An overview of the unexplored underutilized fruit crops of Assam, India

Abstract

Assam is the largest state of North-East India. This state is considered as one of the most extravagant biodiversity hotspots of the world because of its different geography, atmosphere and agro-environmental conditions. Various plant species that incorporate natural products have their starting point in this locale. A considerable number of these are yet to be developed in wild or semi-wild states. Regardless of the huge hereditary decent variety of these natural products, just a couple have been grown as business crops for their monetary, social and strict significance. Some of the explored fruit crops of Assam that have many potentials of being used not only in culinary purpose but also in much Ayurvedic medicine which is still underutilized Some of the underutilized fruit (UUF) crops of Assam are Kordoi/Carambola (Averrhoa Carambola), Leteku/Burmese grape (Baccurea sapida), Amra/Hog plum (Spondius mangifera), Jalphai/Olive (Olea europaea), Bael/Stone apple (Aegle marmelos), Imli/Tamarind (Tamarindus indica), Jamun/Wild Jamun (Sygium cuminii), Thekera/Garcinia spp., Poniol/Govorners plum (Falcourita jangomas), Outenga/Elephant fruit (Delinia indica ) and Amlokhi/ Indian Goose berry (Phyllanthus emblica) etc. Fruits have multipurpose utilisations and consequently assume critical job, particularly, for the prosperity of country individuals by giving sustenance, family pay and business. Huge numbers of these natural fruits have been utilised as customary restorative plants and some have discovered a significant spot in the Indian arrangement of Ayurvedic medicine and Unani since days of yore. Regardless of their latent capacity, these indigenous fruit crops are less known both at scientific and farmers level particularly in our region and some of them like wild jackfruit (Artocarpus hirsutus), Rattan (Calamus rotang) , Naga tenga (Myrica esculenta) etc. which are nearer to extinction.