Neglected and Underutilized Crop Species

Through participatory regional programs focusing on a wide range of neglected crops across the world, IPGRI is assessing crops^? diversity and conservation status, implementing plant breeding programs to improve varieties and improving marketing. Neglected and under-utilized crop species (NUS) are those that have been overlooked by scientific research and by development workers, and yet play a crucial role in the food security, income generation and food culture of the rural poor.

Lack of attention has meant that their potential value is under-exploited and places them in danger of continued genetic erosion and ultimately disappearance, further restricting development options for the poor. Data link: "bioversityinternational.org/Themes/Neglected_and_Underutilized_Species/index.asp" Information taken from "bioversityinternational.org/Themes/Neglected_and_Underutilized_Species/index.asp"