Potential of Minor Food Crops and Wild Plants for Nutritional Security in the Developing World

Abstract

Minor food crops, often known as “poor man's crops,” are currently neglected or underutilized and have become extinct or rare. These crops can, however, contribute substantially to nutritional security in poor communities as they contain essential and trace elements and thrive in harsh climatic and poor soil conditions and show tolerance to water stress, weeds, pests, and diseases. Genetic improvement for food value is therefore needed so as to minimize hunger, malnourishment, and underfeeding. This would be possible with regional and international cooperation for intensive studies, development, and extension.