Neglected Plant Foods Of South Asia : Exploring and Valorizing Nature to Feed Hunger

According to the global hunger index, South Asia has worldwide highest rate of undernourished people. Such a burden of food insecurity and various forms of malnutrition are directly associated with the existing food production system that ignores biodiversity, food affordability, and sustainability. During the last five decades, food production system has witnessed a global shift from ethnic to mainstream staple cereals production and promotion. Such an approach has badly affected the regional genetic pool of a diverse range of nourishing, economical, and sustainable edible plant species which are now referred to as neglected or underutilized food crops. Neglected Plant Foods of South Asia collects and preserves existing knowledge of underutilized, minor, wild, neglected and traditional food plants of South Asia, and their utilization for the production of value-added food products. Aiming at introducing plant – based food solutions to address the increasing burden of food insecurity among marginalized communities of South Asia, this manuscript covers a plethora of nutrient-dense plant species including fruits, vegetables, roots, tubers, cereals, pseudo-cereals, and pulses. In addition to having an overview of each plant's origin, cultivation practices and production statistics, researchers will find comprehensive information on nutritional composition, food manufacturing properties, value-addition and traditional uses of neglected plant foods. Recent updates on strategies to combat toxicological risks associated with the consumption of neglected food plants have also been included. With this volume, researchers will have complete information on neglected, underutilized traditional edible plants of South Asia, and their potential to increase food security under the emerging challenges of climate change. Preface Contents Editors’ Biography Abbreviations Chapter 1: Agricultural Biodiversity and Food Security: Opportunities and Challenges 1.1 Introduction to Agrobiodiversity and Food Security 1.2 Food Security Situation of South Asia 1.3 Agrobiodiversity and Sustainable Food System 1.4 Biodiversity and Agrobiodiversity Situation of South Asia 1.4.1 India 1.4.2 Pakistan 1.4.3 Bangladesh 1.4.4 Sri Lanka 1.4.5 Nepal 1.4.6 Bhutan, Hindu Kush Himalaya 1.5 Climate Change and Agrobiodiversity, Governments’ Commitments to Agrobiodiversity Conservation 1.6 Conservation of Plant Agrobiodiversity 1.7 In Situ Conservation of Agrobiodiversity 1.8 Ex Situ Conservation of Agrobiodiversity 1.9 Challenges to Agrobiodiversity 1.10 Conservation of Agrobiodiversity in South Asian Countries 1.11 Role of Local Agrobiodiversity in Promoting Food and Nutritional Security 1.12 Alarming Scenario Over Years of Agricultural Change 1.13 Agrobiodiversity Importance with Respect to Food and Nutritional Security 1.14 Role of Wild Plant Species of South Asia in Food and Nutritional Security 1.15 Agrobiodiversity and Malnutrition 1.16 Agrobiodiversity Management for Food and Nutritional Security 1.17 Conclusion References Chapter 2: Role of Neglected Plant Foods in Achieving Dietary Diversity, Zero Hunger and Good Health 2.1 Introduction: The State of Food Security in the World 2.2 All Forms of Malnutrition 2.3 Neglected Plant Foods and Dietary Diversity 2.4 Nutritional Potential of Neglected Plant Foods (NPFs) 2.5 Asian Forgotten Food Crops to Fight Hunger and Improving Nutritional Security 2.6 Neglected Plant Foods and Management of Malnutrition 2.7 Policies to Incentivize Nutrient-Rich Neglected Plant Foods Production 2.8 Conclusion References Chapter 3: Exploring Neglected and Underutilized Plant Foods to Fight Malnutrition and Hunger in South Asia 3.1 Introduction 3.2 State of Food Insecurity and Nutrition in South Asia 3.3 Food Production Statistics and Nutritional Gaps, Burden of Food Insecurity on Conventional Food Crops 3.4 Role of Dietary Diversity in High Burden of Malnutrition 3.5 Concept of Future Smart Foods and Their Role to Fight Malnutrition 3.6 Nutritional Attributes of Underutilized Future Smart Plant Foods 3.7 Underutilized and Wild Food Plants, Ethnic Knowledge on Food Uses, a Critical Comparison of Neglected Plant Foods as Substituent to Conventional Food Crops 3.8 An Example of Success in South Asia 3.9 Role of Neglected Foods in Addressing Various Forms of Malnutrition 3.9.1 Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM) 3.9.2 Anemia 3.9.3 Diarrhea and Malnutrition 3.9.4 Bone Health 3.9.5 Celiac Disease 3.9.6 Prebiotics and Probiotics 3.10 Food Safety and Toxicological Aspects of Underutilized Plant Foods 3.11 Conclusion References Chapter 4: Inclusion Criteria for Underutilized Food Plants in Nutrition-Sensitive Programming 4.1 Introduction 4.2 Key Nutritional Aspects of Select Neglected and Underutilized Food Plants in India, Nepal, Sri Lanka 4.2.1 India 4.2.2 Sri Lanka 4.2.3 Nepal 4.3 Determinants and Barriers/Constraints Preventing Better Use of These Foods in Food Security and Nutrition Strategies, Policies, and Interventions 4.4 Mapping, Assessing and Prioritizing NUFPs for Inclusion in Food Security and Nutrition Planning: Experiences from Relevant Projects and Initiatives. Methods, Tools, Criteria for Prioritization of NUFPs and Species Selection 4.4.1 Mapping Existing Information 4.4.2 Filling Information Gaps 4.4.3 Prioritizing Species 4.5 Identification of Entry Points to Better Harness Use of NUFPs for Nutrition-Sensitive Approaches for Improved Household Food Security and Nutrition 4.5.1 Strengthening Policies and Enabling Environments 4.5.2 Nutrition-Sensitive Markets, Value Chains 4.6 Conclusions and Recommendations References Chapter 5: Neglected and Underutilized Food Plants of India 5.1 Introduction 5.2 Concept of ‘Neglected and Underutilized Plants’ 5.3 Need to Explore Underutilized and Neglected Plants 5.4 Neglected and Underutilized Food Plants Available in India 5.5 Importance of Neglected and Underutilized Plants in Food and Nutritional Security 5.6 Value Addition and Some Processed Product from Underutilized Plants 5.7 Potential Role of Underutilized Plants 5.7.1 Food Security and Nutritional Value 5.7.2 Increased Income for Rural People 5.7.3 Ecosystem Stability 5.7.4 Cultural Biodiversity 5.8 Constraints in Utilization and Market Value of Underutilized Plants 5.9 Strategies for the Development of Underutilized Food Plants 5.10 Improving Resources for Conservation of Neglected and Underutilized Plants 5.11 Conclusion and Future Prospects References Chapter 6: Underutilized Plant Foods of Pakistan 6.1 Introduction 6.2 Neglected Food Plants of Pakistan 6.2.1 Cereals and Pseudo Cereals 6.2.2 Roots and Tubers 6.2.3 Pulses and Nuts 6.2.4 Horticultural Produce 6.3 Traditional Uses of Neglected Food Plants 6.4 Industrial Valorization of Neglected Food Plants 6.5 Nutritional Significance and Opportunities 6.6 National Policies Towards Preserving Biodiversity and Promoting Neglected Food Plants Production 6.7 Toxicological Challenges and Possible Solutions 6.8 Conclusion References Chapter 7: Neglected Plant Foods of Bangladesh 7.1 Introduction 7.2 Neglected Food Plants 7.2.1 Cereals and Pseudo Cereals 7.2.2 Roots and Tubers 7.2.3 Pulses and Nuts 7.2.4 Horticultural Produce 7.2.4.1 Fruits Functional Foods Confectionary and Beverages 7.2.4.2 Vegetables Herbal and Pharmaceutical Curries and Soups Beverages and Puddings Functional Foods 7.2.5 Others 7.2.5.1 Use as Spice and Condiments 7.2.5.2 Juice 7.2.5.3 Sap 7.2.5.4 Jams 7.2.5.5 Drinks 7.2.5.6 Pickles/Leathers/Food Preserves 7.2.5.7 Sauce 7.2.5.8 Murabba/Candy 7.2.5.9 Halwa 7.3 Industrial Valorization of Neglected Food Plants 7.4 Nutritional Significance and Opportunities 7.5 Development Agenda, Constitutional Commitments and National Policies Toward Preserving Biodiversity and Promoting Neglected Food Plants Production 7.5.1 National Food Policy 2006 7.5.2 National Nutrition Policy 2015 7.5.3 The Industrial Policy 2016 7.5.4 The National Environment Policy 2018 7.5.5 The Second National Plan of Action for Nutrition (NPAN2) 2016–2025 7.5.6 The Bangladesh Food Safety Act, 2013 7.5.7 Bangladesh Food Safety Authority (BFSA) 7.6 Toxicological Challenges and Possible Solutions 7.7 Traditional Knowledge and Gender Role 7.8 Ecology, Distribution Pattern, Genetic Resource Base and Domestication of Neglected Food Plants 7.9 Conclusion References Chapter 8: Exploring Social-Ecological Systems for Mainstreaming Neglected and Underutilised Plant Foods: Local Solutions to Food Security Challenges in Sri Lanka 8.1 Introduction 8.2 Neglected and Underutilised Food Plants of Sri Lanka 8.2.1 Cereals and Pseudo Cereals 8.2.2 Roots and Tubers 8.2.3 Pulses and Legumes 8.2.4 Horticultural Crops 8.3 Food Security Challenges in SESs and Nutritional Significance of NUPFs 8.4 Value Chain Development of NUPFs: Constraints and Opportunities in Sri Lanka 8.5 Biodiversity for Food and Nutrition (BFN) Approach for Mainstreaming NUPFs for Improved Nutrition and Livelihoods in Sri Lanka 8.6 Constraints to Mainstreaming and Better Use of NUPFs in Sri Lanka 8.7 Conclusion References Chapter 9: Neglected Food Plants of Nepal 9.1 Introduction 9.2 Neglected Food Plants of Nepal 9.2.1 Cereals, Pseudo Cereals and Millets 9.2.2 Roots and Tubers 9.2.3 Pulses and Nuts 9.2.4 Fruits and Vegetables 9.2.5 Others 9.3 Traditional Uses of Neglected Food Plants 9.4 Industrial Valorization of Neglected Food Plants 9.5 Nutritional Significance and Opportunities 9.6 National Policies Toward Preserving Biodiversity, Agrobiodiversity and Promoting Neglected Food Plants Production 9.7 Toxicological Challenges and Possible Solutions 9.8 Conclusion References Chapter 10: Grain Millet: Potential to Fill Nutrition Gaps in the Context of Food Security and Climate Change 10.1 Introduction 10.2 Cultivation Practices of Millets 10.3 Production Statistics of Major and Minor Millets 10.4 Millet’s Potential as an Alternative to Conventional Cereals 10.5 Nutritional Features and Food Potential of Different Millets 10.6 Resilience to Climate Change 10.7 Millets in Malnutrition and Different Health Conditions 10.8 Recent Research on Mainstreaming Millets to Ensure Food Security in Pandemics 10.9 Challenges and Opportunities to Improve Millets Production in South Asia 10.10 Conclusion References Chapter 11: Amaranth (Amaranthus spp.): Food Properties and Potential Health Benefits 11.1 Introduction 11.2 Common Edible Food-Grain Species 11.3 Nutritional Perspectives of Amaranth 11.4 Strategies to Improve Nutrient Accessibility in Grain Amaranth 11.5 Global Market Potential of the Grain 11.6 Amaranth’s Adaptability to Climate Change 11.7 Health-Promoting Properties 11.7.1 Anticancer 11.7.2 Anti-hypertensive Effects 11.7.3 Celiac Disease 11.8 Value Added Products 11.9 Conclusion References Chapter 12: Moringa (Moringa oleifera): Multi-functional Role in Management of Malnutrition and Health Promotion 12.1 Introduction 12.2 Food and Nutritional Aspects of Different Edible Accessions of Moringa 12.3 Moringa’s Potential in Prevention and Management of Malnutrition 12.4 Health Promoting Properties of Moringa 12.5 Challenges and Opportunities for Moringa Growers in South Asia 12.6 Resilience to Climate Change 12.7 Toxicological Aspects and Remedial Strategies 12.8 Moringa Derived Value-Added Food Products 12.9 Conclusion References Chapter 13: Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera): A Review of Economic Potential, Industrial Valorization, Nutritional and Health Significance 13.1 Introduction 13.2 Cultivation of Date Palm 13.3 Date Palm Tree 13.4 Date Fruit Maturation Phases 13.4.1 Hababouk 13.4.2 Kimri 13.4.3 Khalal 13.4.4 Rutab 13.4.5 Tamar 13.5 Date Palm Climate Friendly Cultivation 13.6 Cultivar and Crop Production Risks 13.6.1 Date Palm Cultivars 13.6.2 Date Palm Crop Production Risks 13.7 Climate Change and Date Palm Crop 13.8 Role of Date Palm Cultivation on Rural Household Food Security 13.9 International Trade Potential of Date Palm Fruit 13.10 Nutritional Significance of Date Fruit 13.10.1 Date Fruit Flesh 13.10.2 Date Seed 13.11 Functional and Health Promoting Properties of Date Fruit and the Seed 13.11.1 Antioxidant Activity 13.11.2 Anti-inflammatory Activity 13.11.3 Anti-mutagenic Activity 13.11.4 Antidiabetic Activity 13.11.5 Gastroprotective/Antiulcer Activity 13.11.6 Nephroprotective Activity 13.11.7 Hepatoprotective Activity 13.11.8 Cardioprotective Activity 13.12 Date Palm Fruit Consumption and Risk of Nutritional Anemia 13.13 Date Palm Fruit-Based Value-Added Food Products 13.14 Barrier in Establishing Sustainable Date Palm Fruit Industry 13.15 Conclusions References Chapter 14: Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa): Potential of the “Golden Grain” for Food and Nutritional Security in South Asia 14.1 Introduction 14.2 Quinoa Adaptation, Cultivation, and Production Trends in South Asia 14.3 Nutritional Perspectives of Quinoa and Comparison with Traditional Cereals 14.4 Application of Quinoa in Management of Various Forms of Nutritional Disorders 14.5 Health Benefits of Quinoa as a Functional Food 14.6 Processing Technologies to Improve Safety and Nutritional Significance of Quinoa 14.7 Value – Addition and Industrial Uses of Quinoa 14.8 Challenges and Opportunities to Improve Quinoa Production in South Asia 14.9 Conclusion References Chapter 15: Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas): An Intervention Food in Management of Food and Nutritional Security in South Asia 15.1 Introduction 15.2 Sustainable Cultivation of Sweet Potato as Food, Fodder and Fuel Crop 15.3 Conventional Food Applications of Sweet Potato in South Asia 15.4 Nutritional Composition of Sweet Potato and Its Genetically Modified Varieties 15.4.1 Carbohydrates 15.4.2 Proteins 15.4.3 Minerals and Vitamins 15.4.4 Bioactive Compounds 15.5 Sweet Potato as an Intervention Food for Management of Nutritional Disorders 15.5.1 Anti-cancer 15.5.2 Anti-diabetic 15.5.3 Cardio-protective 15.5.4 Anti-inflammatory and Immuno-modulatory 15.5.5 Anti-obesity 15.6 Sweet Potato Based – Value Added Food Products 15.7 Challenges to Sweet Potato Production and Marketing in South Asia 15.8 Conclusion References Chapter 16: Taro (Colocasia spp.): Applications in Food Production and Improving Nutrition in South Asia 16.1 Introduction 16.2 Climate Resilient Cultivation of Taro 16.3 Status of Taro Production in South Asia as an “Orphan Crop” 16.4 Nutritional Composition of Taro 16.5 Industrial and Food Applications of Taro Starch 16.6 Traditional Food Uses of Taro in South Asia 16.7 Application of Taro for Producing Infant Flours 16.8 Taro Based Value Added Food Products 16.9 Future Prospects of Taro Value Addition 16.9.1 Ready-to-Eat (RTE) Taro Patties and Chunks 16.9.2 Taro Flour as a Food Ingredient 16.9.3 Taro Starch 16.9.4 Taro Mucilage 16.9.5 Taro Peels 16.10 Challenges in Taro Production and Commercialization 16.11 Conclusion References Chapter 17: Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus): An Overview of Nutritional and Functional Food Properties 17.1 Introduction: Jackfruit as the Fruit of Future 17.2 Origin, Distribution, and Cultivation of Jackfruit 17.2.1 Origin and Distribution 17.2.2 Cultivation 17.3 Nutritional Composition of Jackfruit 17.3.1 Nutritional Profile of Fruit 17.3.2 Nutritional Profile of Seed 17.4 Nutritional and Health Benefits 17.4.1 Health Benefits of Fruit 17.4.2 Health Benefits of Seeds 17.4.3 Health Benefits of Other Parts 17.4.4 Case Study of Diabetes 17.5 Culinary Uses of Jackfruit in Different Cultures 17.5.1 Jackfruit Curry 17.5.2 Jackfruit Biryani 17.5.3 Jackfruit Smoothies 17.5.4 Jackfruit Salad 17.5.5 Jackfruit Chapati 17.6 Processing, Value-Addition and Commercial Significance 17.6.1 Primary Processing 17.6.1.1 Harvesting 17.6.1.2 Maturity Indices 17.6.1.3 Delay of Ripening 17.6.1.4 Prevention of Post-harvest Losses 17.6.1.5 Storage at Low Temperature 17.6.1.6 Packing 17.6.2 Value-Addition 17.6.2.1 Beverages and Fermented Products 17.6.2.2 Jam and Ice Cream 17.6.2.3 Chips 17.6.2.4 Extruded Products 17.6.2.5 Substitute of Meat 17.6.2.6 Waste Valorization Roasted Jackfruit Seeds Jackfruit Seed Flour Jackfruit Seed Oil Other Products 17.6.3 Economic Significance 17.7 Challenges and Opportunities in Jackfruit-Based Agribusiness 17.8 Conclusion and Future Prospects References Chapter 18: Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum): An Overview of Food Uses and Health Benefits 18.1 Introduction 18.2 Nutritional Perspectives of Fenugreek 18.3 Primary and Secondary Bioactive Metabolites of Fenugreek 18.4 Health Perspectives of Fenugreek and Its Metabolites 18.4.1 Cholesterol-Lowering Effect 18.4.2 Anti-carcinogenic Activities 18.4.3 Antidiabetic Activities 18.4.4 Antioxidant Activity 18.4.5 Immunomodulatory 18.4.6 Lactation Aid 18.4.7 Other Health Benefits 18.5 Fenugreek Uses as Food Additive 18.6 Fenugreek-Based Food Products and Its Commercial Significance 18.7 Strategies to Improve the Bioavailability of Fenugreek 18.8 Conclusion References Index