Value Addition of some Underutilized Fruit Crops Dutta Piyali, Dey Koyel, Ghosh Arkendu, Banik B.C. Department of Fruits and Orchard Management, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Mohanpur-741252, Nadia, West Bengal, India *email: mithi.rani11@gmail.com
Online published on 15 December, 2016. Abstract India enjoys a prominent position on the pomological map of the world. The varying weather conditions of thiscountry provide suitable environment for growing a variety of fruits. India accounts for 12.5% of the total world population of fruit crops and ranks second with the production of 75 million tons in 2013 (FAO, 2014). These fruits are available in abundance and also in different seasons. The underutilized fruits like aonla, bael, jamun, pomegranate, date palm, wood apple, carambola etc. are the main sources of livelihood for the poor and play an important role in overcomingthe problem of malnutrition (Gajanana et al, 2010). These fruits come under the underutilized fruits, because, they are neither grown commercially on large scale nor traded widely. They are cultivated, traded and consumed locally (Singh, 2007). This has resulted in limited scope for expansion of other minor fruits, though they are nutritious, and are the main source of livelihood for the poor. Most of the underutilized fruits of the tropics are often available only in the local markets and are practically unknown in other parts of the world. A large number of these fruits can grow under adverse conditions and are also known for their therapeutic and nutritive value and can satisfy the demands of the health-conscious consumers. However, some of these fruits are not acceptable in the market in fresh form due to their acidic nature and astringent taste. Hence, there is a need to concentrate on research efforts in diversification and popularization of such underutilized fruit crops. To achieve this, there is a need to create demand for such fruit crops in the domestic and international markets. This, to some extent, can be achieved through developing suitable processing and marketing strategies for these underutilized fruits. Top Keywords Minor crops, nutritional value, tropical fruits, value added products, health benifit. Top |