Underutilized Vegetable Crops: Potential Sources of Nutrition and Livelihood Security
Pandiyaraj, P. *
Kalasalingam School of Agriculture and Horticulture, Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, Krishnankoil, Tamil Nadu – 626 126, India.
Sri Lekha, S.
Kalasalingam School of Agriculture and Horticulture, Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, Krishnankoil, Tamil Nadu – 626 126, India.
Vijaya Lakshmi, N.
Kalasalingam School of Agriculture and Horticulture, Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, Krishnankoil, Tamil Nadu – 626 126, India.
Sanmaya, A. M.
Kalasalingam School of Agriculture and Horticulture, Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, Krishnankoil, Tamil Nadu – 626 126, India.
Vinisha, V.
Kalasalingam School of Agriculture and Horticulture, Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, Krishnankoil, Tamil Nadu – 626 126, India.
Gopika, B.
Kalasalingam School of Agriculture and Horticulture, Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, Krishnankoil, Tamil Nadu – 626 126, India.
Kalai Chezhiyan, K.
Kalasalingam School of Agriculture and Horticulture, Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, Krishnankoil, Tamil Nadu – 626 126, India.
Prithiviraj, M. R.
Kalasalingam School of Agriculture and Horticulture, Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, Krishnankoil, Tamil Nadu – 626 126, India.
Antany Stanis Willson, M.
Kalasalingam School of Agriculture and Horticulture, Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, Krishnankoil, Tamil Nadu – 626 126, India.
Udhayavanan, U.
Kalasalingam School of Agriculture and Horticulture, Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, Krishnankoil, Tamil Nadu – 626 126, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Vegetables are essential components of a balanced diet, offering a myriad of nutrients crucial for maintaining health and preventing diseases. Vegetable has low calorie counts and high fiber content, they aid in weight management by promoting satiety and controlling appetite. Underutilized vegetable crops are ones that are not widely cultivated and consumed compared to other vegetable crops. Underutilized vegetables play a significant role in enhancing dietary diversity, supporting local food systems, and fortifying food security. Cultivating underutilized vegetables enhances the biodiversity, resilience, and sustainability by reducing reliance on a limited range of crops, especially in the face of environmental challenges like diseases, pests, and climate change. Underutilized vegetables contribute to agricultural biodiversity, cultural heritage preservation, and economic opportunities for small-scale farmers. Embracing and promoting the cultivation, consumption, and conservation of underutilized vegetables are imperative for sustaining diverse diets, supporting sustainable agriculture, and addressing malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies.
Keywords: Livelihood security, medicinal values, nutrition, underutilized vegetables, uses