Underutilized grains of Himalayan Region: A mini review

Abstract

Underutilized crops are those which are neither cultivated in an organized farming system nor processed by established commercial processing method. These are the minor crops and not fully exploited for commercial purpose. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) statistics reveal that approximate 800 million children, women and men are suffering from protein-calorie under nutrition so these underutilized grain are dire need to utilized not because of its nutritional properties but its fighting huger and create the income generation option. In this review different grain of Himachal Pradesh viz. Amaranth, Kodo Millet, Buckwheat, Red rice and Rice bean has been discussed. All these grains are posses antioxidants, phytochemical and micro nutrients. High nutritional content of these grains shows its nutraceutical values. Cereal are the staple diet of Indian people so utilization of these underutilized crops in preparation of composite flour can also enhances the nutritional and functional properties of the cereal food products. Underutilized grains are not gain enough popularity among the people due to lack of awareness and economic interest so timely investment and research into these species can save the food for the next generation arriving on the already ailing earth.