A Review on the Distribution, Economic Importance and Nutritional Value of Underutilized Plants in Sikkim's Agricultural Scenario

Abstract

This literature review provides a brief reference to the current status and socio-economic importance of some of the selected underutilized crops of Sikkim. Some wild fruits show great potential for cultivation due to their high antioxidant content, good fat, medicinal biochemicals, and even higher fruit yield per tree compared to commercial plant varieties, making them horticulturally competent for cultivation. The use of these wild local plant species as a supplementary food reserve holds promise. The avocado crop is versatile and can be utilized in various ways, such as for producing processed goods, for export, for oil extraction, and as a raw material in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, thereby generating high-value products. There is a significant interest in this crop in different parts of India, including Eastern India, as indicated by the high demand for information on avocados.