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Local Plants for Rural Food Security

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Sustainable Agriculture Reviews

Part of the book series: Sustainable Agriculture Reviews ((SARV,volume 17))

Abstract

Local plants appear to be of minor importance as they are either neglected or underutilized by the farmers and consumers. Some of these crops are disappearing, even lost or became extinct, because of preference for high value cash crops or plants of industrial importance. Consequently farmers have lost their traditional knowledge and skill for growing local crops raised mostly on marginal lands with little farm inputs. With availability of easy to cook and tastier foods, consumers have changed their food habits. Poor people cannot however, afford these modern but costly foods and have to rely solely on local crops particularly during time of distress and natural calamities. There is environmental degradation, loss in genetic resources and changes in crop sustainability. Unsteady climate, paucity of resources and developmental facilities, inappropriate government policies hamper the cause of food security. Content of poor nutrients and/or toxic substances in local crops are the additional challenges.

I review here the issues of current food security in poor countries in the context of local crops. Great potential exists for exploitation and utilization of this natural asset as these crops have ability to grow and thrive in adverse conditions for growth and development. Likewise, existing crops are being rejuvenated by modern breeding techniques. Conservation of natural resources becomes a priority especially in ecologically degraded regions. When food is inaccessible due to high prices and low paying capacity, local crops and wild plants enhances household security not only by availability by substituting normal crops but also by cheap processing. Food is inexpensive yet provides nutritional elements, supports family livelihood and economy of poor people. Therefore, due attention has to be given by research scientists, planners, policy makers, administrators and consumers. In near future, creating community institutions and enhancement of local agricultural practices may help marginal and small farmers to cope with disastrous poverty and to eradicate hunger. Pro-poor policies launched by government can also improve food and nutrition security.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Arag Biotech Pvt. Ltd., Plot 220, Reshimbag, Nagpur, 440009, India

    Ruparao T. Gahukar

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  1. Ruparao T. Gahukar
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Correspondence to Ruparao T. Gahukar .

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  1. INRA, UMR1347 Agroécologie, Dijon, France

    Eric Lichtfouse

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Gahukar, R.T. (2015). Local Plants for Rural Food Security. In: Lichtfouse, E. (eds) Sustainable Agriculture Reviews. Sustainable Agriculture Reviews, vol 17. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-16742-8_6

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