rana RS(1991) Performance and potential of Jojoba in Indian aridregions Indian J Pl Genet Resour 4 (2) 57-66

Underutilized crops

processed products

Squashes Syrups

Sauces

RTS fruit drink

Juices

murabba

concentrates

pickles

Candies

Wine

Jelly

Jam

Canning Dehydrated products

Fig 1 Various processed food products from underutilized fruits

UNDERUTILIZED FOOD CROPS

174-183

Hind Instidute of Science and Technology181Food Sci Res J 5(2) | Oct 2014 |

Chadha KL and Pareek OP (1988) Genetic resources of fruitscrops achievements and gaps Indian J Pl Genet Resour 143-48

Chandra D (2001) Analgesic activity of aqueous and alcoholicextract of Madhuca longifolia Indian J Pharmacol 33 108-111

Chandra DS and Prakash J (2009) Minor fruits a livelihoodopportunity for the tribal peoples of Tripura IInd InternationalSymposium on pomegranate and minor includingMediterranean fruits ISPMMF 2009

Devmurari V Shivanand P Goyani MB Vaghani S andJivani NP (2009) A review Carissa congestaPhytochemical constituents traditional use andpharmacological properties Pharmacogonosy Re 3 (6) 375-377

Doughari JH (2006) Antimicrobial activity of Tamarindusindica Linn Tropical J Pharmaceutical Res 5 (2) 597-603

Duda Online (2009) Fried banana flowers Retrieved on 20th March2013

Frison EA and Sharrock SL (1999) Introduction Theeconomic social and nutritional importance of banana in theworldrdquo In Bananas and food security edited by C Picq EFoureacute and EA Frison International Symposium DoualaCameroon 10ndash14 November (1998) Montpellier FranceINIBAP pp 21ndash35

Gaikwad RD Ahmed LM Khalid MS and Swamy P(2009) Anti-inflammatory activity of Madhuca longifolia seedsaponin mixture Pharmaceutical Biol 47 592-597

Ganjare AB Nirmal SA and Patilm AN (2011) Use ofapigenin from Cordia dichotoma in the treatment ofcolitis Fitoterapia 82 1052ndash1056

Hammer K Heller J and Engels J (2001) Monographs onunderutilized and neglected crops Genetic Resources amp CropEvolution 48(1)3ndash5 doi101023A1011253924058Accessed on 15th November 2013

Hegde K Thakker SP Joshi AB Shastry CS andChandrashekhar KS (2009) Anticonvulsant activityof Carissa carandas Linn Root extract in experimentalmice Tropical J Pharmaceutical Res 8 (2) 117-125

Hegde NG (2002) Promotion of underutilised fruit crops InFruits for the future in Asia Haq N and Hughes A (eds)Proceedings of the Regional Consultation Meeting BangkokThailand International Centre for Underutilised CropsUniversity of Southampton Southampton UK pp 45-53

ICUC (2006) Annual Report 2005-2006 (PDF online reproduction)Colombo Sri Lanka International Centre for UnderutilisedCrops ISBN 955-1560-03-5 ISSN 1800-2315

Idowu OO (2009) Contribution of neglected and underutilizedcrops to household food secuirity and health among ruraldwellers in Oyo state Nigeria Acta Hort (ISHS) 806 49-56

Jamkhande PG Barde SR Patwekar SL and Tidke PS(2013) Plant profile phytochemistry and pharmacologyof Cordia dichotoma (Indian cherry) A review Asian Pacific JTropical Medicine 3 (12) 1009ndash1012

Jawanda JS and Bal JS (1978) The ber highly paying andrich in value Indian Hort 23 19-21

Jigna P Rathish N and Sumitra C (2005) Preliminaryscreening of some folklore medicinal plants from western Indiafor potential antimicrobial activity Indian J Pharmacol 37(6) 408-409

Joshi V Gautam PL Mal Bhag Sharma GD and KocharS (2002) Conservation and use of underutilized crops AnIndian prespective In Managing plant genetic diversity JJMEngels V Ramanatha Rao AHD Brown and MT Jakson(Ed) CABI Publishing USA 359-370 pp

Joshi V (2005) Some promising under utilized industrial crops forcultivation on wastelands of India Green page Article NaturProd Radiance 4 (5) 396-403

Kapoor LD (1990) CRC handbook of Ayurvedic medicinal plantsBoca Raton Fla CRC Press 58 pp ISBN 0-8493-0559-4

Khurdiya DS and Roy SK (1958) Processing of jamun(Syzygium cumini Linn) fruits into ready-to-serve beverage JFood Sci Technol 22 27ndash30

Khurdiya DS (1980) A new beverage from dried ber (Zizyphusmauritiana Lam) J Food Sci Technol 17 158-159

Khurdiya DS (2001a) Post harvest management of underutilizedfor fresh marketing Winter school on exploitation ofunderutilized fruits pp 266ndash274

Khurdiya DS (2001b) Post harvest management of underutilizedfruits for processed products Winter school on exploitation ofunderutilized fruits pp 291ndash298

Koley TK Barman K Koley TD and Asrey R (2011)Nutraceutical properties of Jamun (Syzygium cumini L) andits processed products Indian Food Industry 30 (4) 34-37

Kumar PK Vidyasagar G Ramakrishna D ReddyMadhusudhana I Gupta VSSS Atyam and Raidu S(2011) Screening of Madhuca indica for antidiabetic activityin streptozotocin and streptozotocinndashNicotinamide induceddiabetic rats Internat J Pharm Tech Res 3 (2) 1073-1077

Kumari P Joshi GC and Tiwari LM (2011) Diversity andstatus of ethno-medicinal plants of Almora district inUttarakhand India Internat J Biodiversity amp Conservation3 (7) 298-326

Kunkel G (1984) Plants for human consumption Koeltz ScientificBooks Koenigstein Germany

Kuppast IJ and Nayak PV (2006) Wound healing activityof Cordia dichotoma Forst fruits Indian J Natur Prodamp Resour 5 (2) 99ndash102

Lakhanpal TN and Rana M (2005) Medicinal and nutraceuticalgenetic resources of mushrooms In Plant genetic resourcesCharacterization and utilization pp 288-303

MONIKA THAKUR

174-183

Hind Instidute of Science and Technology182Food Sci Res J 5(2) | Oct 2014 |

Luximon-Ramma A Bahoru T and Crozier A (2003)Antioxidant actions and phenolic and vitamin C contents ofcommon Mauritian exotic fruits J Sci Food amp Agric 83(5) 496ndash502

Maisale AB Attimarad SL Haradigatti DS and KarigarA (2010) Antihelmintic activity of fruit pulp of Cordiaddichotoma Internat J Res Ayurveda amp Pharm 1 (2) 597ndash600

Maiti R Jana D Das UK and Gosh H (2004) Antidiabeticeffect of aqueous extract of seed of Tamarindus indica instreptozotocin-induced diabetic rats J Ethnopharmacol 92(1) 85ndash91

Manikandan K (2011) Nutritional and medicinal values ofmushrooms In M Singh B Vijay S Kamal and GCWakchaure (Eds) Mushroom cultivation marketing andconsumption (pp 11-14) Directorate of Mushroom ResearchSolan (HP) INDIA

Mayes S Massawe PG Alderson JA Roberts SN Azam-Ali and Hermann M (2011) The potential for underutilizedcrops to improve security of food production J Exp Bot1-5

Mazumdar BC (2004) Minor fruit crops of Indiandashtropical andsub-tropical Daya Publishing House NEW DELHI INDIA

Nariya PB Bhalodia NR Shukla VJ and Acharya RN(2011) Antimicrobial and antifungal activities of Cordiadichotoma (Forester F) bark extracts Ayurveda 32585ndash589

Okhuoya JA Khuoya JA Akapaja EO Osemwegie OOGhenekaro AO and Ihayere CA (2010) Nigerianmushrooms Underutilized non-wood forest resources J ApplSci Environ Mgmt 14 (1) 43ndash54

Padulosi S Hodgkin T Williams JT and Haq N (2002)Underutilized crops Trends challenges and opportunities inthe 21st Century In Managing plant genetic diversity (edsEngels JMM Rao Ramanatha V Brown AHD JacksonMT) Rome Italy 30 323-338

Pareek OP (2001) Ber International Centre for CropsSouthampton (UK)

Parekh J and Chanda S (2007) In vitro screening of antibacterialactivity of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of various Indianplant species against selected pathogens fromEnterobacteriaceae African J Microbiol Res 1(6) 92ndash99

Paroda RS (1979) Plant resources of Indian arid zone in industrialuses In Arid land plant resources (JR Goodin and DavidK Northinghton (eds) Texas Technical University Texas 729pp

Paroda RS and Mal Bhag (1989) New plant resources for foodand industry in India In New crops for food and industry GEWickens N Haq and P Day (eds) Chapman and Hall Londonpp 135-149

Paroda RS and Mal Bhag (1992) Developing nationalprogramme for research on underutilized crops in IndiaProceedings of International Crop Science Congress AmesIowa (USA) 14-22 July

Patil DN Kulkarni AR Shahapurkar AA and Patil BS(2010) Release of drug neomycin fromCordia dichotoma transdermal film Internat J Pharma amp Bio Sci 2 1ndash5

Pattnaik S Subramanyam VR and Kole C (1996)Antibacterial and antifungal activity of ten essential oils invitro Microbios 86 (349) 237ndash246

Popescu R and Kopp B (2013) The genus Rhododendron anethnopharmacological and toxicological review JEthnopharmacol 147 (1) 42-62

Ravi BS (2004) Neglected millets that save the poor fromstarvation LEISA India (1) 34-36

Ravi SB Hrideek TK Kumar ATK Prabhakaran TRMal B and Padulosi S (2010) Mobilizing neglected andunderutilized crops to strengthen food security and alleviatepoverty in India Indian J Pl Genet Resour 1 (23) 110-116

Roy SP Shirode D Patel T Prabhu K Shetty SR andRajendra SV (2008) Antiulcer activity of 70 per centethanolic extract of bark of Madhuca longifolia Indian JNatur Prod amp Resour 24 8

Sampath KP Bhowmik D Duraivel S and Umadevi M(2012) Traditional and medicinal uses of banana JPharmacognosy amp Phytochemistry 1 (3) 51ndash63

Sandip P Patel S and Patel V (2011) Investigation into themechanism of action of Madhuca longifolia for its anti-epileptic activity Pharmacognosy Commu 1 18-22

Shahapurkar AA (2011) Drug neomycin release from Cordiadichotoma transdermal film and anti-inflammatoryactivity Internat Res J Pharm 2 (9) 107ndash109

Sharker S Md Khadiza P and Shahid IZ (2009) Analgesicantibacterial and cytotoxic activity of Cordia dichotomaPharmacologyonline 2 195ndash202

Singh D Wangshu L and Prahalad VC (2008) Processingand marketing feasibility of underutilized fruit species ofRajasthan IAMO Forum pp 1-12

Singh SJ Batra VK Singh SK and Singh TJ (2012)Diversity of underutilized vegetable crops species in North-East India with special reference to Manipur A review NeBIO3 (2) 87-95

Tambekar DH and Khante BS (2010) Antibacterial propertiesof traditionally used medicinal plants for enteric infections byadivasirsquos (bhumka) in melghat forest (Amravati district)Internat J Pharmaceutical Sci Rev amp Res 1 120-128

Tibuhwa DD (2013) Wild mushroom-an underutilized healthyfood resource and income generator experience from Tanzaniarural areas J Ethnobiology amp Ethnomedicine 9 49

Ved P (1991) Indian medicinal plant Current status in Himalayanmedicinal plants Potential and prospects (Edited by SamantSS Dhar U Palni LMS) Gramodaya Prakashan Nainitalpp 45-63

UNDERUTILIZED FOOD CROPS

174-183

Hind Instidute of Science and Technology183Food Sci Res J 5(2) | Oct 2014 |

Vohra MM and De N N (1963) Comparative cardiotonicactivity of Carissa carandas (L) and Carissa spinarum (A)Indian J Medical Res 51 (5) 937-940

Wasser SP and Weis AL (1999) Medicinal properties ofsubstances occurring in Higher Basidiomycetes mushroomscurrent perspectives Internat J Medicinal Mushrooms 31ndash62

Williams JT and Haq N (2002) Global research on underutilizedcrops - an assessment of current activities and proposals forenhanced cooperation Southampton UK International Centrefor Underutilized Crops ISBN 92-9043-545-3 Accessed on21st August 2013

WEBLIOGRAPHY

Ali R and Rab F (2000) Research needs and new productsdevelopment from underutilized tropical fruits Acta Hort(ISHS) 518241-248 Retrieved from httpwwwactahortorgbooks518518_33htm Accessed on 10th April 2014

Angolo A (2008) Banana plant with five hearts is instant hit inNegros Occ ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation Retrievedfrom httpwwwabs-cbnnewscomclassified-odd051308banana-plant-five-hearts-instant-hit-negros-occ Accessed on11th March 2014

Bael Fruit (2011) Bael fruit - Medicinal properties and healthbenefits Retrieved from blogonlineherbscombael-fruit-medicinal-properties-an - United States Accessed on 11th

March 2014

Bal JS (2003) Genetic resources of under-utilized fruits in Punjabsubtropics httpwwwactahortorgbooks623623_37htmActa Hort (ISHS) 623 325-331

Crops for the Future (2009-13) Crops for the future strategic plan2009-2013 Retrieved from httpwww crops forthefuture orgwp-contentuploads200903strategic-plan-2009-2013pdfAccessed on 10th March 2014

FACT (1998) Ziziphus mauritiana - a valuable tree for arid andsemi-arid lands Retrieved from httpwwwwinrockorgfnrmfactnetfactpubFACTSHziziphushtm Accessed on 29th June

2012

Gruegravere G Giuliani A and Smale M (2006) Marketing ofunderutilized plant species for the benefit of the poor AConceptual framework Environemnt and ProductionTechnology Division Retrieved from International Food PolicyResearch Institute wwwifpriorg pp 1-54

Gruere GP Nagarajan L King EDI and Oliver (2007)Collective action and marketing of underutilized plant speciesInternational Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) SeriesNo 69 Retrieved from httpwwwifpriorgpublicationcollective-action-and-marketing-underutilized-plant-speciesAccessed on 11th April 2014

Joshi S and Joshi S (2008) Simarouba glauca DC (Paradisetree) (brochure) - Ideas Retrieved from ideasrepecorgpagsuasbcp43624html Accessed on 11th May 2014

Parimala (2007) Medicinal uses of jack fruit Retrieved fromwwwjaspariinfo200703medicinal-uses-of-jackfruithtmlAccessed on 26th July 2013

Patti AK (2010) Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus or Artocarpusheterophylla) by Abhay Kumar Pati Odisha India retrievedfrom httpprlogorg10748390

Roy SK (2000) Promotion of underutilized tropical fruit processingand its impact on world trade Retrieved from httpwwwactahortorgbooks518518_31htm Acta Hort (ISHS)518 233-236

Scott S (2012) Benefits of Rhododenderon herb Retrievd fromwwwlivestrongcomarticle120355-benefits-rhododendron-herb

Solomon C (1998) Encyclopedia of Asian Food (Periplus ed)Australia New Holland Publishers Retrieved fromISBN 0855616881 httpwwwasiafoodorgglossary_1cfmalpha=Bampwordid=3219ampstartno=1ampendno=25 Accessed on20th April 2014

Upadhyaya HD (2009) Sustainable conservation and utilizationof genetic resources of two underutilized crops ndash finger milletand foxtail millet ndash to enhance productivity nutrition andincome in Africa and Asia Monograph Retrieved from httpoaricrisatorgideprint5199 Accessed on 12th May 2014

Received 29052014 Accepted 26092014

MONIKA THAKUR

174-183

Hind Instidute of Science and Technology179Food Sci Res J 5(2) | Oct 2014 |

effective development and utilization of underutilized cropsresults from a number of constraints which are summarizedbelow

ndash Lack of information on production nutritionalquality consumption and utilization of many of theunderutilized plant products which are unpopularcompared to major fruits

ndash Lack of awareness on economic benefits and marketopportunities

ndash Lack of technology for value addition through villagelevel food processing

ndash Lack of improved quality planting materialndash Lack of technology to reduce the gestation period

and enhance the fruit productionndash Lack of interest by researchers agriculturists and

extension workersndash Lack of producer interestndash Low yieldndash Post-harvest and transport lossesndash Non-existence of marketing network and

infrastructure facility for underutilized fruitsndash Lack of national policyndash Lack of credit and investmentndash Non-availability of scientific resources for testing

valuation and post harvest management of differentunderutilized fruits

ndash Disorganized communities

Advantages of UUCrsquos The benefits of these underutilized plant species are many

fold ndash They have potential to contribute to poverty

elimination through employment opportunities andincome generation and also through improvedefficiency and profitability of farm household labouruse in both rural and urban environments

ndash With the use of underutilized crops there is a way toreduce the risk of over-reliance on very limitednumber of major crops

ndash They can contribute to sustainable livelihoodsthrough household food security as they can widenthe food edibility options

ndash They add nutrients to the diet and are sometimesconvenience food for low income urban people Theyare adapted to fragile environments and cancontribute to the stability of agroecosystemsparticularly in the arid semi-arid lands mountainssteppes and tropical forests

ndash They provide a broad spectrum of crops to improveproductivity and global food security and to meetnew market demands

ndash They assist development of rural community through

small-scale investmentndash They have a strong cultural and sacred identify and

are associated with traditional customs and beliefsTherefore a best way to preserve and celebratecultural and dietary diversity

Indian government strategy In India strategy development and appropriate policies

are limited to a large extent by a lack of authenticdocumentation on underutilized crops The Indian governmentpolicies and strategies for food security should take intoaccount the diversity of underutilized cops For this thing theEthnobotanical data available on indigenous neglected Indiancrops is more valuable Indigenous knowledge must be tappedand combined from various localities and merged withscientific solutions to create new opportunities Recognitionof UUCrsquos in India was initiated in 1960rsquos at the IndianAgricultural Research Institute New Delhi This research waslater extended by All India Coordinated Research Project(AICRP) on Under-utilized plants (UUP) in 1982 with itsheadquarters at National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources(NBPGR) New Delhi towards collection evaluationutilization and conservation maintenance of under utilizedcrops Later on this work was also carried out in variousparts of India (Paroda 1979 Bhag Mal 1988 Bhag Mal andJoshi 1991 Paroda and Bhag Mal 1989 1992 Joshi et al2002 Joshi 2005) So far 115 leafy vegetables and 46 othervegetables have been documented as underutilized in India(Anonymous 2003) Ravi et al (2010) discussed themobilizing neglected and underutilized crops to strengthenfood security and alleviate poverty in India In India also anational co-ordinated project by Ministry of Agriculture hasbeen launched to do research on UUCrsquos Still the threat hasbeen for the crops as their underutilized potential is continuedto be under utilized ultimately this will lead to disappearanceof the same crop

Some underutilized crops of India There are many underutilized food crops in India and

majority are not well known or well documented (Solomon1998) Singh et al 2012 studied the diversity of underutilizedvegetable crops species in North-East India Bal (2003) studiesthe underutilized fruits for Punjab subtropics Theethnobotanical data for all the underutilized species is still tobe explored for such species Some of the underutilized plantspecies are documented in Annexure-I

Various processed products from under utilized fruits The main processed products consumed by people were

jam RTS ndash fruit drinks chutneys candies pickles squashesconcentrate etc (Fig 1 Roy 2000 Khurdiya 2001 a and bSingh et al 2008) Various processed products like canned

MONIKA THAKUR

174-183

Hind Instidute of Science and Technology180Food Sci Res J 5(2) | Oct 2014 |

jackfruit bulbs in syrup squash raw jack pickle roasted jackseeds jack seed flour and candied jackfruit have beenprepared from Jack fruit (Berry and Kalra 1998 Chadha andPareek 1988 Chandra and Prakash 2009) Various processedproducts such as nectar squash slab toffee powder etc canbe made with Bael pulp Ber can be processed to preparedmurrabba candy dehydrated ber pulp jam and ready-to-serve beverage (Khurdiya 1980 Pareek 2001) Jamun fruitscan be processed into excellent quality fermented and non-fermented beverages Besides that good quality jelly jamleather can be prepared A good quality jelly can also beprepared from its fruits The seeds can be processed intopowder which is very useful to cure diabetes (Khurdiya 2001a and b) The main processed product made from Karonda ispickle Ripe ber fruit is consumed as popular dessert andprocessed for various value added products such as murabbacandy sharbat squash and powdered fruits after drying arealso consumed

Banana hearts are used as a vegetable (Solomaon 1998)either raw or steamed with dips or cooked in soups curriesand fried foods (Duda Online 2009)

Conclusion Many underutilized crops were once more widely grown

but are today falling into disuse for a variety of agronomicgenetic economic and cultural factors Farmers and consumersare using these crops less because they are in some way notcompetitive with other crop species in the same agriculturalenvironment The general decline of these crops may erodethe genetic base and prevent the use of distinctive useful traitsin crop adaptation and improvement Production post harvesthandling and processing of underutilized fruits practiced todayperpetuate heavy loses inadequate infrastructure facilitiescripple marketing prospects low production of under utilized

fruits results in lesser yield of processed products there byincreasing the production cost during processing To overcomethese problems the development of technologies is requiredurgently to minimize the losses during post harvest handlingand also technologies suitable for specific processing purposesproducts development and storage of fresh and processedproducts

Whatever research and field projects have been carriedout these are mostly fragmented and information on them isdifficult to compile However this paper will attempt toprovide the background current research constraints forsustainable production approaches to research andpotential strategies and action plans which we hope wouldbe helpful to lead the st r a tegic developmen t ofunderutilized crops for sustainable food and nutritionsecurity and poverty alleviation By corroborating theethnobotanical data the ways to combat food security canbe unlocked UUCrsquos are indispensable for food and nutritionsecurity and will have a greater potential for incomegeneration and environmental services As underutilizedcrops have a great potential to alleviate hunger directlythrough increasing food production in the challengingenvironments where major food crops are severely limitedday by day This paper finally concludes that with therealization of importance and uses of the underutilized cropsin India the potential for agricultural - rural developmentand food and nutrition security can be unlocked

LITERATURE CITEDAnonymous (2003) Annual Report for Central Institute of Arid

Horticulture Bikaner (RAJASTHAN) INDIA

Arora RK and Pandey A (1996) Wild edible plants of IndiaDiversity conservation and use National Bureau of PlantGenetic Resources NEW DELHI INDIA

Arora RK and Nayar ER (1984) Wild relatives of crop plantsin India NBPGR Science Monograph No 7 NEW DELHI(INDIA)

Berry SK and Kalra CL (1987) Cultivation and processingof jackfruit Indian Ed Pack 42 (5) 62-67

Bhag Mal and Joshi V (1991) Plant genetic resources ndashConservation and management RS Paroda and RK Arora(eds) Malhotra Publishing House NEW DELHI (INDIA)

Bhag Mal (1988) Underutilized plant programme in India ndash conceptand future perspective In Life support species diversity andconservation RS Paroda Promila Kapoor RK Arora andBhag Mal (eds) Proc CCSICAR International Workshop inmaintenance and evaluation of Life Support Service in Asiaand Pacific Region April 4-7 NBPGR NEW DELHI (INDIA)

Bhatnagar N Bhandari NC Dwivedi NK and Rana RS(1991) Performance and potential of Jojoba in Indian aridregions Indian J Pl Genet Resour 4 (2) 57-66

Underutilized crops

processed products

Squashes Syrups

Sauces

RTS fruit drink

Juices

murabba

concentrates

pickles

Candies

Wine

Jelly

Jam

Canning Dehydrated products

Fig 1 Various processed food products from underutilized fruits

UNDERUTILIZED FOOD CROPS

174-183

Hind Instidute of Science and Technology181Food Sci Res J 5(2) | Oct 2014 |

Chadha KL and Pareek OP (1988) Genetic resources of fruitscrops achievements and gaps Indian J Pl Genet Resour 143-48

Chandra D (2001) Analgesic activity of aqueous and alcoholicextract of Madhuca longifolia Indian J Pharmacol 33 108-111

Chandra DS and Prakash J (2009) Minor fruits a livelihoodopportunity for the tribal peoples of Tripura IInd InternationalSymposium on pomegranate and minor includingMediterranean fruits ISPMMF 2009

Devmurari V Shivanand P Goyani MB Vaghani S andJivani NP (2009) A review Carissa congestaPhytochemical constituents traditional use andpharmacological properties Pharmacogonosy Re 3 (6) 375-377

Doughari JH (2006) Antimicrobial activity of Tamarindusindica Linn Tropical J Pharmaceutical Res 5 (2) 597-603

Duda Online (2009) Fried banana flowers Retrieved on 20th March2013

Frison EA and Sharrock SL (1999) Introduction Theeconomic social and nutritional importance of banana in theworldrdquo In Bananas and food security edited by C Picq EFoureacute and EA Frison International Symposium DoualaCameroon 10ndash14 November (1998) Montpellier FranceINIBAP pp 21ndash35

Gaikwad RD Ahmed LM Khalid MS and Swamy P(2009) Anti-inflammatory activity of Madhuca longifolia seedsaponin mixture Pharmaceutical Biol 47 592-597

Ganjare AB Nirmal SA and Patilm AN (2011) Use ofapigenin from Cordia dichotoma in the treatment ofcolitis Fitoterapia 82 1052ndash1056

Hammer K Heller J and Engels J (2001) Monographs onunderutilized and neglected crops Genetic Resources amp CropEvolution 48(1)3ndash5 doi101023A1011253924058Accessed on 15th November 2013

Hegde K Thakker SP Joshi AB Shastry CS andChandrashekhar KS (2009) Anticonvulsant activityof Carissa carandas Linn Root extract in experimentalmice Tropical J Pharmaceutical Res 8 (2) 117-125

Hegde NG (2002) Promotion of underutilised fruit crops InFruits for the future in Asia Haq N and Hughes A (eds)Proceedings of the Regional Consultation Meeting BangkokThailand International Centre for Underutilised CropsUniversity of Southampton Southampton UK pp 45-53

ICUC (2006) Annual Report 2005-2006 (PDF online reproduction)Colombo Sri Lanka International Centre for UnderutilisedCrops ISBN 955-1560-03-5 ISSN 1800-2315

Idowu OO (2009) Contribution of neglected and underutilizedcrops to household food secuirity and health among ruraldwellers in Oyo state Nigeria Acta Hort (ISHS) 806 49-56

Jamkhande PG Barde SR Patwekar SL and Tidke PS(2013) Plant profile phytochemistry and pharmacologyof Cordia dichotoma (Indian cherry) A review Asian Pacific JTropical Medicine 3 (12) 1009ndash1012

Jawanda JS and Bal JS (1978) The ber highly paying andrich in value Indian Hort 23 19-21

Jigna P Rathish N and Sumitra C (2005) Preliminaryscreening of some folklore medicinal plants from western Indiafor potential antimicrobial activity Indian J Pharmacol 37(6) 408-409

Joshi V Gautam PL Mal Bhag Sharma GD and KocharS (2002) Conservation and use of underutilized crops AnIndian prespective In Managing plant genetic diversity JJMEngels V Ramanatha Rao AHD Brown and MT Jakson(Ed) CABI Publishing USA 359-370 pp

Joshi V (2005) Some promising under utilized industrial crops forcultivation on wastelands of India Green page Article NaturProd Radiance 4 (5) 396-403

Kapoor LD (1990) CRC handbook of Ayurvedic medicinal plantsBoca Raton Fla CRC Press 58 pp ISBN 0-8493-0559-4

Khurdiya DS and Roy SK (1958) Processing of jamun(Syzygium cumini Linn) fruits into ready-to-serve beverage JFood Sci Technol 22 27ndash30

Khurdiya DS (1980) A new beverage from dried ber (Zizyphusmauritiana Lam) J Food Sci Technol 17 158-159

Khurdiya DS (2001a) Post harvest management of underutilizedfor fresh marketing Winter school on exploitation ofunderutilized fruits pp 266ndash274

Khurdiya DS (2001b) Post harvest management of underutilizedfruits for processed products Winter school on exploitation ofunderutilized fruits pp 291ndash298

Koley TK Barman K Koley TD and Asrey R (2011)Nutraceutical properties of Jamun (Syzygium cumini L) andits processed products Indian Food Industry 30 (4) 34-37

Kumar PK Vidyasagar G Ramakrishna D ReddyMadhusudhana I Gupta VSSS Atyam and Raidu S(2011) Screening of Madhuca indica for antidiabetic activityin streptozotocin and streptozotocinndashNicotinamide induceddiabetic rats Internat J Pharm Tech Res 3 (2) 1073-1077

Kumari P Joshi GC and Tiwari LM (2011) Diversity andstatus of ethno-medicinal plants of Almora district inUttarakhand India Internat J Biodiversity amp Conservation3 (7) 298-326

Kunkel G (1984) Plants for human consumption Koeltz ScientificBooks Koenigstein Germany

Kuppast IJ and Nayak PV (2006) Wound healing activityof Cordia dichotoma Forst fruits Indian J Natur Prodamp Resour 5 (2) 99ndash102

Lakhanpal TN and Rana M (2005) Medicinal and nutraceuticalgenetic resources of mushrooms In Plant genetic resourcesCharacterization and utilization pp 288-303

MONIKA THAKUR

174-183

Hind Instidute of Science and Technology182Food Sci Res J 5(2) | Oct 2014 |

Luximon-Ramma A Bahoru T and Crozier A (2003)Antioxidant actions and phenolic and vitamin C contents ofcommon Mauritian exotic fruits J Sci Food amp Agric 83(5) 496ndash502

Maisale AB Attimarad SL Haradigatti DS and KarigarA (2010) Antihelmintic activity of fruit pulp of Cordiaddichotoma Internat J Res Ayurveda amp Pharm 1 (2) 597ndash600

Maiti R Jana D Das UK and Gosh H (2004) Antidiabeticeffect of aqueous extract of seed of Tamarindus indica instreptozotocin-induced diabetic rats J Ethnopharmacol 92(1) 85ndash91

Manikandan K (2011) Nutritional and medicinal values ofmushrooms In M Singh B Vijay S Kamal and GCWakchaure (Eds) Mushroom cultivation marketing andconsumption (pp 11-14) Directorate of Mushroom ResearchSolan (HP) INDIA

Mayes S Massawe PG Alderson JA Roberts SN Azam-Ali and Hermann M (2011) The potential for underutilizedcrops to improve security of food production J Exp Bot1-5

Mazumdar BC (2004) Minor fruit crops of Indiandashtropical andsub-tropical Daya Publishing House NEW DELHI INDIA

Nariya PB Bhalodia NR Shukla VJ and Acharya RN(2011) Antimicrobial and antifungal activities of Cordiadichotoma (Forester F) bark extracts Ayurveda 32585ndash589

Okhuoya JA Khuoya JA Akapaja EO Osemwegie OOGhenekaro AO and Ihayere CA (2010) Nigerianmushrooms Underutilized non-wood forest resources J ApplSci Environ Mgmt 14 (1) 43ndash54

Padulosi S Hodgkin T Williams JT and Haq N (2002)Underutilized crops Trends challenges and opportunities inthe 21st Century In Managing plant genetic diversity (edsEngels JMM Rao Ramanatha V Brown AHD JacksonMT) Rome Italy 30 323-338

Pareek OP (2001) Ber International Centre for CropsSouthampton (UK)

Parekh J and Chanda S (2007) In vitro screening of antibacterialactivity of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of various Indianplant species against selected pathogens fromEnterobacteriaceae African J Microbiol Res 1(6) 92ndash99

Paroda RS (1979) Plant resources of Indian arid zone in industrialuses In Arid land plant resources (JR Goodin and DavidK Northinghton (eds) Texas Technical University Texas 729pp

Paroda RS and Mal Bhag (1989) New plant resources for foodand industry in India In New crops for food and industry GEWickens N Haq and P Day (eds) Chapman and Hall Londonpp 135-149

Paroda RS and Mal Bhag (1992) Developing nationalprogramme for research on underutilized crops in IndiaProceedings of International Crop Science Congress AmesIowa (USA) 14-22 July

Patil DN Kulkarni AR Shahapurkar AA and Patil BS(2010) Release of drug neomycin fromCordia dichotoma transdermal film Internat J Pharma amp Bio Sci 2 1ndash5

Pattnaik S Subramanyam VR and Kole C (1996)Antibacterial and antifungal activity of ten essential oils invitro Microbios 86 (349) 237ndash246

Popescu R and Kopp B (2013) The genus Rhododendron anethnopharmacological and toxicological review JEthnopharmacol 147 (1) 42-62

Ravi BS (2004) Neglected millets that save the poor fromstarvation LEISA India (1) 34-36

Ravi SB Hrideek TK Kumar ATK Prabhakaran TRMal B and Padulosi S (2010) Mobilizing neglected andunderutilized crops to strengthen food security and alleviatepoverty in India Indian J Pl Genet Resour 1 (23) 110-116

Roy SP Shirode D Patel T Prabhu K Shetty SR andRajendra SV (2008) Antiulcer activity of 70 per centethanolic extract of bark of Madhuca longifolia Indian JNatur Prod amp Resour 24 8

Sampath KP Bhowmik D Duraivel S and Umadevi M(2012) Traditional and medicinal uses of banana JPharmacognosy amp Phytochemistry 1 (3) 51ndash63

Sandip P Patel S and Patel V (2011) Investigation into themechanism of action of Madhuca longifolia for its anti-epileptic activity Pharmacognosy Commu 1 18-22

Shahapurkar AA (2011) Drug neomycin release from Cordiadichotoma transdermal film and anti-inflammatoryactivity Internat Res J Pharm 2 (9) 107ndash109

Sharker S Md Khadiza P and Shahid IZ (2009) Analgesicantibacterial and cytotoxic activity of Cordia dichotomaPharmacologyonline 2 195ndash202

Singh D Wangshu L and Prahalad VC (2008) Processingand marketing feasibility of underutilized fruit species ofRajasthan IAMO Forum pp 1-12

Singh SJ Batra VK Singh SK and Singh TJ (2012)Diversity of underutilized vegetable crops species in North-East India with special reference to Manipur A review NeBIO3 (2) 87-95

Tambekar DH and Khante BS (2010) Antibacterial propertiesof traditionally used medicinal plants for enteric infections byadivasirsquos (bhumka) in melghat forest (Amravati district)Internat J Pharmaceutical Sci Rev amp Res 1 120-128

Tibuhwa DD (2013) Wild mushroom-an underutilized healthyfood resource and income generator experience from Tanzaniarural areas J Ethnobiology amp Ethnomedicine 9 49

Ved P (1991) Indian medicinal plant Current status in Himalayanmedicinal plants Potential and prospects (Edited by SamantSS Dhar U Palni LMS) Gramodaya Prakashan Nainitalpp 45-63

UNDERUTILIZED FOOD CROPS

174-183

Hind Instidute of Science and Technology183Food Sci Res J 5(2) | Oct 2014 |

Vohra MM and De N N (1963) Comparative cardiotonicactivity of Carissa carandas (L) and Carissa spinarum (A)Indian J Medical Res 51 (5) 937-940

Wasser SP and Weis AL (1999) Medicinal properties ofsubstances occurring in Higher Basidiomycetes mushroomscurrent perspectives Internat J Medicinal Mushrooms 31ndash62

Williams JT and Haq N (2002) Global research on underutilizedcrops - an assessment of current activities and proposals forenhanced cooperation Southampton UK International Centrefor Underutilized Crops ISBN 92-9043-545-3 Accessed on21st August 2013

WEBLIOGRAPHY

Ali R and Rab F (2000) Research needs and new productsdevelopment from underutilized tropical fruits Acta Hort(ISHS) 518241-248 Retrieved from httpwwwactahortorgbooks518518_33htm Accessed on 10th April 2014

Angolo A (2008) Banana plant with five hearts is instant hit inNegros Occ ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation Retrievedfrom httpwwwabs-cbnnewscomclassified-odd051308banana-plant-five-hearts-instant-hit-negros-occ Accessed on11th March 2014

Bael Fruit (2011) Bael fruit - Medicinal properties and healthbenefits Retrieved from blogonlineherbscombael-fruit-medicinal-properties-an - United States Accessed on 11th

March 2014

Bal JS (2003) Genetic resources of under-utilized fruits in Punjabsubtropics httpwwwactahortorgbooks623623_37htmActa Hort (ISHS) 623 325-331

Crops for the Future (2009-13) Crops for the future strategic plan2009-2013 Retrieved from httpwww crops forthefuture orgwp-contentuploads200903strategic-plan-2009-2013pdfAccessed on 10th March 2014

FACT (1998) Ziziphus mauritiana - a valuable tree for arid andsemi-arid lands Retrieved from httpwwwwinrockorgfnrmfactnetfactpubFACTSHziziphushtm Accessed on 29th June

2012

Gruegravere G Giuliani A and Smale M (2006) Marketing ofunderutilized plant species for the benefit of the poor AConceptual framework Environemnt and ProductionTechnology Division Retrieved from International Food PolicyResearch Institute wwwifpriorg pp 1-54

Gruere GP Nagarajan L King EDI and Oliver (2007)Collective action and marketing of underutilized plant speciesInternational Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) SeriesNo 69 Retrieved from httpwwwifpriorgpublicationcollective-action-and-marketing-underutilized-plant-speciesAccessed on 11th April 2014

Joshi S and Joshi S (2008) Simarouba glauca DC (Paradisetree) (brochure) - Ideas Retrieved from ideasrepecorgpagsuasbcp43624html Accessed on 11th May 2014

Parimala (2007) Medicinal uses of jack fruit Retrieved fromwwwjaspariinfo200703medicinal-uses-of-jackfruithtmlAccessed on 26th July 2013

Patti AK (2010) Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus or Artocarpusheterophylla) by Abhay Kumar Pati Odisha India retrievedfrom httpprlogorg10748390

Roy SK (2000) Promotion of underutilized tropical fruit processingand its impact on world trade Retrieved from httpwwwactahortorgbooks518518_31htm Acta Hort (ISHS)518 233-236

Scott S (2012) Benefits of Rhododenderon herb Retrievd fromwwwlivestrongcomarticle120355-benefits-rhododendron-herb

Solomon C (1998) Encyclopedia of Asian Food (Periplus ed)Australia New Holland Publishers Retrieved fromISBN 0855616881 httpwwwasiafoodorgglossary_1cfmalpha=Bampwordid=3219ampstartno=1ampendno=25 Accessed on20th April 2014

Upadhyaya HD (2009) Sustainable conservation and utilizationof genetic resources of two underutilized crops ndash finger milletand foxtail millet ndash to enhance productivity nutrition andincome in Africa and Asia Monograph Retrieved from httpoaricrisatorgideprint5199 Accessed on 12th May 2014

Received 29052014 Accepted 26092014

MONIKA THAKUR

174-183

Hind Instidute of Science and Technology180Food Sci Res J 5(2) | Oct 2014 |

jackfruit bulbs in syrup squash raw jack pickle roasted jackseeds jack seed flour and candied jackfruit have beenprepared from Jack fruit (Berry and Kalra 1998 Chadha andPareek 1988 Chandra and Prakash 2009) Various processedproducts such as nectar squash slab toffee powder etc canbe made with Bael pulp Ber can be processed to preparedmurrabba candy dehydrated ber pulp jam and ready-to-serve beverage (Khurdiya 1980 Pareek 2001) Jamun fruitscan be processed into excellent quality fermented and non-fermented beverages Besides that good quality jelly jamleather can be prepared A good quality jelly can also beprepared from its fruits The seeds can be processed intopowder which is very useful to cure diabetes (Khurdiya 2001a and b) The main processed product made from Karonda ispickle Ripe ber fruit is consumed as popular dessert andprocessed for various value added products such as murabbacandy sharbat squash and powdered fruits after drying arealso consumed

Banana hearts are used as a vegetable (Solomaon 1998)either raw or steamed with dips or cooked in soups curriesand fried foods (Duda Online 2009)

Conclusion Many underutilized crops were once more widely grown

but are today falling into disuse for a variety of agronomicgenetic economic and cultural factors Farmers and consumersare using these crops less because they are in some way notcompetitive with other crop species in the same agriculturalenvironment The general decline of these crops may erodethe genetic base and prevent the use of distinctive useful traitsin crop adaptation and improvement Production post harvesthandling and processing of underutilized fruits practiced todayperpetuate heavy loses inadequate infrastructure facilitiescripple marketing prospects low production of under utilized

fruits results in lesser yield of processed products there byincreasing the production cost during processing To overcomethese problems the development of technologies is requiredurgently to minimize the losses during post harvest handlingand also technologies suitable for specific processing purposesproducts development and storage of fresh and processedproducts

Whatever research and field projects have been carriedout these are mostly fragmented and information on them isdifficult to compile However this paper will attempt toprovide the background current research constraints forsustainable production approaches to research andpotential strategies and action plans which we hope wouldbe helpful to lead the st r a tegic developmen t ofunderutilized crops for sustainable food and nutritionsecurity and poverty alleviation By corroborating theethnobotanical data the ways to combat food security canbe unlocked UUCrsquos are indispensable for food and nutritionsecurity and will have a greater potential for incomegeneration and environmental services As underutilizedcrops have a great potential to alleviate hunger directlythrough increasing food production in the challengingenvironments where major food crops are severely limitedday by day This paper finally concludes that with therealization of importance and uses of the underutilized cropsin India the potential for agricultural - rural developmentand food and nutrition security can be unlocked

LITERATURE CITEDAnonymous (2003) Annual Report for Central Institute of Arid

Horticulture Bikaner (RAJASTHAN) INDIA

Arora RK and Pandey A (1996) Wild edible plants of IndiaDiversity conservation and use National Bureau of PlantGenetic Resources NEW DELHI INDIA

Arora RK and Nayar ER (1984) Wild relatives of crop plantsin India NBPGR Science Monograph No 7 NEW DELHI(INDIA)

Berry SK and Kalra CL (1987) Cultivation and processingof jackfruit Indian Ed Pack 42 (5) 62-67

Bhag Mal and Joshi V (1991) Plant genetic resources ndashConservation and management RS Paroda and RK Arora(eds) Malhotra Publishing House NEW DELHI (INDIA)

Bhag Mal (1988) Underutilized plant programme in India ndash conceptand future perspective In Life support species diversity andconservation RS Paroda Promila Kapoor RK Arora andBhag Mal (eds) Proc CCSICAR International Workshop inmaintenance and evaluation of Life Support Service in Asiaand Pacific Region April 4-7 NBPGR NEW DELHI (INDIA)

Bhatnagar N Bhandari NC Dwivedi NK and Rana RS(1991) Performance and potential of Jojoba in Indian aridregions Indian J Pl Genet Resour 4 (2) 57-66

Underutilized crops

processed products

Squashes Syrups

Sauces

RTS fruit drink

Juices

murabba

concentrates

pickles

Candies

Wine

Jelly

Jam

Canning Dehydrated products

Fig 1 Various processed food products from underutilized fruits

UNDERUTILIZED FOOD CROPS

174-183

Hind Instidute of Science and Technology181Food Sci Res J 5(2) | Oct 2014 |

Chadha KL and Pareek OP (1988) Genetic resources of fruitscrops achievements and gaps Indian J Pl Genet Resour 143-48

Chandra D (2001) Analgesic activity of aqueous and alcoholicextract of Madhuca longifolia Indian J Pharmacol 33 108-111

Chandra DS and Prakash J (2009) Minor fruits a livelihoodopportunity for the tribal peoples of Tripura IInd InternationalSymposium on pomegranate and minor includingMediterranean fruits ISPMMF 2009

Devmurari V Shivanand P Goyani MB Vaghani S andJivani NP (2009) A review Carissa congestaPhytochemical constituents traditional use andpharmacological properties Pharmacogonosy Re 3 (6) 375-377

Doughari JH (2006) Antimicrobial activity of Tamarindusindica Linn Tropical J Pharmaceutical Res 5 (2) 597-603

Duda Online (2009) Fried banana flowers Retrieved on 20th March2013

Frison EA and Sharrock SL (1999) Introduction Theeconomic social and nutritional importance of banana in theworldrdquo In Bananas and food security edited by C Picq EFoureacute and EA Frison International Symposium DoualaCameroon 10ndash14 November (1998) Montpellier FranceINIBAP pp 21ndash35

Gaikwad RD Ahmed LM Khalid MS and Swamy P(2009) Anti-inflammatory activity of Madhuca longifolia seedsaponin mixture Pharmaceutical Biol 47 592-597

Ganjare AB Nirmal SA and Patilm AN (2011) Use ofapigenin from Cordia dichotoma in the treatment ofcolitis Fitoterapia 82 1052ndash1056

Hammer K Heller J and Engels J (2001) Monographs onunderutilized and neglected crops Genetic Resources amp CropEvolution 48(1)3ndash5 doi101023A1011253924058Accessed on 15th November 2013

Hegde K Thakker SP Joshi AB Shastry CS andChandrashekhar KS (2009) Anticonvulsant activityof Carissa carandas Linn Root extract in experimentalmice Tropical J Pharmaceutical Res 8 (2) 117-125

Hegde NG (2002) Promotion of underutilised fruit crops InFruits for the future in Asia Haq N and Hughes A (eds)Proceedings of the Regional Consultation Meeting BangkokThailand International Centre for Underutilised CropsUniversity of Southampton Southampton UK pp 45-53

ICUC (2006) Annual Report 2005-2006 (PDF online reproduction)Colombo Sri Lanka International Centre for UnderutilisedCrops ISBN 955-1560-03-5 ISSN 1800-2315

Idowu OO (2009) Contribution of neglected and underutilizedcrops to household food secuirity and health among ruraldwellers in Oyo state Nigeria Acta Hort (ISHS) 806 49-56

Jamkhande PG Barde SR Patwekar SL and Tidke PS(2013) Plant profile phytochemistry and pharmacologyof Cordia dichotoma (Indian cherry) A review Asian Pacific JTropical Medicine 3 (12) 1009ndash1012

Jawanda JS and Bal JS (1978) The ber highly paying andrich in value Indian Hort 23 19-21

Jigna P Rathish N and Sumitra C (2005) Preliminaryscreening of some folklore medicinal plants from western Indiafor potential antimicrobial activity Indian J Pharmacol 37(6) 408-409

Joshi V Gautam PL Mal Bhag Sharma GD and KocharS (2002) Conservation and use of underutilized crops AnIndian prespective In Managing plant genetic diversity JJMEngels V Ramanatha Rao AHD Brown and MT Jakson(Ed) CABI Publishing USA 359-370 pp

Joshi V (2005) Some promising under utilized industrial crops forcultivation on wastelands of India Green page Article NaturProd Radiance 4 (5) 396-403

Kapoor LD (1990) CRC handbook of Ayurvedic medicinal plantsBoca Raton Fla CRC Press 58 pp ISBN 0-8493-0559-4

Khurdiya DS and Roy SK (1958) Processing of jamun(Syzygium cumini Linn) fruits into ready-to-serve beverage JFood Sci Technol 22 27ndash30

Khurdiya DS (1980) A new beverage from dried ber (Zizyphusmauritiana Lam) J Food Sci Technol 17 158-159

Khurdiya DS (2001a) Post harvest management of underutilizedfor fresh marketing Winter school on exploitation ofunderutilized fruits pp 266ndash274

Khurdiya DS (2001b) Post harvest management of underutilizedfruits for processed products Winter school on exploitation ofunderutilized fruits pp 291ndash298

Koley TK Barman K Koley TD and Asrey R (2011)Nutraceutical properties of Jamun (Syzygium cumini L) andits processed products Indian Food Industry 30 (4) 34-37

Kumar PK Vidyasagar G Ramakrishna D ReddyMadhusudhana I Gupta VSSS Atyam and Raidu S(2011) Screening of Madhuca indica for antidiabetic activityin streptozotocin and streptozotocinndashNicotinamide induceddiabetic rats Internat J Pharm Tech Res 3 (2) 1073-1077

Kumari P Joshi GC and Tiwari LM (2011) Diversity andstatus of ethno-medicinal plants of Almora district inUttarakhand India Internat J Biodiversity amp Conservation3 (7) 298-326

Kunkel G (1984) Plants for human consumption Koeltz ScientificBooks Koenigstein Germany

Kuppast IJ and Nayak PV (2006) Wound healing activityof Cordia dichotoma Forst fruits Indian J Natur Prodamp Resour 5 (2) 99ndash102

Lakhanpal TN and Rana M (2005) Medicinal and nutraceuticalgenetic resources of mushrooms In Plant genetic resourcesCharacterization and utilization pp 288-303

MONIKA THAKUR

174-183

Hind Instidute of Science and Technology182Food Sci Res J 5(2) | Oct 2014 |

Luximon-Ramma A Bahoru T and Crozier A (2003)Antioxidant actions and phenolic and vitamin C contents ofcommon Mauritian exotic fruits J Sci Food amp Agric 83(5) 496ndash502

Maisale AB Attimarad SL Haradigatti DS and KarigarA (2010) Antihelmintic activity of fruit pulp of Cordiaddichotoma Internat J Res Ayurveda amp Pharm 1 (2) 597ndash600

Maiti R Jana D Das UK and Gosh H (2004) Antidiabeticeffect of aqueous extract of seed of Tamarindus indica instreptozotocin-induced diabetic rats J Ethnopharmacol 92(1) 85ndash91

Manikandan K (2011) Nutritional and medicinal values ofmushrooms In M Singh B Vijay S Kamal and GCWakchaure (Eds) Mushroom cultivation marketing andconsumption (pp 11-14) Directorate of Mushroom ResearchSolan (HP) INDIA

Mayes S Massawe PG Alderson JA Roberts SN Azam-Ali and Hermann M (2011) The potential for underutilizedcrops to improve security of food production J Exp Bot1-5

Mazumdar BC (2004) Minor fruit crops of Indiandashtropical andsub-tropical Daya Publishing House NEW DELHI INDIA

Nariya PB Bhalodia NR Shukla VJ and Acharya RN(2011) Antimicrobial and antifungal activities of Cordiadichotoma (Forester F) bark extracts Ayurveda 32585ndash589

Okhuoya JA Khuoya JA Akapaja EO Osemwegie OOGhenekaro AO and Ihayere CA (2010) Nigerianmushrooms Underutilized non-wood forest resources J ApplSci Environ Mgmt 14 (1) 43ndash54

Padulosi S Hodgkin T Williams JT and Haq N (2002)Underutilized crops Trends challenges and opportunities inthe 21st Century In Managing plant genetic diversity (edsEngels JMM Rao Ramanatha V Brown AHD JacksonMT) Rome Italy 30 323-338

Pareek OP (2001) Ber International Centre for CropsSouthampton (UK)

Parekh J and Chanda S (2007) In vitro screening of antibacterialactivity of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of various Indianplant species against selected pathogens fromEnterobacteriaceae African J Microbiol Res 1(6) 92ndash99

Paroda RS (1979) Plant resources of Indian arid zone in industrialuses In Arid land plant resources (JR Goodin and DavidK Northinghton (eds) Texas Technical University Texas 729pp

Paroda RS and Mal Bhag (1989) New plant resources for foodand industry in India In New crops for food and industry GEWickens N Haq and P Day (eds) Chapman and Hall Londonpp 135-149

Paroda RS and Mal Bhag (1992) Developing nationalprogramme for research on underutilized crops in IndiaProceedings of International Crop Science Congress AmesIowa (USA) 14-22 July

Patil DN Kulkarni AR Shahapurkar AA and Patil BS(2010) Release of drug neomycin fromCordia dichotoma transdermal film Internat J Pharma amp Bio Sci 2 1ndash5

Pattnaik S Subramanyam VR and Kole C (1996)Antibacterial and antifungal activity of ten essential oils invitro Microbios 86 (349) 237ndash246

Popescu R and Kopp B (2013) The genus Rhododendron anethnopharmacological and toxicological review JEthnopharmacol 147 (1) 42-62

Ravi BS (2004) Neglected millets that save the poor fromstarvation LEISA India (1) 34-36

Ravi SB Hrideek TK Kumar ATK Prabhakaran TRMal B and Padulosi S (2010) Mobilizing neglected andunderutilized crops to strengthen food security and alleviatepoverty in India Indian J Pl Genet Resour 1 (23) 110-116

Roy SP Shirode D Patel T Prabhu K Shetty SR andRajendra SV (2008) Antiulcer activity of 70 per centethanolic extract of bark of Madhuca longifolia Indian JNatur Prod amp Resour 24 8

Sampath KP Bhowmik D Duraivel S and Umadevi M(2012) Traditional and medicinal uses of banana JPharmacognosy amp Phytochemistry 1 (3) 51ndash63

Sandip P Patel S and Patel V (2011) Investigation into themechanism of action of Madhuca longifolia for its anti-epileptic activity Pharmacognosy Commu 1 18-22

Shahapurkar AA (2011) Drug neomycin release from Cordiadichotoma transdermal film and anti-inflammatoryactivity Internat Res J Pharm 2 (9) 107ndash109

Sharker S Md Khadiza P and Shahid IZ (2009) Analgesicantibacterial and cytotoxic activity of Cordia dichotomaPharmacologyonline 2 195ndash202

Singh D Wangshu L and Prahalad VC (2008) Processingand marketing feasibility of underutilized fruit species ofRajasthan IAMO Forum pp 1-12

Singh SJ Batra VK Singh SK and Singh TJ (2012)Diversity of underutilized vegetable crops species in North-East India with special reference to Manipur A review NeBIO3 (2) 87-95

Tambekar DH and Khante BS (2010) Antibacterial propertiesof traditionally used medicinal plants for enteric infections byadivasirsquos (bhumka) in melghat forest (Amravati district)Internat J Pharmaceutical Sci Rev amp Res 1 120-128

Tibuhwa DD (2013) Wild mushroom-an underutilized healthyfood resource and income generator experience from Tanzaniarural areas J Ethnobiology amp Ethnomedicine 9 49

Ved P (1991) Indian medicinal plant Current status in Himalayanmedicinal plants Potential and prospects (Edited by SamantSS Dhar U Palni LMS) Gramodaya Prakashan Nainitalpp 45-63

UNDERUTILIZED FOOD CROPS

174-183

Hind Instidute of Science and Technology183Food Sci Res J 5(2) | Oct 2014 |

Vohra MM and De N N (1963) Comparative cardiotonicactivity of Carissa carandas (L) and Carissa spinarum (A)Indian J Medical Res 51 (5) 937-940

Wasser SP and Weis AL (1999) Medicinal properties ofsubstances occurring in Higher Basidiomycetes mushroomscurrent perspectives Internat J Medicinal Mushrooms 31ndash62

Williams JT and Haq N (2002) Global research on underutilizedcrops - an assessment of current activities and proposals forenhanced cooperation Southampton UK International Centrefor Underutilized Crops ISBN 92-9043-545-3 Accessed on21st August 2013

WEBLIOGRAPHY

Ali R and Rab F (2000) Research needs and new productsdevelopment from underutilized tropical fruits Acta Hort(ISHS) 518241-248 Retrieved from httpwwwactahortorgbooks518518_33htm Accessed on 10th April 2014

Angolo A (2008) Banana plant with five hearts is instant hit inNegros Occ ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation Retrievedfrom httpwwwabs-cbnnewscomclassified-odd051308banana-plant-five-hearts-instant-hit-negros-occ Accessed on11th March 2014

Bael Fruit (2011) Bael fruit - Medicinal properties and healthbenefits Retrieved from blogonlineherbscombael-fruit-medicinal-properties-an - United States Accessed on 11th

March 2014

Bal JS (2003) Genetic resources of under-utilized fruits in Punjabsubtropics httpwwwactahortorgbooks623623_37htmActa Hort (ISHS) 623 325-331

Crops for the Future (2009-13) Crops for the future strategic plan2009-2013 Retrieved from httpwww crops forthefuture orgwp-contentuploads200903strategic-plan-2009-2013pdfAccessed on 10th March 2014

FACT (1998) Ziziphus mauritiana - a valuable tree for arid andsemi-arid lands Retrieved from httpwwwwinrockorgfnrmfactnetfactpubFACTSHziziphushtm Accessed on 29th June

2012

Gruegravere G Giuliani A and Smale M (2006) Marketing ofunderutilized plant species for the benefit of the poor AConceptual framework Environemnt and ProductionTechnology Division Retrieved from International Food PolicyResearch Institute wwwifpriorg pp 1-54

Gruere GP Nagarajan L King EDI and Oliver (2007)Collective action and marketing of underutilized plant speciesInternational Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) SeriesNo 69 Retrieved from httpwwwifpriorgpublicationcollective-action-and-marketing-underutilized-plant-speciesAccessed on 11th April 2014

Joshi S and Joshi S (2008) Simarouba glauca DC (Paradisetree) (brochure) - Ideas Retrieved from ideasrepecorgpagsuasbcp43624html Accessed on 11th May 2014

Parimala (2007) Medicinal uses of jack fruit Retrieved fromwwwjaspariinfo200703medicinal-uses-of-jackfruithtmlAccessed on 26th July 2013

Patti AK (2010) Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus or Artocarpusheterophylla) by Abhay Kumar Pati Odisha India retrievedfrom httpprlogorg10748390

Roy SK (2000) Promotion of underutilized tropical fruit processingand its impact on world trade Retrieved from httpwwwactahortorgbooks518518_31htm Acta Hort (ISHS)518 233-236

Scott S (2012) Benefits of Rhododenderon herb Retrievd fromwwwlivestrongcomarticle120355-benefits-rhododendron-herb

Solomon C (1998) Encyclopedia of Asian Food (Periplus ed)Australia New Holland Publishers Retrieved fromISBN 0855616881 httpwwwasiafoodorgglossary_1cfmalpha=Bampwordid=3219ampstartno=1ampendno=25 Accessed on20th April 2014

Upadhyaya HD (2009) Sustainable conservation and utilizationof genetic resources of two underutilized crops ndash finger milletand foxtail millet ndash to enhance productivity nutrition andincome in Africa and Asia Monograph Retrieved from httpoaricrisatorgideprint5199 Accessed on 12th May 2014

Received 29052014 Accepted 26092014

MONIKA THAKUR

174-183

Hind Instidute of Science and Technology181Food Sci Res J 5(2) | Oct 2014 |

Chadha KL and Pareek OP (1988) Genetic resources of fruitscrops achievements and gaps Indian J Pl Genet Resour 143-48

Chandra D (2001) Analgesic activity of aqueous and alcoholicextract of Madhuca longifolia Indian J Pharmacol 33 108-111

Chandra DS and Prakash J (2009) Minor fruits a livelihoodopportunity for the tribal peoples of Tripura IInd InternationalSymposium on pomegranate and minor includingMediterranean fruits ISPMMF 2009

Devmurari V Shivanand P Goyani MB Vaghani S andJivani NP (2009) A review Carissa congestaPhytochemical constituents traditional use andpharmacological properties Pharmacogonosy Re 3 (6) 375-377

Doughari JH (2006) Antimicrobial activity of Tamarindusindica Linn Tropical J Pharmaceutical Res 5 (2) 597-603

Duda Online (2009) Fried banana flowers Retrieved on 20th March2013

Frison EA and Sharrock SL (1999) Introduction Theeconomic social and nutritional importance of banana in theworldrdquo In Bananas and food security edited by C Picq EFoureacute and EA Frison International Symposium DoualaCameroon 10ndash14 November (1998) Montpellier FranceINIBAP pp 21ndash35

Gaikwad RD Ahmed LM Khalid MS and Swamy P(2009) Anti-inflammatory activity of Madhuca longifolia seedsaponin mixture Pharmaceutical Biol 47 592-597

Ganjare AB Nirmal SA and Patilm AN (2011) Use ofapigenin from Cordia dichotoma in the treatment ofcolitis Fitoterapia 82 1052ndash1056

Hammer K Heller J and Engels J (2001) Monographs onunderutilized and neglected crops Genetic Resources amp CropEvolution 48(1)3ndash5 doi101023A1011253924058Accessed on 15th November 2013

Hegde K Thakker SP Joshi AB Shastry CS andChandrashekhar KS (2009) Anticonvulsant activityof Carissa carandas Linn Root extract in experimentalmice Tropical J Pharmaceutical Res 8 (2) 117-125

Hegde NG (2002) Promotion of underutilised fruit crops InFruits for the future in Asia Haq N and Hughes A (eds)Proceedings of the Regional Consultation Meeting BangkokThailand International Centre for Underutilised CropsUniversity of Southampton Southampton UK pp 45-53

ICUC (2006) Annual Report 2005-2006 (PDF online reproduction)Colombo Sri Lanka International Centre for UnderutilisedCrops ISBN 955-1560-03-5 ISSN 1800-2315

Idowu OO (2009) Contribution of neglected and underutilizedcrops to household food secuirity and health among ruraldwellers in Oyo state Nigeria Acta Hort (ISHS) 806 49-56

Jamkhande PG Barde SR Patwekar SL and Tidke PS(2013) Plant profile phytochemistry and pharmacologyof Cordia dichotoma (Indian cherry) A review Asian Pacific JTropical Medicine 3 (12) 1009ndash1012

Jawanda JS and Bal JS (1978) The ber highly paying andrich in value Indian Hort 23 19-21

Jigna P Rathish N and Sumitra C (2005) Preliminaryscreening of some folklore medicinal plants from western Indiafor potential antimicrobial activity Indian J Pharmacol 37(6) 408-409

Joshi V Gautam PL Mal Bhag Sharma GD and KocharS (2002) Conservation and use of underutilized crops AnIndian prespective In Managing plant genetic diversity JJMEngels V Ramanatha Rao AHD Brown and MT Jakson(Ed) CABI Publishing USA 359-370 pp

Joshi V (2005) Some promising under utilized industrial crops forcultivation on wastelands of India Green page Article NaturProd Radiance 4 (5) 396-403

Kapoor LD (1990) CRC handbook of Ayurvedic medicinal plantsBoca Raton Fla CRC Press 58 pp ISBN 0-8493-0559-4

Khurdiya DS and Roy SK (1958) Processing of jamun(Syzygium cumini Linn) fruits into ready-to-serve beverage JFood Sci Technol 22 27ndash30

Khurdiya DS (1980) A new beverage from dried ber (Zizyphusmauritiana Lam) J Food Sci Technol 17 158-159

Khurdiya DS (2001a) Post harvest management of underutilizedfor fresh marketing Winter school on exploitation ofunderutilized fruits pp 266ndash274

Khurdiya DS (2001b) Post harvest management of underutilizedfruits for processed products Winter school on exploitation ofunderutilized fruits pp 291ndash298

Koley TK Barman K Koley TD and Asrey R (2011)Nutraceutical properties of Jamun (Syzygium cumini L) andits processed products Indian Food Industry 30 (4) 34-37

Kumar PK Vidyasagar G Ramakrishna D ReddyMadhusudhana I Gupta VSSS Atyam and Raidu S(2011) Screening of Madhuca indica for antidiabetic activityin streptozotocin and streptozotocinndashNicotinamide induceddiabetic rats Internat J Pharm Tech Res 3 (2) 1073-1077

Kumari P Joshi GC and Tiwari LM (2011) Diversity andstatus of ethno-medicinal plants of Almora district inUttarakhand India Internat J Biodiversity amp Conservation3 (7) 298-326

Kunkel G (1984) Plants for human consumption Koeltz ScientificBooks Koenigstein Germany

Kuppast IJ and Nayak PV (2006) Wound healing activityof Cordia dichotoma Forst fruits Indian J Natur Prodamp Resour 5 (2) 99ndash102

Lakhanpal TN and Rana M (2005) Medicinal and nutraceuticalgenetic resources of mushrooms In Plant genetic resourcesCharacterization and utilization pp 288-303

MONIKA THAKUR

174-183

Hind Instidute of Science and Technology182Food Sci Res J 5(2) | Oct 2014 |

Luximon-Ramma A Bahoru T and Crozier A (2003)Antioxidant actions and phenolic and vitamin C contents ofcommon Mauritian exotic fruits J Sci Food amp Agric 83(5) 496ndash502

Maisale AB Attimarad SL Haradigatti DS and KarigarA (2010) Antihelmintic activity of fruit pulp of Cordiaddichotoma Internat J Res Ayurveda amp Pharm 1 (2) 597ndash600

Maiti R Jana D Das UK and Gosh H (2004) Antidiabeticeffect of aqueous extract of seed of Tamarindus indica instreptozotocin-induced diabetic rats J Ethnopharmacol 92(1) 85ndash91

Manikandan K (2011) Nutritional and medicinal values ofmushrooms In M Singh B Vijay S Kamal and GCWakchaure (Eds) Mushroom cultivation marketing andconsumption (pp 11-14) Directorate of Mushroom ResearchSolan (HP) INDIA

Mayes S Massawe PG Alderson JA Roberts SN Azam-Ali and Hermann M (2011) The potential for underutilizedcrops to improve security of food production J Exp Bot1-5

Mazumdar BC (2004) Minor fruit crops of Indiandashtropical andsub-tropical Daya Publishing House NEW DELHI INDIA

Nariya PB Bhalodia NR Shukla VJ and Acharya RN(2011) Antimicrobial and antifungal activities of Cordiadichotoma (Forester F) bark extracts Ayurveda 32585ndash589

Okhuoya JA Khuoya JA Akapaja EO Osemwegie OOGhenekaro AO and Ihayere CA (2010) Nigerianmushrooms Underutilized non-wood forest resources J ApplSci Environ Mgmt 14 (1) 43ndash54

Padulosi S Hodgkin T Williams JT and Haq N (2002)Underutilized crops Trends challenges and opportunities inthe 21st Century In Managing plant genetic diversity (edsEngels JMM Rao Ramanatha V Brown AHD JacksonMT) Rome Italy 30 323-338

Pareek OP (2001) Ber International Centre for CropsSouthampton (UK)

Parekh J and Chanda S (2007) In vitro screening of antibacterialactivity of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of various Indianplant species against selected pathogens fromEnterobacteriaceae African J Microbiol Res 1(6) 92ndash99

Paroda RS (1979) Plant resources of Indian arid zone in industrialuses In Arid land plant resources (JR Goodin and DavidK Northinghton (eds) Texas Technical University Texas 729pp

Paroda RS and Mal Bhag (1989) New plant resources for foodand industry in India In New crops for food and industry GEWickens N Haq and P Day (eds) Chapman and Hall Londonpp 135-149

Paroda RS and Mal Bhag (1992) Developing nationalprogramme for research on underutilized crops in IndiaProceedings of International Crop Science Congress AmesIowa (USA) 14-22 July

Patil DN Kulkarni AR Shahapurkar AA and Patil BS(2010) Release of drug neomycin fromCordia dichotoma transdermal film Internat J Pharma amp Bio Sci 2 1ndash5

Pattnaik S Subramanyam VR and Kole C (1996)Antibacterial and antifungal activity of ten essential oils invitro Microbios 86 (349) 237ndash246

Popescu R and Kopp B (2013) The genus Rhododendron anethnopharmacological and toxicological review JEthnopharmacol 147 (1) 42-62

Ravi BS (2004) Neglected millets that save the poor fromstarvation LEISA India (1) 34-36

Ravi SB Hrideek TK Kumar ATK Prabhakaran TRMal B and Padulosi S (2010) Mobilizing neglected andunderutilized crops to strengthen food security and alleviatepoverty in India Indian J Pl Genet Resour 1 (23) 110-116

Roy SP Shirode D Patel T Prabhu K Shetty SR andRajendra SV (2008) Antiulcer activity of 70 per centethanolic extract of bark of Madhuca longifolia Indian JNatur Prod amp Resour 24 8

Sampath KP Bhowmik D Duraivel S and Umadevi M(2012) Traditional and medicinal uses of banana JPharmacognosy amp Phytochemistry 1 (3) 51ndash63

Sandip P Patel S and Patel V (2011) Investigation into themechanism of action of Madhuca longifolia for its anti-epileptic activity Pharmacognosy Commu 1 18-22

Shahapurkar AA (2011) Drug neomycin release from Cordiadichotoma transdermal film and anti-inflammatoryactivity Internat Res J Pharm 2 (9) 107ndash109

Sharker S Md Khadiza P and Shahid IZ (2009) Analgesicantibacterial and cytotoxic activity of Cordia dichotomaPharmacologyonline 2 195ndash202

Singh D Wangshu L and Prahalad VC (2008) Processingand marketing feasibility of underutilized fruit species ofRajasthan IAMO Forum pp 1-12

Singh SJ Batra VK Singh SK and Singh TJ (2012)Diversity of underutilized vegetable crops species in North-East India with special reference to Manipur A review NeBIO3 (2) 87-95

Tambekar DH and Khante BS (2010) Antibacterial propertiesof traditionally used medicinal plants for enteric infections byadivasirsquos (bhumka) in melghat forest (Amravati district)Internat J Pharmaceutical Sci Rev amp Res 1 120-128

Tibuhwa DD (2013) Wild mushroom-an underutilized healthyfood resource and income generator experience from Tanzaniarural areas J Ethnobiology amp Ethnomedicine 9 49

Ved P (1991) Indian medicinal plant Current status in Himalayanmedicinal plants Potential and prospects (Edited by SamantSS Dhar U Palni LMS) Gramodaya Prakashan Nainitalpp 45-63

UNDERUTILIZED FOOD CROPS

174-183

Hind Instidute of Science and Technology183Food Sci Res J 5(2) | Oct 2014 |

Vohra MM and De N N (1963) Comparative cardiotonicactivity of Carissa carandas (L) and Carissa spinarum (A)Indian J Medical Res 51 (5) 937-940

Wasser SP and Weis AL (1999) Medicinal properties ofsubstances occurring in Higher Basidiomycetes mushroomscurrent perspectives Internat J Medicinal Mushrooms 31ndash62

Williams JT and Haq N (2002) Global research on underutilizedcrops - an assessment of current activities and proposals forenhanced cooperation Southampton UK International Centrefor Underutilized Crops ISBN 92-9043-545-3 Accessed on21st August 2013

WEBLIOGRAPHY

Ali R and Rab F (2000) Research needs and new productsdevelopment from underutilized tropical fruits Acta Hort(ISHS) 518241-248 Retrieved from httpwwwactahortorgbooks518518_33htm Accessed on 10th April 2014

Angolo A (2008) Banana plant with five hearts is instant hit inNegros Occ ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation Retrievedfrom httpwwwabs-cbnnewscomclassified-odd051308banana-plant-five-hearts-instant-hit-negros-occ Accessed on11th March 2014

Bael Fruit (2011) Bael fruit - Medicinal properties and healthbenefits Retrieved from blogonlineherbscombael-fruit-medicinal-properties-an - United States Accessed on 11th

March 2014

Bal JS (2003) Genetic resources of under-utilized fruits in Punjabsubtropics httpwwwactahortorgbooks623623_37htmActa Hort (ISHS) 623 325-331

Crops for the Future (2009-13) Crops for the future strategic plan2009-2013 Retrieved from httpwww crops forthefuture orgwp-contentuploads200903strategic-plan-2009-2013pdfAccessed on 10th March 2014

FACT (1998) Ziziphus mauritiana - a valuable tree for arid andsemi-arid lands Retrieved from httpwwwwinrockorgfnrmfactnetfactpubFACTSHziziphushtm Accessed on 29th June

2012

Gruegravere G Giuliani A and Smale M (2006) Marketing ofunderutilized plant species for the benefit of the poor AConceptual framework Environemnt and ProductionTechnology Division Retrieved from International Food PolicyResearch Institute wwwifpriorg pp 1-54

Gruere GP Nagarajan L King EDI and Oliver (2007)Collective action and marketing of underutilized plant speciesInternational Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) SeriesNo 69 Retrieved from httpwwwifpriorgpublicationcollective-action-and-marketing-underutilized-plant-speciesAccessed on 11th April 2014

Joshi S and Joshi S (2008) Simarouba glauca DC (Paradisetree) (brochure) - Ideas Retrieved from ideasrepecorgpagsuasbcp43624html Accessed on 11th May 2014

Parimala (2007) Medicinal uses of jack fruit Retrieved fromwwwjaspariinfo200703medicinal-uses-of-jackfruithtmlAccessed on 26th July 2013

Patti AK (2010) Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus or Artocarpusheterophylla) by Abhay Kumar Pati Odisha India retrievedfrom httpprlogorg10748390

Roy SK (2000) Promotion of underutilized tropical fruit processingand its impact on world trade Retrieved from httpwwwactahortorgbooks518518_31htm Acta Hort (ISHS)518 233-236

Scott S (2012) Benefits of Rhododenderon herb Retrievd fromwwwlivestrongcomarticle120355-benefits-rhododendron-herb

Solomon C (1998) Encyclopedia of Asian Food (Periplus ed)Australia New Holland Publishers Retrieved fromISBN 0855616881 httpwwwasiafoodorgglossary_1cfmalpha=Bampwordid=3219ampstartno=1ampendno=25 Accessed on20th April 2014

Upadhyaya HD (2009) Sustainable conservation and utilizationof genetic resources of two underutilized crops ndash finger milletand foxtail millet ndash to enhance productivity nutrition andincome in Africa and Asia Monograph Retrieved from httpoaricrisatorgideprint5199 Accessed on 12th May 2014

Received 29052014 Accepted 26092014

MONIKA THAKUR

174-183

Hind Instidute of Science and Technology182Food Sci Res J 5(2) | Oct 2014 |

Luximon-Ramma A Bahoru T and Crozier A (2003)Antioxidant actions and phenolic and vitamin C contents ofcommon Mauritian exotic fruits J Sci Food amp Agric 83(5) 496ndash502

Maisale AB Attimarad SL Haradigatti DS and KarigarA (2010) Antihelmintic activity of fruit pulp of Cordiaddichotoma Internat J Res Ayurveda amp Pharm 1 (2) 597ndash600

Maiti R Jana D Das UK and Gosh H (2004) Antidiabeticeffect of aqueous extract of seed of Tamarindus indica instreptozotocin-induced diabetic rats J Ethnopharmacol 92(1) 85ndash91

Manikandan K (2011) Nutritional and medicinal values ofmushrooms In M Singh B Vijay S Kamal and GCWakchaure (Eds) Mushroom cultivation marketing andconsumption (pp 11-14) Directorate of Mushroom ResearchSolan (HP) INDIA

Mayes S Massawe PG Alderson JA Roberts SN Azam-Ali and Hermann M (2011) The potential for underutilizedcrops to improve security of food production J Exp Bot1-5

Mazumdar BC (2004) Minor fruit crops of Indiandashtropical andsub-tropical Daya Publishing House NEW DELHI INDIA

Nariya PB Bhalodia NR Shukla VJ and Acharya RN(2011) Antimicrobial and antifungal activities of Cordiadichotoma (Forester F) bark extracts Ayurveda 32585ndash589

Okhuoya JA Khuoya JA Akapaja EO Osemwegie OOGhenekaro AO and Ihayere CA (2010) Nigerianmushrooms Underutilized non-wood forest resources J ApplSci Environ Mgmt 14 (1) 43ndash54

Padulosi S Hodgkin T Williams JT and Haq N (2002)Underutilized crops Trends challenges and opportunities inthe 21st Century In Managing plant genetic diversity (edsEngels JMM Rao Ramanatha V Brown AHD JacksonMT) Rome Italy 30 323-338

Pareek OP (2001) Ber International Centre for CropsSouthampton (UK)

Parekh J and Chanda S (2007) In vitro screening of antibacterialactivity of aqueous and alcoholic extracts of various Indianplant species against selected pathogens fromEnterobacteriaceae African J Microbiol Res 1(6) 92ndash99

Paroda RS (1979) Plant resources of Indian arid zone in industrialuses In Arid land plant resources (JR Goodin and DavidK Northinghton (eds) Texas Technical University Texas 729pp

Paroda RS and Mal Bhag (1989) New plant resources for foodand industry in India In New crops for food and industry GEWickens N Haq and P Day (eds) Chapman and Hall Londonpp 135-149

Paroda RS and Mal Bhag (1992) Developing nationalprogramme for research on underutilized crops in IndiaProceedings of International Crop Science Congress AmesIowa (USA) 14-22 July

Patil DN Kulkarni AR Shahapurkar AA and Patil BS(2010) Release of drug neomycin fromCordia dichotoma transdermal film Internat J Pharma amp Bio Sci 2 1ndash5

Pattnaik S Subramanyam VR and Kole C (1996)Antibacterial and antifungal activity of ten essential oils invitro Microbios 86 (349) 237ndash246

Popescu R and Kopp B (2013) The genus Rhododendron anethnopharmacological and toxicological review JEthnopharmacol 147 (1) 42-62

Ravi BS (2004) Neglected millets that save the poor fromstarvation LEISA India (1) 34-36

Ravi SB Hrideek TK Kumar ATK Prabhakaran TRMal B and Padulosi S (2010) Mobilizing neglected andunderutilized crops to strengthen food security and alleviatepoverty in India Indian J Pl Genet Resour 1 (23) 110-116

Roy SP Shirode D Patel T Prabhu K Shetty SR andRajendra SV (2008) Antiulcer activity of 70 per centethanolic extract of bark of Madhuca longifolia Indian JNatur Prod amp Resour 24 8

Sampath KP Bhowmik D Duraivel S and Umadevi M(2012) Traditional and medicinal uses of banana JPharmacognosy amp Phytochemistry 1 (3) 51ndash63

Sandip P Patel S and Patel V (2011) Investigation into themechanism of action of Madhuca longifolia for its anti-epileptic activity Pharmacognosy Commu 1 18-22

Shahapurkar AA (2011) Drug neomycin release from Cordiadichotoma transdermal film and anti-inflammatoryactivity Internat Res J Pharm 2 (9) 107ndash109

Sharker S Md Khadiza P and Shahid IZ (2009) Analgesicantibacterial and cytotoxic activity of Cordia dichotomaPharmacologyonline 2 195ndash202

Singh D Wangshu L and Prahalad VC (2008) Processingand marketing feasibility of underutilized fruit species ofRajasthan IAMO Forum pp 1-12

Singh SJ Batra VK Singh SK and Singh TJ (2012)Diversity of underutilized vegetable crops species in North-East India with special reference to Manipur A review NeBIO3 (2) 87-95

Tambekar DH and Khante BS (2010) Antibacterial propertiesof traditionally used medicinal plants for enteric infections byadivasirsquos (bhumka) in melghat forest (Amravati district)Internat J Pharmaceutical Sci Rev amp Res 1 120-128

Tibuhwa DD (2013) Wild mushroom-an underutilized healthyfood resource and income generator experience from Tanzaniarural areas J Ethnobiology amp Ethnomedicine 9 49

Ved P (1991) Indian medicinal plant Current status in Himalayanmedicinal plants Potential and prospects (Edited by SamantSS Dhar U Palni LMS) Gramodaya Prakashan Nainitalpp 45-63

UNDERUTILIZED FOOD CROPS

174-183

Hind Instidute of Science and Technology183Food Sci Res J 5(2) | Oct 2014 |

Vohra MM and De N N (1963) Comparative cardiotonicactivity of Carissa carandas (L) and Carissa spinarum (A)Indian J Medical Res 51 (5) 937-940

Wasser SP and Weis AL (1999) Medicinal properties ofsubstances occurring in Higher Basidiomycetes mushroomscurrent perspectives Internat J Medicinal Mushrooms 31ndash62

Williams JT and Haq N (2002) Global research on underutilizedcrops - an assessment of current activities and proposals forenhanced cooperation Southampton UK International Centrefor Underutilized Crops ISBN 92-9043-545-3 Accessed on21st August 2013

WEBLIOGRAPHY

Ali R and Rab F (2000) Research needs and new productsdevelopment from underutilized tropical fruits Acta Hort(ISHS) 518241-248 Retrieved from httpwwwactahortorgbooks518518_33htm Accessed on 10th April 2014

Angolo A (2008) Banana plant with five hearts is instant hit inNegros Occ ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation Retrievedfrom httpwwwabs-cbnnewscomclassified-odd051308banana-plant-five-hearts-instant-hit-negros-occ Accessed on11th March 2014

Bael Fruit (2011) Bael fruit - Medicinal properties and healthbenefits Retrieved from blogonlineherbscombael-fruit-medicinal-properties-an - United States Accessed on 11th

March 2014

Bal JS (2003) Genetic resources of under-utilized fruits in Punjabsubtropics httpwwwactahortorgbooks623623_37htmActa Hort (ISHS) 623 325-331

Crops for the Future (2009-13) Crops for the future strategic plan2009-2013 Retrieved from httpwww crops forthefuture orgwp-contentuploads200903strategic-plan-2009-2013pdfAccessed on 10th March 2014

FACT (1998) Ziziphus mauritiana - a valuable tree for arid andsemi-arid lands Retrieved from httpwwwwinrockorgfnrmfactnetfactpubFACTSHziziphushtm Accessed on 29th June

2012

Gruegravere G Giuliani A and Smale M (2006) Marketing ofunderutilized plant species for the benefit of the poor AConceptual framework Environemnt and ProductionTechnology Division Retrieved from International Food PolicyResearch Institute wwwifpriorg pp 1-54

Gruere GP Nagarajan L King EDI and Oliver (2007)Collective action and marketing of underutilized plant speciesInternational Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) SeriesNo 69 Retrieved from httpwwwifpriorgpublicationcollective-action-and-marketing-underutilized-plant-speciesAccessed on 11th April 2014

Joshi S and Joshi S (2008) Simarouba glauca DC (Paradisetree) (brochure) - Ideas Retrieved from ideasrepecorgpagsuasbcp43624html Accessed on 11th May 2014

Parimala (2007) Medicinal uses of jack fruit Retrieved fromwwwjaspariinfo200703medicinal-uses-of-jackfruithtmlAccessed on 26th July 2013

Patti AK (2010) Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus or Artocarpusheterophylla) by Abhay Kumar Pati Odisha India retrievedfrom httpprlogorg10748390

Roy SK (2000) Promotion of underutilized tropical fruit processingand its impact on world trade Retrieved from httpwwwactahortorgbooks518518_31htm Acta Hort (ISHS)518 233-236

Scott S (2012) Benefits of Rhododenderon herb Retrievd fromwwwlivestrongcomarticle120355-benefits-rhododendron-herb

Solomon C (1998) Encyclopedia of Asian Food (Periplus ed)Australia New Holland Publishers Retrieved fromISBN 0855616881 httpwwwasiafoodorgglossary_1cfmalpha=Bampwordid=3219ampstartno=1ampendno=25 Accessed on20th April 2014

Upadhyaya HD (2009) Sustainable conservation and utilizationof genetic resources of two underutilized crops ndash finger milletand foxtail millet ndash to enhance productivity nutrition andincome in Africa and Asia Monograph Retrieved from httpoaricrisatorgideprint5199 Accessed on 12th May 2014

Received 29052014 Accepted 26092014

MONIKA THAKUR

174-183

Hind Instidute of Science and Technology183Food Sci Res J 5(2) | Oct 2014 |

Vohra MM and De N N (1963) Comparative cardiotonicactivity of Carissa carandas (L) and Carissa spinarum (A)Indian J Medical Res 51 (5) 937-940

Wasser SP and Weis AL (1999) Medicinal properties ofsubstances occurring in Higher Basidiomycetes mushroomscurrent perspectives Internat J Medicinal Mushrooms 31ndash62

Williams JT and Haq N (2002) Global research on underutilizedcrops - an assessment of current activities and proposals forenhanced cooperation Southampton UK International Centrefor Underutilized Crops ISBN 92-9043-545-3 Accessed on21st August 2013

WEBLIOGRAPHY

Ali R and Rab F (2000) Research needs and new productsdevelopment from underutilized tropical fruits Acta Hort(ISHS) 518241-248 Retrieved from httpwwwactahortorgbooks518518_33htm Accessed on 10th April 2014

Angolo A (2008) Banana plant with five hearts is instant hit inNegros Occ ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation Retrievedfrom httpwwwabs-cbnnewscomclassified-odd051308banana-plant-five-hearts-instant-hit-negros-occ Accessed on11th March 2014

Bael Fruit (2011) Bael fruit - Medicinal properties and healthbenefits Retrieved from blogonlineherbscombael-fruit-medicinal-properties-an - United States Accessed on 11th

March 2014

Bal JS (2003) Genetic resources of under-utilized fruits in Punjabsubtropics httpwwwactahortorgbooks623623_37htmActa Hort (ISHS) 623 325-331

Crops for the Future (2009-13) Crops for the future strategic plan2009-2013 Retrieved from httpwww crops forthefuture orgwp-contentuploads200903strategic-plan-2009-2013pdfAccessed on 10th March 2014

FACT (1998) Ziziphus mauritiana - a valuable tree for arid andsemi-arid lands Retrieved from httpwwwwinrockorgfnrmfactnetfactpubFACTSHziziphushtm Accessed on 29th June

2012

Gruegravere G Giuliani A and Smale M (2006) Marketing ofunderutilized plant species for the benefit of the poor AConceptual framework Environemnt and ProductionTechnology Division Retrieved from International Food PolicyResearch Institute wwwifpriorg pp 1-54

Gruere GP Nagarajan L King EDI and Oliver (2007)Collective action and marketing of underutilized plant speciesInternational Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) SeriesNo 69 Retrieved from httpwwwifpriorgpublicationcollective-action-and-marketing-underutilized-plant-speciesAccessed on 11th April 2014

Joshi S and Joshi S (2008) Simarouba glauca DC (Paradisetree) (brochure) - Ideas Retrieved from ideasrepecorgpagsuasbcp43624html Accessed on 11th May 2014

Parimala (2007) Medicinal uses of jack fruit Retrieved fromwwwjaspariinfo200703medicinal-uses-of-jackfruithtmlAccessed on 26th July 2013

Patti AK (2010) Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus or Artocarpusheterophylla) by Abhay Kumar Pati Odisha India retrievedfrom httpprlogorg10748390

Roy SK (2000) Promotion of underutilized tropical fruit processingand its impact on world trade Retrieved from httpwwwactahortorgbooks518518_31htm Acta Hort (ISHS)518 233-236

Scott S (2012) Benefits of Rhododenderon herb Retrievd fromwwwlivestrongcomarticle120355-benefits-rhododendron-herb

Solomon C (1998) Encyclopedia of Asian Food (Periplus ed)Australia New Holland Publishers Retrieved fromISBN 0855616881 httpwwwasiafoodorgglossary_1cfmalpha=Bampwordid=3219ampstartno=1ampendno=25 Accessed on20th April 2014

Upadhyaya HD (2009) Sustainable conservation and utilizationof genetic resources of two underutilized crops ndash finger milletand foxtail millet ndash to enhance productivity nutrition andincome in Africa and Asia Monograph Retrieved from httpoaricrisatorgideprint5199 Accessed on 12th May 2014

Received 29052014 Accepted 26092014

MONIKA THAKUR

174-183