Integrating neglected and underutilized crops (NUCs) in South Asian cropping systems and diets: Challenges and prospects

作者：Saira Shafiq, Muhammad Zia Ul Haq, Syed Abbas Raza Naqvi, Wardha Sarfaraz, Hina Ali, Md. Shafiqul Islam, Gul Hassan, Muhammad Nawaz, Tasawer Abbas · 发表于：Regional Sustainability · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.1016/j.regsus.2025.100242 · 被引用次数：9 · 研究领域：Seed and Plant Biochemistry、Agronomic Practices and Intercropping Systems、Agricultural Economics and Practices

The present review critically examines the role of neglected and underutilized crops (NUCs) in enhancing the resilience of South Asian cropping systems and diets in the context of climate change and nutritional challenges. This analysis reveals that integrating NUCs, such as millets, sorghums, amaranth, and indigenous legumes, into existing cropping systems can significantly improve the climate resilience, dietary diversity, and ecological sustainability of the food systems. These crops exhibit superior tolerance to abiotic stress and offer higher nutritional density compared to staple cereals, such as rice and wheat. However, their adoption faces challenges, including limited research investment, fragmented value chains, etc. We further identify that complementary cropping strategies and climate-smart agriculture (CSA) practices can optimize resource use while boosting smallholder farmers’ income. NUCs are pivotal for the transformation of exist cropping systems towards nutrition-sensitive and climate-resilient agricultural and food systems. Strategic integration of NUCs can simultaneously address food insecurity, biodiversity loss, and rural poverty. Yet, unlocking their potential requires coordinated efforts in genetic improvement, market development, and policy frameworks tailored to regional contexts. This synthesis provides a comprehensive roadmap for policy-makers, researchers, and farmers to leverage NUCs as “Future Smart Food”. By bridging agronomic, nutritional, and...