Asian Journal of Food Research and Nutrition

Exploring the Potential of Lesser-Known Crops for Sustainable Agriculture: A Review with Focus on Nutritional Value, Environmental Benefits and Integration Challenges

Nida Bushra *

Institute of Food and Nutritional Sciences (IFNS), Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

Aymen Javed

Government College University Faisalabad, Pakistan.

Zohaib Anwar Bhatti

Centre of Agricultural, Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan.

Susan Muhammad

Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan.

Rizwana Nasreen

Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture, University of Sardgodha Pakistan.

Zulqarnain Abbas

Institute of Plant Protection (Plant Pathology), MNS-University of Agriculture Multan, Pakistan.

Aiman Asif

Riphah International University, Faisalabad, Pakistan.

Muhammad Qamar

Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan.

Nadia Ghulam Muhammad

Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, College of Agriculture, University of Sardgodha Pakistan.

Muhammad Ali Nawaz

Institute of Food and Nutritional Sciences (IFNS), Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan.

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

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Abstract

Monoculture practices and reliance on a handful of major crops have led to vulnerabilities in global food security and environmental sustainability. Lesser-known crops (LKCs), like orange-fleshed sweet potato, moringa leaves, jamun fruit, lentils, and amaranth leaves, offer a promising alternative. LKCs boast high nutritional value, resilience to climate change, and the potential to thrive in diverse environments. This review explores the potential of LKCs to drive sustainable agriculture, focusing on their nutritional profiles, environmental benefits, and challenges associated with integrating them into mainstream agriculture.

The review examines various LKC categories, including underutilized pulses, tubers, vegetables, and fruits. Their potential contributions to dietary diversity, addressing micronutrient deficiencies, and overall food security are highlighted. The environmental benefits of LKCs, such as reduced water footprint, improved soil health, and increased biodiversity, are also explored. Pakistan's specific context is incorporated, including the prevalence of malnutrition, challenges faced by the agricultural sector, and potential LKCs suitable for local conditions. The review identifies opportunities and constraints related to LKC adoption in Pakistan, encompassing factors like consumer awareness, market access, research and development, and government policies. Finally, recommendations are provided to promote LKC utilization in Pakistan. These include raising awareness among consumers and policymakers, establishing robust value chains, conducting research on LKC cultivation and processing, and implementing supportive government policies.

Keywords: Lesser-known crops cultivation, global food system, climate change, sustainable agriculture

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