Underutilized crops in the livelihoods, diets, and adaptation practices of Gond farmers in Eastern Madhya Pradesh, India

The programme “Linking agrobiodiversity value chains, climate adaptation and nutrition: Empowering the poor to manage risk” aims to enhance productivity and promote the use of nutritious and climate-hardy underutilized species. This paper documented the level of cultivation, commercialization and consumption of minor millets and vegetables, revealed how these species contribute to the livelihoods of the communities in Madhya Pradesh and the roles they could have in further improving food security, nutrition, and incomes. The results indicate that minor millets have potential to increase farmers’ revenues through enhanced production and sale, increasing the price obtained per hectare through value-addition and increasing their yields. Enhancing their yields could also contribute to reducing staple cereal shortage.