A review on an underutilised multipurpose legume: rice bean

Abstract

Rice bean is a versatile legume which can grow from humid subtropical to warm and cool temperate climates primarily grown for food especially in Asia. It is a multipurpose legume. All parts of it are edible and used in culinary preparations. It is grown for green manure and cover crop. Rice bean seeds and vegetative parts are also used as fodder. It contains about 20% protein. It also has a comparatively higher content of protein, amino acid, minerals and some vitamins than other cereal crops. It is grown on a wide range of soils, including shallow, infertile or degraded soils. It is a hardy plant and is resistant to bruchids, Yellow vein mosaic virus and Cercospora leaf spot. It does not require any special care during growth and does not consume many nutrients. Though it can thrive in the same condition as cowpea and better tolerate harsh conditions including drought, water logging and acid soils, rice bean remains as an underutilised legume and limited breeding programme has been done to improve this crop.