Underutilized Crops Towards Nutritional Security and Climate Resilience

Preface

About the Editors

1. Introduction to Underutilized Crops
Yanglem Sofia Devi, Mayengbam Premi Devi, Priyadarshini Salam and Rajeev Kumar

2. Nutritional Value of Underutilized Crops
Mayengbam Premi Devi, Yanglem Sofia Devi, Rajeev Kumar and Palak Gupta

3. Economic Potential of Underutilized Crops
Priyadarshini Salam, Yanglem Sofia Devi, Rajeev Kumar and Mayengbam Premi Devi

4. Key Underutilized Crops
Rajeev Kumar, Palak Gupta, Priyadarshini Salam and Mayengbam Premi Devi

5. Traditional Knowledge and Cultural Significance
Mahendra Kumar Tiwari, Syed Abuzar, Yanglem Sofia Devi and Mayengbam Premi Devi

6. Agronomic Practices for Underutilized Crops
Syed Abuzar, Rajeev Kumar, Yanglem Sofia Devi and Mahendra Kumar Tiwari

7. Challenges in Cultivating Underutilized Crops
Anjali Tiwari, Yanglem Sofia Devi, Priyadarshini Salam and Rajeev Kumar

8. Innovations in Breeding and Biotechnology
Mayengbam Premi Devi, Anjali Tiwari, Palak Gupta and Yanglem Sofia Devi

9. Policy Framework and Government Initiatives, Global Perspectives on Underutilized Crops
Yanglem Sofia Devi, Palak Gupta, Priyadarshini Salam and Rajeev Kumar

10. Case Studies: Successful Implementation in Farming Systems, Marketing and Value Addition
Palak Gupta, Mayengbam Premi Devi, Mahendra Kumar Tiwari and Syed Abuzar

11. Role of Technology in Promoting Underutilized Crops
Priyadarshini Salam, Yanglem Sofia Devi, Mayengbam Premi Devi and Anjali Tiwari

12. Climate Resilience and Sustainability
Yanglem Sofia Devi, Rajeev Kumar, Palak Gupta, Priyadarshini Salam and Vikas Kumar

13. Education and Awareness Programs
Palak Gupta, Yanglem Sofia Devi, Mayengbam Premi Devi and Priyadarshini Salam

14. Future Trends in Underutilized Crop Cultivation
Mayengbam Premi Devi, Rajeev Kumar, Mahendra Kumar Tiwari and Syed Abuzar

15. Research and Development Needs
Rajeev Kumar, Yanglem Sofia Devi, Mayengbam Premi Devi, Palak Gupta and Vikas Kumar

Biography

Yanglem Sofia Devi holds a Doctorate and Master's degree in Agriculture (Agronomy) from Central Agricultural University, Imphal, Meghalaya, India and Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri, Maharashtra, India respectively. She has been working at KVK East Garo Hills, CAU-I, Meghalaya, India since 2018. Devi is also a receipient of the Young Scientist Award and Women Scientist Award for her outstanding contribution to Agronomy.

Mayengbam Premi Devi is currently working at College of Agriculture, Kyrdemkulai, Meghalaya, India (CAU, Imphal) and has contributed significantly to research and promotion of underutilized horticultural crops. Her pioneering contributions include complete nutritional aspects of Kachai lemon and tree bean with value addition through unique processing technologies. 

Priyadarshini Salam currently serves at KVK Imphal East, CAU, Imphal, Manipur, India with over 6 years of experience in agricultural extension and farmer empowerment. Salam holds a Doctorate in Horticulture (Floriculture & Landscape Architecture) from YS Parmar University of Horticulture & Forestry, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India and M.Sc. in Horticulture from Orissa University of Agriculture & Forestry, Bhubaneswar, India. 

Rajeev Kumar presently works with the Project Preparation & Monitoring Unit of Hariyali Mission, Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of Bihar, India. He completed M.Sc. in Environmental Science from A.N. College, Patna, Bihar, India and also holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Science from Magadh University, Gaya, Bihar, India.

Palak Gupta is currently working at the Tea Board India, Kolkata, West Bengal, India. She was born in Jammu District, Jammu & Kashmir, India where she completed undergraduate studies at GCW Parade, Jammu, postgraduate degree in Biochemistry from SKUAST-Jammu, India and Ph.D. in Biochemistry from GBPUAT, Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, India. She possesses about 10 years of professional expertise in biochemistry.

Mahendra Kumar Tiwari is working at Government Hussainabad Inter College, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. He holds M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics and B.Ed. in Agriculture. He has three years of experience at Government Creative Training College, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India and has dedicated 30 years to promoting scientific agriculture and horticulture. He earned his Doctorate in Agricultural Economics from C.S.J.M. University, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India.

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

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

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