Introduction

According to the great Philosopher Hippocrates. “Your Food is Your Medicine”, The present food basket carries a limited number of crops, though there are many potential crops, presently underutilized. There is an urgent need to highlight the importance of these underutilized crops which have high nutritional and medicinal values. The cultivation of such crops will not only add to the food basket, but also enhance the income of the farmers; at the same time the species will be saved from becoming extinct.

Regional Significance

The Hill Region of our country especially the North Eastern India is a treasure trove of germplasm of underutilized and diverse crops, but its potentiality remains unexploited. Many plant species native to this region are used as fruits and vegetables which not only supplement the nutritive requirements of the people but also act as medicines for many diseases.

Purpose of the Book

This book is an effort to explore the hidden potential of underutilized horticultural crops of hill regions of our country.