Scholarlink

<p>Underutilized fruits (UFs) are cultivated or commercialized on a&#xa0;limited scale compared to other horticultural crops. They serve both edible and non-edible purposes, despite their seasonal and niche-specific distributions. Underutilized indigenous fruits contribute to rural income and are instrumental in preventing malnutrition due to their rich nutritional and antioxidant properties. The collection, processing, and selling of these fruits serve as a&#xa0;form of livelihood for the rural communities. However, the commercialization of such UF crops faces challenges such as lower market prices than cultivated fruit crops like mango, guava, or pineapple, and their post-harvest losses, perishability, and low consumer reception. Addressing these issues through market research and economic feasibility studies provides valuable insights for the successful commercialization of these fruits. The objective of this review is to underscore the relevance of such neglected UFs by paying special attention to their role in income generation and marketing status. The present review discusses various challenges in the commercialization of underutilized wild edible minor fruit crops and also suggests some strategies for their expansion in global markets by emphasizing the importance of supply chains.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Underutilized Fruits as Economic Lifelines in India: A Review

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年7月27日

查看全文
  • R. M. Deepthy,
  • E. A. Siril

摘要

Underutilized fruits (UFs) are cultivated or commercialized on a limited scale compared to other horticultural crops. They serve both edible and non-edible purposes, despite their seasonal and niche-specific distributions. Underutilized indigenous fruits contribute to rural income and are instrumental in preventing malnutrition due to their rich nutritional and antioxidant properties. The collection, processing, and selling of these fruits serve as a form of livelihood for the rural communities. However, the commercialization of such UF crops faces challenges such as lower market prices than cultivated fruit crops like mango, guava, or pineapple, and their post-harvest losses, perishability, and low consumer reception. Addressing these issues through market research and economic feasibility studies provides valuable insights for the successful commercialization of these fruits. The objective of this review is to underscore the relevance of such neglected UFs by paying special attention to their role in income generation and marketing status. The present review discusses various challenges in the commercialization of underutilized wild edible minor fruit crops and also suggests some strategies for their expansion in global markets by emphasizing the importance of supply chains.