An overview of new and underutilized crops of Pakistan
1998
Rao, A. (University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (Pakistan))
The development of valuable germplasm of underutilized crops endemic to the northern and northwestern belt of Pakistan remains very poor. The occurrence of these uncommon but dependable food crops is largely confined to specific habitats and communities, however, the distribution of others is widespread. Some forms of barley, tetraploid wheats, millet, winter and summer legumes, crucifers/brassicas, flax, condiments, buckwheat, indigenous cotton, tulips, orchids and irises are amongst the least utilized crops. Similarly, wild, semi-domesticated and cultivated fruits remain underexploited, although very important supplements of local diets. The inter-specific and intra-specific genetic variability of these species is well adapted to the important micro-environments of the region. However, the cultivation of newly introduced crops, like potato, is accelerating genetic erosion and reducing the scope for exploiting underutilized crop germplasm. Before it becomes extinct, the development and commercialization of this dependable, but least exploited, agricultural bio-diversity existing in the form of underutilized crops deserves top priority as no appropriate substitute of this germplasm is available.
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