Banner
Current IssueEditorial BoardOnline First ArticlesArchive
Current IssueEditorial BoardOnline First ArticlesArchive

Reviewer Article

volume 40 issue 3 (september 2019) : 175-184,   Doi: 18805/ag.R-1936

Underutilized Fruits of Assam for Livelihood and Nutritional Security

U
U. Barua
R
R.P. Das
B
B. Gogoi S.R. Baruah
1<div>Department of Horticulture,&nbsp;Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, Assam</div>

  • Submitted29-08-2019|

  • Accepted24-09-2019|

  • First Online 26-10-2019|

  • doi 18805/ag.R-1936

Cite article:- Barua U., Das R.P., Baruah S.R. Gogoi B. (2019). Underutilized Fruits of Assam for Livelihood and Nutritional Security. Agricultural Reviews. 40(3): 175-184. doi: 18805/ag.R-1936.

ABSTRACT

India is endowed with a rich genetic diversity of fruits. The Hindustani centre represents 344 species of fruits. Northeast India, meeting ground of Indo-Malayan and Indo-Chinese bio-geographical areas is one of the 18 mega-biodiversity centers of the World, has contributed the fruit genera like Citrus, Musa, Mangifera, Docynia, Elaeocarpus, Myrica, Morus, Artocarpus, etc. There are a quite large number of indigenous and underutilized fruit crops, which are being used by the local inhabitants in rural areas. These underutilized fruits are fairly rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidant properties and are serving as protective food. Because of their curative properties, different parts of these fruit and plants have been used in ethno-medicines. Apart from their nutritive and medicinal values quite a few of these underutilized fruits have good flavor, colour and juice content and can be used for value additions. Several underutilized fruit species which have potential for commercial exploitation are yet to be utilized to their potential. These fruit crops have not undergone any conscious phase of domestication and selection. Their cultivation is very restricted and they grow in wild and semi wild condition and adapted to local climatic conditions. Hence they can thrive even under most adverse situation. Their adoption on a commercial scale, with crop improvement, standardization of cultural practices and popularization in diverse farming systems and value additions are warranted to achieve stability in farm production and food security. Many underutilized species, well adapted to marginal lands and with low cost inputs, may thus be of great benefit for the survival of poor communities, employment generation and sustainability of agricultural ecosystems.

REFERENCES

  1. Arora, R.K. (1995). Promoting conservation and use of tropical fruit species in Asia. In: R.K. Arora and V. Ramanatha Rao (eds.) Proceedings Expert Consultation on Tropical Fruit Species of Asia, MARDI, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 17-19 May 1994, IPGRI Office for South Asia, New Delhi, India. p.19- 30.
  2. Asati, B.S. and Yadav, D.S. (2004). Diversity of horticultural crops in northeastern region. ENVIS Bulletin: Himalayan Ecology. 12:1-11.
  3. Azam-Ali, S. (2003). Assessment of the Current Status of Post Harvest Handling, Processing and Marketing of Underutilized Tropical Fruits in Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Vietnam, International Centre for Underutilized Crops, University of Southampton, p. 100.
  4. Chundawat, B. S. (2003). Constraints in the cultivation of underexploited horticultural crops. In: Proceeding of Winter School on “Exploitation of Underutilized Horticultural Crops” at MPUAT, Udaipur, pp. 233–234.
  5. Craig, W. and Beck, L. (1999). Phytochemicals: health protective effects. Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research, 60:78–84.
  6. Das, S.C. and Prakash, J. (2009). Minor fruits: a livelihood opportunity for the tribal peoples of Tripura. Acta horticulturae. 890:65-70.
  7. Dawson, I.K. and Jaenicke, H. (2006). Underutilised Plant Species: The Role of Biotechnology. Position Paper No. 1. International Centre for Underutilised Crops, Colombo, Sri Lanka. 27 pp.
  8. Deka, B.C., Thirugnanavel, A., Patel, R.K., Nath, A. and Deshmukh, N. (2012). Horticultural diversity in northeast India and its improvement for value addition. Indian Journal of Genetics and Plant Breeding. 72(2):157-167.
  9. Gopalan, C., Ramashastri, B. V., Balasubramanian, S. C., Rao, N. B. S., Deosthale, Y. G. and Pant, K. C. (1994). Nutritive Value of Indian Foods, National Institute of Nutrition, ICMR Hyderabad.
  10. Gopalan, C., Ramashastri, B. V., Balasubramanian, S. C., Rao, N. B. S., Deosthale, Y. G. and Pant, K. C. (2004). Nutritive Value of Indian Foods, National Institute of Nutrition, ICMR Hyderabad.
  11. Goyal, M. and Sharma, S. K. (2006). Prospects and Dimensions for Utilization of Arid Foods, Yash Publishing house, Bikaner.
  12. Gupta, S. (2011). Present status and future prospective of underutilized pome fruits in India. Acta Horticulturae. 918:931.
  13. Jain, N. K. (2003). Post harvest technology of underutilized fruits, vegetables and medicinal plants. In: Proceeding of Winter school on “Exploitation of underutilized horticultural crops” at MPUAT, Udaipur.
  14. Kader, A. A., Veazie, P. P. and Lester, G. E. (2005). Nutritional Quality of Fruits, Nuts, and Vegetables and Their Importance in Human Health, Department of Pomology, University of California, Davis, CA.
  15. Lewis, Y.S. and Neelakandan, S. (1965). (-) Hydroxy citric acid - the principal acid in the fruits of Garcinia cambogia. Phytochemistry 4:619.
  16. Lowenstein, J.M. (1971). (-) Hydroxy citrate on fatty acid synthesis by rat liver in vivo. Journal of Biological Chemistry. 246:629-632.
  17. Mao, A.A. and Hynniewta, T.M. (2000). Floristic diversity if northeast India. Journal of Assam Science Society. 41:255-266.
  18. Mitra, S.K., Pathak, P.K. and Chakraborty, I. (2008). Underutilized tropical and subtropical fruits of Asia. Acta horticulturae. 770:67-76.
  19. Mitra, S.K., Pathak, P.K. and Chakraborty, I. (2010). Potential underutilized tropical fruits in India. Acta horticulturae. 864:61-67.
  20. Mudoi, T., Deka, D.C. and Devi, R. (2012). In vitro antioxidant activity of Garcinia pedunculata, an indigenous fruit of North Eastern (NE) region of India. International Journal of Pharm Tech Research. 4(1):334-342.
  21. Pareek, O. P. and Sharma, S. (1993). Underutilised fruits. Indian Horticulture. 38(1):48–49.
  22. Pareek, O.P., Sharma, S. and Arora, R.K. (1998). Underutilized edible fruits and nuts: an inventory of genetic resources in their regions of diversity. IPGRI office for South Asia, International Plant Genetic Resources Institute, Rome, Italy.
  23. Parthasarathy, U., Babu, K.N., Kumar, R. S., Ashis, G.R., Mohan, S. and Parthasarathy, V.A. (2013). Diversity of Indian Garcinia – a Medicinally Important Spice Crop in India. Acta Horticulturae. 979:467-476.
  24. Quebedeaux, B. and Bliss, F. A. (1988). Horticulture and human health. Contributions of fruits and vegetables. In: Proceedings 1st International Symposium in Horticulture and Human Health., Prentice hall, Engelwood, NJ.
  25. Quebedeaux, B. and Eisa, H. M. (1990). Horticulture and human health. Contributions of fruits and vegetables. In: Proceedings of 2nd International Symposium in Horticulture and Human Health. Hort Science 25:1473–1532.
  26. Rathore, D.S. (2012). Processing and marketing of underutilized fruits in India. In: Hag, N. and Huges, A (eds.). Fruits for the future in Asia. ICUC, Southampton, U.K.
  27. Sauco, V.G. (2008). Global overview of underutilized tropical and subtropical fruits. Acta Horticulturae. 770:77-85.
  28. Seal, T. (2011). Nutritional composition of wild edible fruits of Meghalaya state of India and their ethno-botanical importance. Research Journal of Botany. 6(2): 58-67.
  29. Sen, N. L. (2003). Underutilised horticulture crops: Trends, challenge and opportunities in the 21st century. In: Proceeding of Winter school on “Exploitation of underutilized horticultural crops” at MPUAT, Udaipur, pp. 224 –231.
  30. Shajib, T.I., Kawser, M., Miah, N., Begum, P., Bhattacharjee, L., Hossain, A., Fomsgaard, I.S. and Islam, S.N. (2013). Nutritional importance composition of minor indigenous fruits: cheapest nutritional source for the rural people of Bangladesh. Food Chemistry. 140: 466-470.
  31. Sharma, B., Handique, P. J. and Devi, H.S. (2015). Antioxidant properties, physico-chemical characteristics and proximate composition of five wild fruits of Manipur, India. Journal of Food Science and Technology. 52(2):894-902.
  32. Shi, H. L., Noguchi, N., and Niki, E. (2001). Introducing natural antioxidants. In: J. Pokorny et al. (eds.), Antioxidants in food: practical applications. Woodhead Publishing Ltd. and CRC Press.
  33. Singh, D.B., Attri, B.L. and Singh, C. (2012). Underutilized fruit crops of Andaman: its biodiversity and role in environmental conservation and nutritional security. Indian Forester. 55(5) 27-30.
  34. Wargovich, M. J. (2000). Anticancer properties of fruits and vegetables. Hort Science. 35:573–575.
Published In
Agricultural Reviews
Article Metrics
Metrics Icon
0
Views
0
Citations
Reviewed By
Share Article
Download Article
In this Article
    Contact us
    Follow us

    Reviewer Article

    volume 40 issue 3 (september 2019) : 175-184,   Doi: 18805/ag.R-1936

    Underutilized Fruits of Assam for Livelihood and Nutritional Security

    U
    U. Barua
    R
    R.P. Das
    B
    B. Gogoi S.R. Baruah
    1<div>Department of Horticulture,&nbsp;Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, Assam</div>

    • Submitted29-08-2019|

    • Accepted24-09-2019|

    • First Online 26-10-2019|

    • doi 18805/ag.R-1936

    Cite article:- Barua U., Das R.P., Baruah S.R. Gogoi B. (2019). Underutilized Fruits of Assam for Livelihood and Nutritional Security. Agricultural Reviews. 40(3): 175-184. doi: 18805/ag.R-1936.

    ABSTRACT

    India is endowed with a rich genetic diversity of fruits. The Hindustani centre represents 344 species of fruits. Northeast India, meeting ground of Indo-Malayan and Indo-Chinese bio-geographical areas is one of the 18 mega-biodiversity centers of the World, has contributed the fruit genera like Citrus, Musa, Mangifera, Docynia, Elaeocarpus, Myrica, Morus, Artocarpus, etc. There are a quite large number of indigenous and underutilized fruit crops, which are being used by the local inhabitants in rural areas. These underutilized fruits are fairly rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidant properties and are serving as protective food. Because of their curative properties, different parts of these fruit and plants have been used in ethno-medicines. Apart from their nutritive and medicinal values quite a few of these underutilized fruits have good flavor, colour and juice content and can be used for value additions. Several underutilized fruit species which have potential for commercial exploitation are yet to be utilized to their potential. These fruit crops have not undergone any conscious phase of domestication and selection. Their cultivation is very restricted and they grow in wild and semi wild condition and adapted to local climatic conditions. Hence they can thrive even under most adverse situation. Their adoption on a commercial scale, with crop improvement, standardization of cultural practices and popularization in diverse farming systems and value additions are warranted to achieve stability in farm production and food security. Many underutilized species, well adapted to marginal lands and with low cost inputs, may thus be of great benefit for the survival of poor communities, employment generation and sustainability of agricultural ecosystems.

    REFERENCES

    1. Arora, R.K. (1995). Promoting conservation and use of tropical fruit species in Asia. In: R.K. Arora and V. Ramanatha Rao (eds.) Proceedings Expert Consultation on Tropical Fruit Species of Asia, MARDI, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 17-19 May 1994, IPGRI Office for South Asia, New Delhi, India. p.19- 30.
    2. Asati, B.S. and Yadav, D.S. (2004). Diversity of horticultural crops in northeastern region. ENVIS Bulletin: Himalayan Ecology. 12:1-11.
    3. Azam-Ali, S. (2003). Assessment of the Current Status of Post Harvest Handling, Processing and Marketing of Underutilized Tropical Fruits in Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Vietnam, International Centre for Underutilized Crops, University of Southampton, p. 100.
    4. Chundawat, B. S. (2003). Constraints in the cultivation of underexploited horticultural crops. In: Proceeding of Winter School on “Exploitation of Underutilized Horticultural Crops” at MPUAT, Udaipur, pp. 233–234.
    5. Craig, W. and Beck, L. (1999). Phytochemicals: health protective effects. Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice and Research, 60:78–84.
    6. Das, S.C. and Prakash, J. (2009). Minor fruits: a livelihood opportunity for the tribal peoples of Tripura. Acta horticulturae. 890:65-70.
    7. Dawson, I.K. and Jaenicke, H. (2006). Underutilised Plant Species: The Role of Biotechnology. Position Paper No. 1. International Centre for Underutilised Crops, Colombo, Sri Lanka. 27 pp.
    8. Deka, B.C., Thirugnanavel, A., Patel, R.K., Nath, A. and Deshmukh, N. (2012). Horticultural diversity in northeast India and its improvement for value addition. Indian Journal of Genetics and Plant Breeding. 72(2):157-167.
    9. Gopalan, C., Ramashastri, B. V., Balasubramanian, S. C., Rao, N. B. S., Deosthale, Y. G. and Pant, K. C. (1994). Nutritive Value of Indian Foods, National Institute of Nutrition, ICMR Hyderabad.
    10. Gopalan, C., Ramashastri, B. V., Balasubramanian, S. C., Rao, N. B. S., Deosthale, Y. G. and Pant, K. C. (2004). Nutritive Value of Indian Foods, National Institute of Nutrition, ICMR Hyderabad.
    11. Goyal, M. and Sharma, S. K. (2006). Prospects and Dimensions for Utilization of Arid Foods, Yash Publishing house, Bikaner.
    12. Gupta, S. (2011). Present status and future prospective of underutilized pome fruits in India. Acta Horticulturae. 918:931.
    13. Jain, N. K. (2003). Post harvest technology of underutilized fruits, vegetables and medicinal plants. In: Proceeding of Winter school on “Exploitation of underutilized horticultural crops” at MPUAT, Udaipur.
    14. Kader, A. A., Veazie, P. P. and Lester, G. E. (2005). Nutritional Quality of Fruits, Nuts, and Vegetables and Their Importance in Human Health, Department of Pomology, University of California, Davis, CA.
    15. Lewis, Y.S. and Neelakandan, S. (1965). (-) Hydroxy citric acid - the principal acid in the fruits of Garcinia cambogia. Phytochemistry 4:619.
    16. Lowenstein, J.M. (1971). (-) Hydroxy citrate on fatty acid synthesis by rat liver in vivo. Journal of Biological Chemistry. 246:629-632.
    17. Mao, A.A. and Hynniewta, T.M. (2000). Floristic diversity if northeast India. Journal of Assam Science Society. 41:255-266.
    18. Mitra, S.K., Pathak, P.K. and Chakraborty, I. (2008). Underutilized tropical and subtropical fruits of Asia. Acta horticulturae. 770:67-76.
    19. Mitra, S.K., Pathak, P.K. and Chakraborty, I. (2010). Potential underutilized tropical fruits in India. Acta horticulturae. 864:61-67.
    20. Mudoi, T., Deka, D.C. and Devi, R. (2012). In vitro antioxidant activity of Garcinia pedunculata, an indigenous fruit of North Eastern (NE) region of India. International Journal of Pharm Tech Research. 4(1):334-342.
    21. Pareek, O. P. and Sharma, S. (1993). Underutilised fruits. Indian Horticulture. 38(1):48–49.
    22. Pareek, O.P., Sharma, S. and Arora, R.K. (1998). Underutilized edible fruits and nuts: an inventory of genetic resources in their regions of diversity. IPGRI office for South Asia, International Plant Genetic Resources Institute, Rome, Italy.
    23. Parthasarathy, U., Babu, K.N., Kumar, R. S., Ashis, G.R., Mohan, S. and Parthasarathy, V.A. (2013). Diversity of Indian Garcinia – a Medicinally Important Spice Crop in India. Acta Horticulturae. 979:467-476.
    24. Quebedeaux, B. and Bliss, F. A. (1988). Horticulture and human health. Contributions of fruits and vegetables. In: Proceedings 1st International Symposium in Horticulture and Human Health., Prentice hall, Engelwood, NJ.
    25. Quebedeaux, B. and Eisa, H. M. (1990). Horticulture and human health. Contributions of fruits and vegetables. In: Proceedings of 2nd International Symposium in Horticulture and Human Health. Hort Science 25:1473–1532.
    26. Rathore, D.S. (2012). Processing and marketing of underutilized fruits in India. In: Hag, N. and Huges, A (eds.). Fruits for the future in Asia. ICUC, Southampton, U.K.
    27. Sauco, V.G. (2008). Global overview of underutilized tropical and subtropical fruits. Acta Horticulturae. 770:77-85.
    28. Seal, T. (2011). Nutritional composition of wild edible fruits of Meghalaya state of India and their ethno-botanical importance. Research Journal of Botany. 6(2): 58-67.
    29. Sen, N. L. (2003). Underutilised horticulture crops: Trends, challenge and opportunities in the 21st century. In: Proceeding of Winter school on “Exploitation of underutilized horticultural crops” at MPUAT, Udaipur, pp. 224 –231.
    30. Shajib, T.I., Kawser, M., Miah, N., Begum, P., Bhattacharjee, L., Hossain, A., Fomsgaard, I.S. and Islam, S.N. (2013). Nutritional importance composition of minor indigenous fruits: cheapest nutritional source for the rural people of Bangladesh. Food Chemistry. 140: 466-470.
    31. Sharma, B., Handique, P. J. and Devi, H.S. (2015). Antioxidant properties, physico-chemical characteristics and proximate composition of five wild fruits of Manipur, India. Journal of Food Science and Technology. 52(2):894-902.
    32. Shi, H. L., Noguchi, N., and Niki, E. (2001). Introducing natural antioxidants. In: J. Pokorny et al. (eds.), Antioxidants in food: practical applications. Woodhead Publishing Ltd. and CRC Press.
    33. Singh, D.B., Attri, B.L. and Singh, C. (2012). Underutilized fruit crops of Andaman: its biodiversity and role in environmental conservation and nutritional security. Indian Forester. 55(5) 27-30.
    34. Wargovich, M. J. (2000). Anticancer properties of fruits and vegetables. Hort Science. 35:573–575.
    In this Article
      Contact us
      Follow us
      Published In
      Agricultural Reviews

      Editorial Board

      View all (0)