Tuber and Root Crops

Tuber and root crops constitute the third most important group of food crops globally, providing sustenance for nearly one-fifth of the worlds population. Given the pressing issue of a burgeoning population and limited resources such as land and water, tuber and root crops are well-positioned to meet the countrys future food requirements. These crops exhibit high biological efficiency and possess considerable production potential per unit area per unit time. Tuber and root crops have long been recognized as natures energy bank and famine savior. This book has been written to provide an updated and comprehensive account of tuber and root crops, particularly in the Indian context. It covers a wide range of topics, including the history, biodiversity, geographical distribution, botany, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical values, new varieties, production technologies, integrated pest management strategies, starches, post-harvest technologies, and value-added products, as well as bio-processing, biotechnology, and ITK. The book also discusses the future prospects of tuber and root crops. The various aspects of cassava, sweet potato, elephant foot yam, taro, yams, coleus, yam bean, and arrowroot are elucidated in 17 chapters and appendices. This book will be of great use to policy makers, scientists, postgraduate and undergraduate students, and officials involved in tuber and root crops research, development, and extension.