Challenges of Food Security for Orphan Crops

Synopsis Orphan crops, which are also known by different names, include diverse types of cereals, legumes, root and tubers as well as fruits. They play key role in food security and livelihood of smallholder farmers and consumers in the developing world. Despite their resilience to marginal environments where they are extensively grown, orphan crops are challenged by different types of constraints which include, biotic stresses, abiotic stresses, plant-related constraints and constraints related to enabling environment.