In arid, hilly and tribal areas... overcoming malnutrition through non-traditional fruits

摘要

The presence of various nutrients is essential in human diet for healthy and active life. Alarming situation of malnutrition is existing in;the country particularly in arid, hilly and tribal areas. Fruits are considered as a protective food being rich in vitamins and minerals. Non-traditional fruits which generally grow in arid, hilly and tribal areas can provide a solution to the problem of malnutrition. These fruits are easier to cultivate, hardy in nature and rich in nutrients. The potential non-traditional fruits for hot arid region are aonla, bael, wild ber, karonda, ker, lasora, mulberry, phalsa and datepalm; for cold arid region are chilgoza, Indian hazel, wild apricot and seabuckthorn; for humid high and midhills are kaiphal, Himalayan yellow raspberry, wild fig, wild pomegranate, sand pear and pummelo; and for tribals of other region are aonla, bael, carambola, chironji, custard-apple, jack-fruit, jamun, karonda, kokum, pummelo, tamarind and wood apple.The production of non-traditional fruits can be increased by cultivating them in wasteland and adopting in agroforestry management systems. The research support is required for evolving superior varieties, genetic conservation, development of production technology and postharvest management, emphasizes Dr Rathore, a leading horticulturist.