Underutilized Crops

“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.

Yanglem Sofia Devi

Dr. 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. Dr. Devi is also a recipient of the Young Scientist Award and Women Scientist Award for her outstanding contributions to Agronomy.

Mayengbam Premi Devi

Ms. Devi is currently working at the College of Agriculture, Kyrdemkulai, Meghalaya, India (CAU, Imphal) and has contributed significantly to the 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

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

Rajeev Kumar

Dr. Kumar presently works with the Project Preparation & Monitoring Unit of Hariyali Mission, Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of Bihar, India. He completed his 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

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

Mahendra Kumar Tiwari

Dr. Tiwari is working at Government Hussainabad Inter College, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. He holds an M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Agricultural Economics and a 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.