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Under-the-radar superfoods: Why these niche crops could help future food security?
In today's agricultural world, a handful of crops such as corn, wheat and rice account for 50% of global calories and protein consumption, which leads us to wonder whether other neglected crops have the same potential. When we talk about food security, many niche but promising crops are often considered traditional or too marginalized and not widely studied or adopted.
These neglected crops may not be able to find a place in the large-scale market, but they play an irreplaceable role in the food security, economic and cultural revitalization of local communities.
According to research around the world, although about 12,650 plant species are currently classified as edible, the use of some traditional crops has decreased significantly due to changes in modern agriculture. On the one hand, this is because these crops may have poor shelf life; on the other hand, consumers have low awareness of the nutritional value of these crops, and they are sometimes even regarded as "poor people's food."
For example, Chirimoya in Chile and Bambara in Mozambique are not only part of the daily diet, but also an important resource in the fight against famine. These niche crops demonstrate high potential value in the global food system, helping to increase dietary diversity and sustainability.
Definition of niche crops
Although there is a lack of consensus on what constitutes a niche crop, these crops often share some common characteristics.
- Has a close connection with the cultural heritage of its place of origin.
- Documentation of biology, distribution and cultivation is relatively weak.
- Adapt to specific ecological niches and poor quality soil.
- Lack of effective seed supply system.
- Traditional uses are concentrated in specific areas.
- Output mainly relies on traditional agricultural systems with minimal external inputs.
Niche crops, mostly grown in traditional farmer farming systems, are vital to the livelihoods of local communities but often fail to attract mainstream research and development attention.
Examples of neglected crops
Specifically, crops such as millet, sorghum or certain root crops are potential food security weapons. As awareness of these crops increases, their value is emerging. For example, Quinoa has gained world-class attention, but the accompanying price increases have made it unaffordable for local communities.
Different researchers have different criteria for defining which crops are considered niche crops. Depending on various evaluation criteria, certain crops are considered niche in some parts of the world but may be valued elsewhere. Such differences make global food security challenges more complex.
International events promoting niche crops
The development of niche crops is often influenced by international policies. Since the establishment of the International Center for Niche Crops in 1987, various international seminars and initiatives have been dedicated to promoting awareness of these crops.
For example, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) began formulating a global action plan as early as 1996, aiming to increase its focus on niche crops. In 2013, the International Year of Quinoa brought new attention to this crop and also hoped to convey the importance of these crops in food security.
How can we revitalize these niche crops in future agricultural practices and make them one of the solutions to global food security?
Because in the wave of globalization, these humble crops may reveal new opportunities in local economy, culture and food security. In the future, can we reawaken the value of these niche crops and let them shine again?
