Vol. 12, Issue 8 (2023)

Author(s):
Hradesh Shivhare, Shubhada Arjun Tayade, Monica Sailesh, Soumya Unnikrishnan, Badri Lal Nagar, Arusha Sharma, Mohd Faruk and Pooja Fartiyal

Abstract:
Nowadays, it seems to be highly difficult to provide the undernourished and people with low incomes in developing countries with a source of food that is safe, healthful, and nutritious. Finding a cheap and alternative source of nutritious foods has become necessary due to the shortage, high cost, and inconsistent supply of healthy food in developing and impoverished areas. A study of some of the underutilized vegetable crops revealed that they had great nutritional value. Underutilized vegetable crops, which have a great potential to be used in mainstream agriculture, are also referred to as underdeveloped crops, abandoned crops, orphan crops, traditional crops, vanishing crops, indigenous crops, life support species, subsistence crops, nutrient-rich crops, and new potential crops. The majority of underutilized crops species are good sources of nutrition, and some also have medical qualities, according to a review of the literature. Utilizing underutilized crops aids in the battle against issues related to malnutrition and boosts the health of rural people. Despite their recognized importance, underutilized vegetable crops are occasionally not utilized to their optimum extent because of a lack of materials for planting, ignorance of their medicinal and health benefits, and ignorance of the growing techniques. A programme on the exploration, management, use, and improvement of underutilized vegetable crops with regard to plant genetic resources must be undertaken in order to make sure global security in terms of nutrition and food. Furthermore, it can be concluded that underutilized vegetable crops production will address the lack of per-capita availability, thereby resolving the nutritional issues while simultaneously generating jobs, raising rural people's incomes, and potentially making a contribution to the global economy.