Underutilized fruit crops are great contributors to nutritional security, especially in rural and tribal areas of India. Native or locally adapted fruits, they are densely packed with essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and dietary fiber. Although they are extremely nutritious, they are grossly underemphasized in formal agriculture and markets.
Some of the examples of these fruits are bael (Aegle marmelos), jamun (Syzygium cumini), karonda (Carissa carandas), tamarind, and ber (Ziziphus mauritiana). They grow in marginal conditions with little or no inputs and are thus well-suited for cultivation in drought or resource-poor areas. Apart from providing health benefits, they also contribute to biodiversity and aid in