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This book explores the significance of Nutri dense crops traditionally consumed during fasting in India. It highlights their nutritional benefits and their role in sustainable agriculture. Covering a diverse range of crops such as barnyard millet, amaranth, buckwheat, makhana, and chia seeds, the book sheds light on their historical and cultural relevance, along with their modern-day importance.
The chapters provide detailed insights into each crop's biology, cultivation practices, genetic resources, and potential for commercialization. Readers will find valuable information on their production, breeding techniques, and innovative value-addition methods that enhance their utility in today's food systems.
This book serves as a comprehensive resource for researchers, students, agricultural professionals, and food industry stakeholders. It aims to raise awareness and encourage the cultivation and consumption of these nutrient-rich crops, supporting both health and sustainable farming practices.
List of contents
1. Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea): The Protein-Rich Oilseed of Adaptability and Nutrition.- 2. ALSI : Omega 3 rich source for health and vitality.- 3. Grain Amaranth (Amaranthus spp.): The Sacred Seed of Ancient Civilizations.- 4. Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum): The Resilient Crop with Nutritional Riches.- 5. Water Chestnut (Trapa natans L.): The Aquatic Treasure of Traditional Diets.- 6. Makhana (Euryale ferox): The Super Snack from Water.- 7. Barnyard Millet (Echinochloa spp.): The Fast-Growing Nutritious Staple.- 8.Proso Millet (Panicum miliaceum): The Prodigious Millet for Diverse Uses.- 9. Kalingda (Citrullus colocynthis): The Desert Melon with Medicinal Power.- 10. Shakarkandi (Sweet Potato) (Ipomoea batatas L.) The Nutrient-Rich Root of Resilience.- 11. Sago (Tapioca) Manihot esculenta: The starchy sustainer of energy.- 12. Tikhur (East Indian Arrowroot) (Curcuma angustifolia Roxb.): The Starchy Root of Versatile Nutrition.- 13. Aonla (Indian Gooseberry) (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.): The Vitamin C Powerhouse for Immunity.- 14. Mahua (Madhuca indica): The Multifunctional Tree of Tradition and Sustenance.- 15. Poppy Seeds (Khus Khus) (Papaver somniferum): The Tiny Seed of Flavor and Nutrient Density.- 16. Saffron (Crocus sativus L.): Gold of the Spices.- 17. Tulsi (Holy Basil) (Ocimum tenuiflorum): The Sacred Herb of Wellness.- 18. Chia Seeds (Salvia hispanica): The Tiny Powerhouse of Omega-3 and Fiber.- 19. Halim Seeds (Garden Cress): The Ancient seed of Iron and Immunity.
About the author
Dr. Anil Kumar
is the Director of Education at Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University, Jhansi, India. With 30 years of experience in research, teaching, and administration, he has held key academic positions in molecular biology and genetic engineering. His expertise includes plant molecular and cell biology, functional genomics, and immunodiagnostics in agriculture. He has authored over 250 publications, including books and research papers, and received multiple national awards for his contributions to biotechnology education and agricultural research.
Dr. Jitendra Kumar Tiwari
is Associate Professor and Head of Genetics and Plant Breeding at Rani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural University, Jhansi, India. With a Ph.D. from IGKV, Raipur, he specializes in crop improvement, varietal development, and germplasm research. He has developed 10 crop varieties, registered two germplasm lines, and published 70 research articles and a book. His work has been recognized with awards like the Young Scientist Award and BARC Young Scientist Research Award.
Dr. Dinesh C. Joshi
is a Senior Scientist in the Crop Improvement Division at ICAR-VPKAS, Almora, India. Leading the Minor Millets and Pseudocereals Improvement Programme, he has developed eight cultivars and registered seven genetic stocks. His expertise includes genomics, trait mapping, and genome sequencing. He has published over 40 peer-reviewed articles and edited a book on millets. He has received awards such as the IACBG Fellowship and the Best Performing Centre Award for millet research.
Dr. Rajeev K. Varshney
is a Professor at the Food Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Australia. With over 20 years of experience in genomics and molecular breeding, he has worked across multiple countries, contributing to global food security. He has developed genomic resources for tropical crops, improving drought and pest tolerance. With over 600 publications, he has been recognized as a Clarivate Highly Cited Researcher (2014–2023) and has received numerous international awards for his pioneering research.
Summary
This book explores the significance of Nutri dense crops traditionally consumed during fasting in India. It highlights their nutritional benefits and their role in sustainable agriculture. Covering a diverse range of crops such as barnyard millet, amaranth, buckwheat, makhana, and chia seeds, the book sheds light on their historical and cultural relevance, along with their modern-day importance.
The chapters provide detailed insights into each crop’s biology, cultivation practices, genetic resources, and potential for commercialization. Readers will find valuable information on their production, breeding techniques, and innovative value-addition methods that enhance their utility in today’s food systems.
This book serves as a comprehensive resource for researchers, students, agricultural professionals, and food industry stakeholders. It aims to raise awareness and encourage the cultivation and consumption of these nutrient-rich crops, supporting both health and sustainable farming practices.
