Underutilised fruits: resources for sustainable livelihood

Haq, N. (2007) Underutilised fruits: resources for sustainable livelihood. In, Ochatt, S. and Jain, S.M. (eds.) Breeding of Neglected and Under-utilized Crops, Spices and Herbs. Enfield, USA. CRC Press, pp. 1-25.

Abstract

Very few of the world's plant species are used for food, feed, fuel, shelter, industry, medicine and the improvement of environment. The risk associated with the dependence on few crops for the requirements will be higher in future due to major changes in climate. The wealth of underutilised fruit tree species is becoming important in crop diversifican in the household farms, community gardens and agroforestry. To achieve this, there is a need to build a strategy based on complete understanding, the building of market chains from the producer to end-user. Key elements in these chains are: (a) identification of existing demand for a product or stimulating demand for new products, (b) market intelligence relating to existing and potential markets (c) transport infrastructure, (d) local, national or international development of appropriate processing and packaging technologies (e) quality control (f) identification and propagation of high quality planting materials (g) identification of appropriate farming systems and production methods. Addressing these issues will enhance the conservation, production and use of underutilised fruits.

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