Demystifying the advanced interventions of genetics and modern breeding approaches for nutritional security and sustainability of neglected and underused crop species (NUCS)

• Published in: Genetic resources and crop evolution Vol. 71; no. 2; pp. 559 - 577
• Main Authors: Zafar, Tabassum, Mehra, Akansha, Das, Paromita, Shaik, Bashirulla, Malik, Anoop Anand
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Springer Netherlands 01.02.2024; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Agriculture; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Community involvement; Community organizations; Crops; Food security; Genetic diversity; Genetics; Genomics; Hunger; Life Sciences; Malnutrition; Plant breeding; Plant Genetics and Genomics; Plant Physiology; Plant Sciences; Plant Systematics/Taxonomy/Biogeography; Policies; Review Paper; Rural areas; Sustainable development; NUCS; Sustainable development goals; Underutilized crops; Food security
• ISSN: 0925-9864; 1573-5109
• DOI: 10.1007/s10722-023-01823-1

The major concerns in underdeveloped nations are malnutrition, bad health, and hunger. The majority of neglected and underused crop species (NUCS) are cultivated in the region of their origin, where they are still valued and utilized to feed the local populace. In only certain rural areas of the world, these traditional crops are still consumed which may keep them undervalued as used in specific niches. Native to the area, NUCS are also old and still mostly unknown and have evolved in terms of biotic and abiotic stress resistance and resilience. "Orphan" or NUCS crops receive little attention from researchers and conservationists because they are little or inadequately recorded. For their significant usefulness, NUCS must be collected, conserved, analyzed, and, if required, altered by assessing genetic diversity using contemporary genomics methodologies. By involving farmers and community organizations as directly as possible in the plant breeding process, advanced breeding helps to improve locally adapted crop landraces. Consideration should also be given to NUCS valorization in light of its significant economic, cultural, and export potential. As outlined in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, these crops can contribute to the achievement of specific Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The absence of reliable documentation on these crops severely limits the creation of strategies and relevant policies. These underutilized types could someday gain acceptance in the international market if supported by the appropriate funding and policy. This article describes the issues surrounding NUCS globally in light of new genomics-related actions, and policies, which are highlighted for ensuring global food security.