Exploiting Potentials of Neglected and Underutilized Crops for Food Security under Climate Change Scenarios in India

Abstract

Climate change predictions warn complications in monsoon dynamics which will adversely affect the production and productivity of major staple crops such as wheat and rice. Neglected and under-utilized plant species are the plant species whose potential has not yet been exploited to the fullest extent These crops could be the key to sustainable agriculture in most developing countries facing a resource crunch as well as rapid depletion of natural resources. India is one of the main producers of minor millets and other underutilized crops. The major group of crops includes small millets (finger millet, foxtail millet, barnyard millet, little millet and kodo millet) pseudo-cereals (grain amaranth, buckwheat). In hilly state Uttarakhand, improved varieties of finger millet, barnyard millet arid grain amaranth along with improved packages of practices recorded 42% more yield compared to traditional practices. Similarly in Koli hills of Odisha, tribal areas in Tamil Nadu and different parts of Karnataka, different small millets have been successfully deployed as a viable alternative against erratic weather situations. Thus these crops can be well deployed in contingent planning for erratic weather situations, crop diversification, dual purpose crops for ensuring food and fodder supply and fighting against hidden hunger. This paper presents the current status, nutritional significance and impact of successful utilization of these underutilized crops under changing climate conditions to ensure nutritional and food security.