Vijay Kumar

Minor fruit crops, also known as underutilized crops, are those that are not commercially grown on a large scale or widely traded globally. These crops belong to lesser-known plant species in terms of research, medicinal properties, nutritive value, and marketing aspects. However, they are well-adapted to various growing conditions, such as degraded land, low water availability, frost resistance, and high temperature tolerance. Numerous studies have shown that underutilized wild edible plants possess significant nutritional value. Fruits, in particular, are considered protective foods due to their high content of vitamins, phytochemicals, and minerals. They are also an excellent source of soluble dietary fiber, which helps lower cholesterol and fats in the body and promotes healthy bowel movements. Focusing on neglected and minor fruit crops can help improve local diets and generate income sources for small and marginal fruit growers. These crops also possess antioxidant properties that help remove free radicals from the body, providing protection against chronic and infectious diseases. In conclusion, a focus on underutilized fruit crops is a useful strategy for promoting a diverse and healthy diet, combating micronutrient deficiencies, and addressing hidden hunger and other dietary deficiencies, particularly among rural poor communities and vulnerable social groups in developing countries.