Executive Summary : | Indigenous vegetable crops have been cultivated since ancient times and have served as food, medicine, and nutrition for both humans and animals. Today, around 10,000 indigenous food species are in regular use worldwide. However, many of these plants have been neglected, unrecognized, or underutilized. studies show that the intake of micronutrients in these crops can improve health and reduce the incidence of ill-health in children and women. Additionally, these crops can improve food security in local populations. Health is an important component of human capital, and good health is not only about physical or social fitness but also mental and psychological well-being. Underutilized crop species have not been adequately explored due to decreased attention to their production, consumption, and utilization. Important vegetable crops grown as underexploited include Kale/Haak, Green Amranthus, Prickly Amaranthus, Purslane/Nunnar, Dandelion, Common mallow, Kamal Kakdi, Nelumbonacea, Himalayan rhubarb, Indian rhubarb/pamba haaq, Rheum emodi, Polygonacea, Broad leaved dock, Rumex obtusifolius, Orach/Vast Haak, and Artiplex Hortensis. There may be several other vegetable crops that need to be explored and characterized nutritionally in tribal areas of Kashmir, such as Gurez, Machil, Kishtawar, Ponch, Rajouri, Leh, and parts of Himachal Pradesh. |