About this Research Topic
In the realm of sustainable agriculture, Neglected and Underutilized Crops (NUCs) have emerged as a promising solution to the dual challenges of food security and climate resilience. These crops offer a rich diversity of species such as cereals, legumes, trees, and tubers, each bringing unique flavors and textures, along with substantial nutritional benefits critical to diet enhancement and overall health. Rich in essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, NUCs play a key role in addressing micronutrient deficiencies. Their adaptation to local environments makes them particularly resilient to climate stresses like droughts, pests, and soil degradation, while their integration into local traditions and diets helps preserve both biodiversity and cultural heritage.
This Research Topic aims to deepen our exploration of NUCs’ capabilities and their broader impact on sustainability and public health. By fostering greater academic and practical inquiry into these versatile crops, the objective is to generate a holistic understanding of their role within sustainable agriculture practices, their nutritional impact, and their economic viability, particularly for marginalized communities.
To gather further insights in advancing the cultivation and utilization of NUCs, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Agronomy and Breeding Programs: Trials for agronomic performance and variety improvement.
- Economic Studies: Market dynamics, consumer preferences, and value chains.
- Product Development: Creative product solutions and value addition.
- Policy and Advocacy: Strategies to support underutilized crop markets through legislative and financial means.
- Community Engagement: Initiatives to enhance local awareness and acceptance of NUCs.
- Indigenous/Local Knowledge: Integration of traditional practices with modern technological advances in crop production.
This comprehensive approach not only promises to enhance global food security and environmental sustainability but also ensures the preservation of cultural identities and biodiversity, ushering in a new era of climate-smart agriculture.
This Research Topic aims to deepen our exploration of NUCs’ capabilities and their broader impact on sustainability and public health. By fostering greater academic and practical inquiry into these versatile crops, the objective is to generate a holistic understanding of their role within sustainable agriculture practices, their nutritional impact, and their economic viability, particularly for marginalized communities.
To gather further insights in advancing the cultivation and utilization of NUCs, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- Agronomy and Breeding Programs: Trials for agronomic performance and variety improvement.
- Economic Studies: Market dynamics, consumer preferences, and value chains.
- Product Development: Creative product solutions and value addition.
- Policy and Advocacy: Strategies to support underutilized crop markets through legislative and financial means.
- Community Engagement: Initiatives to enhance local awareness and acceptance of NUCs.
- Indigenous/Local Knowledge: Integration of traditional practices with modern technological advances in crop production.
This comprehensive approach not only promises to enhance global food security and environmental sustainability but also ensures the preservation of cultural identities and biodiversity, ushering in a new era of climate-smart agriculture.
Keywords: Neglected and Underutilized Crops (NUCs) Climate Resilience Nutritional Benefits Sustainable Agriculture Biodiversity Preservation
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
