Intensive cultivation of wheat and rice over the years has depleted our natural resources to a great extent. There is, therefore, a need for crop diversification. We should cultivate low-input crops which give higher economic return. In this respect,horticulture is the most viable option. Fruits and vegetables are considered as protective foods as they are rich source of vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, etc. which are essential for human nutrition. Worldwide, approximately 2 billion people suffer from vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and about 1.7 million lives could be saved annually by increasing vegetable and fruit consumption. The cultivation of these crops not only provides nutrition, but also generates direct and indirect employment opportunities for people.
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