Underutilized fruits crops and technologies for meeting their market needs

Abstract

Fruit crops are considered and categorized under protective food because of their richness in various phytochemicals minerals and vitamins. They are  rich sources of certain soluble dietary fiber which reduces erratic bowel movements, aids in cholesterol and fats reduction from the body and helps in  boosting the immune system. Underutilized crops may be termed as the crops, that are neither grown on a commercial or large scale nor are traded  widely around the world. These crops fall under lesser recognized plant species in terms of research and marketing aspects but can be seen well  adapting to wild and stress like conditions. Research worldwide researches have shown shreds of evidence of underutilized wild edible plants possessing  great valuable nutritional value. Since ages, several underutilized indigenous fruit crops having medicinal properties are utilized in various indigenous  medicinal systems like Ayurveda, Unani, and Homoeopathy. The popular processed products made from these fruit crops are jam, RTS, fruit drinks,  chutneys, candies, pickles, squashes, concentrate, etc. These fruit crops are a rich source of vitamin C which has been proved as a boon in enhancing  immunity in this COVID-19 pandemic times. These crops can even cure insomnia, scurvy, constipation hemorrhage, leucorrhea. anemia, stomach ache,  and can be used as a cooling agent to reduce sun strokes ill effects. Underutilized fruit crops can even adapt to low input agriculture. More research and  development efforts in these crops will certainly add substantially to food security and nutrition. There is a need to develop high yielding varieties,  production and protection technologies, and post-harvest management practices for these crops. Better coordination among all the agencies involved in  research, development, and promotion will help popularize these fruit crops.