Diversity of neglected and underutilized crop species (NUCS) at Rancabuaya, South Garut West Java: potentially as human food

Abstract

Rancabuaya is one of the tourist destination located in Garut West Java The aim of this study was to collect information about diversity of neglected and underutilized plants and their potential as human foods particularly in Caringin Village Purbayani Indralayang Samudra Jaya and Cimahi village The methods used in this research weredirect observations survey semi structured interviews individual discussions and key informant interviews The survey was conducted on paddy fields agroforestries and homegardens Neglected and underutilized crop species were identified by literature review from Arora Plants consisted of species from families There were of total plantsin Rancabuaya known as food crops It consistedof species from families offoodcrops in Rancabuaya More than of total food crops were included to NUCS More than oftotal crop speciesin Rancabuaya categorized as vegetables and fruit plant species as NUCS There were species categorized as cereals NUCS were not found species as legumes NUCS species as tubers NUCS species as vegetables NUCS species as fruit plants NUCS species as herbs NUCS and species categorized as others NUCS Review of the literature available revealed that many of neglected crops are rich in nutrient has a potential for further food development and potential to be promoted in market Unfortunately insufficiency of promotion from national policy and the lack of development of organized market could be the main reasons of their negligence