A Review on the Underutilised Fruits and Vegetables of West Bengal: Nutritional Potential and Conservation Priorities
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31632/0cvsgg71Keywords:
Ethnobotany;, Indigenous Leafy Vegetables;, Nutritional Security;, Underutilised Crops;, West BengalAbstract
Underutilised fruits and vegetables (UFVs) in West Bengal are important reservoirs of dietary diversity, micronutrients and culturally embedded food knowledge. This review synthesises published ethnobotanical surveys, nutritional analyses and regional reports to identify prominent underutilised fruits and indigenous leafy vegetables (ILVs) of West Bengal, summarise their potential nutritional and health benefits, and outline conservation, value‑chain and research priorities to promote their wider use. The review argues that integrating UFVs into local food systems will advance nutritional security, climate resilience and livelihood opportunities if supported by targeted research, market development and participatory conservation.
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