R. K. Khetarpal

Regional expert consultation on underutilized crops for food and nutrition security in asia and the pacific

Malnutrition and disease are closely associated and incidences of such diet-related diseases increase particularly in low and middle income states. While foods of animal origin are often unaffordable to low income families, various neglected crops can offer an alternative source of micronutrients, vitamins, as well as health-promoting secondary plant metabolites. Therefore, agricultural and horticultural research should develop strategies not only to produce more food, but also to improve access to more nutritious food. In this context, one promising approach is to promote biodiversity in the dietary pattern of low income people by getting access to nutritional as well as affordable food and providing recommendations for food selection and preparation. Worldwide, a multitude of various plant species are assigned to be consumed as grains, vegetables and fruits, but only a limited number of these species is used as commercial cash crops. Consequently, numerous neglected and underutilized species offer the potential to diversify not only the human diet, but also increase food production levels, and thus, enable more sustainable and resilient agroand horti-food systems. To exploit the potential of neglected plant species, coordinated approaches on the local, regional, and international level have to be integrated that consequently demand the involvement of numerous multi-stakeholders. Thus, the objective of the present review is to evaluate whether neglected plant species are important as “Future Food” for improving the nutritional status of humans as well as increasing resilience of agroand horti-food systems.

Biosecurity from Plant Viruses in India

The liberalized trade of agricultural commodities under World Trade Organisation has necessitated the strengthening of agricultural biosecurity and aligning the national efforts to the International Standards of Phytosanitary Measures. In India an Agricultural Biosecurity Bill has been drafted and is under the consideration of the Government. The strategies for biosecurity for plant viruses include stringent quarantine measures for the imported material, domestic quarantine and use of certified disease-free seed and other planting material within the country. As far as the germplasm is concerned, National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources has strengthened its quarantine measures for detection and interception of exotic plant viruses. During the last three decades, a number of viruses of serious economic concern have been intercepted including 16 viruses that are not known to exist in India. Besides, interceptions were made for 19 plant viruses that are not known to occur on specific host(s) in India. For facilitating export certification, exclusion of plant viruses from the fields is crucial. Strengthening the quality control of seeds with respect to seed health needs attention though an institutional mechanism for tissue culture-raised plants is in place. Non availability of diagnostic reagents the key challenge in the detection of viruses in quarantine. Also strengthening of infrastructure, capabilities and methodologies for detection of viruses in bulk samples is essential. For virus detection, adoption of a right technique and strategy would help in ensuring biosecurity of Indian agriculture from transboundary movement of plant viruses. A need for National Plant Pests Diagnostics and Certification Network is proposed to meet the targets.