Abstract ID: 3.8962 | Reviewing | Talk/Oral | TBA | TBA

The treasure of mountain community depends on indigenous crops including Horsegram (Macrotyloma uniflorum) which is an underutilized legume traditionally known for its nutritional and medicinal properties and is widely grown in different parts of the country. The crop is rich in proteins, fatty acids carbohydrates, fat, fibers, water and major bioactive compounds imparting treatment against ailments like kidney stones, asthma, piles, leucoderma, bronchitis, and urinary discharges. Despite these benefits, there has been a scarcity of organized research work done on this crop species. Uttarakhand which is crossed by the rich Himalayan range of the country is popularly known for Hindu pilgrimage, cultural diversity, tourism, tasty and nutritionally rich cuisine. A variety of genotypes of Horsegram is available in the mountainous regions, that are valued in the local system of food and medicine. However, no authentic data on value-addition, nutritional and genetic profiling of the crop is available. We are working on field-based conservation studies of horsegram accessions collected from different villages of mountainous regions along with their complete nutritional profiling. Also, value-addition strategies are being conducted for the development of horsegram-based food products through community participation promoting sustainable livelihood generation in the region. There is a need to identify ways for potential utilization of this crop through scientific validation of the genetic relatedness of different cultivars of Horsegram and sustainable agricultural practices.