Salman Ahmed and Shahnila Jamil

Rice bean (Vigna Umbellata), a traditional crop cultivated across South, Southeast, and East Asia, is characterized by its wild variety spanning the tropical monsoon forest climatic zone. Despite its vast nutritional and production potential, falling within the leguminous family Fabaceae, the rice bean represents one of many underutilized crops. Indigenous to South and Southeast Asian regions, particularly hilly areas, rice bean is cultivated alongside crops like maize, forming an integral part of impoverished farming communities' livelihoods. Despite its extensive utilization in traditional practices, its commercial significance remains largely unrecognized. However, recent attention has been significantly drawn to the rice bean's nutritional richness, bioactive compounds, and various medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antidiabetic effects. This significant attention underscores its potential for commercialization and contribution to improving the livelihoods of underprivileged populations. Furthermore, its cultivation and processing give rise to diverse products, reflecting its cultural significance and adaptability across different regions.

DOI: 10.22271/phyto.2024.v13.i3a.14941

Pages: 34-36  |  224 Views  87 Downloads