UNDERUTILIZED FRUITS AND VEGETABLES: CONTRIBUTION IN ACHIEVING FOOD AND NUTRITIONAL SECURITY

Eradication of global malnutrition demands progress towards achieving food and nutritional security. Production of wide range of fruits and vegetables can reduce and enhance food security. Fruits and vegetables are excellent source of micronutrients i.e. minerals and vitamins. Incorporation of variety of fruits and vegetables in daily diet is essential for nutritional security. Increasing fruits and vegetables consumption can help alleviate malnutrition by proving balanced diet. Many indigenous fruits and vegetables are rich in micronutrients and could significantly contribute to nutritional security if eaten as a part of daily diet. These indigenous fruits and vegetables are amaranth, Asian eggplant, drumstick, jack fruit, jujube, bael, jamun, carambola, karonda and phalsa. Present status of these fruits and vegetables in India, constraints, their nutritional composition and ways of utilization as a food will be discussed.