Advancing Food Security with Genetic Resources of Amaranthus, Buckwheat, and Chenopodium

The increasing dependence on a limited set of major cereal crops, namely rice, wheat, and maize, has raised concerns about global food security and nutrition. While these crops provide sufficient calories to combat hunger, they lack essential micronutrients, thereby, contributing to malnutrition and long-term health issues. One promising solution is the diversification of crop production, and orphan crops play a vital role in this strategy. Orphan crops, often referred to as “hidden treasures,” are underexplored and well-suited for cultivation with minimal resource inputs. They offer genetic diversity for future crop enhancements and are resilient to environmental shocks, making them crucial for food and nutritional security. The Himalayan region, in particular, hosts a rich diversity of neglected and underutilized crop species, including grain amaranths, buckwheat, and chenopods. These pseudocereals are adaptable to challenging terrains with shorter growing seasons and less fertile soils, making them valuable alternatives to major cereals. They are highly nutritious, gluten-free, and rich in essential micronutrients, dietary fiber, and beneficial compounds, offering health benefits as compared to traditional staple grains. Moreover, they exhibit resistance to pests, diseases, and stress tolerance. To effectively harness the potential of orphan crops, genetic variability is crucial. However, germplasm resources for these crops are limited, and there is a lack of genomic studies. Genomic-assisted breeding techniques can enhance crop genetics, improve yield and quality, and contribute to global food security. Therefore, efforts must be dedicated to the conservation and characterization of pseudocereals’ genetic and genomic assets worldwide.