Tuber and Root Crops

The third most important group of food crops, after cereals and pulses, consists of tuber and root crops, which provide sustenance for approximately one-fifth of the global population. Given the growing population and limited resources such as land and water, it is crucial that tuber and root crops play a significant role in meeting the countrys future food requirements. These crops exhibit a high level of biological efficiency and have great potential for production in terms of both area and time. Tuber and root crops have been revered since ancient times as a source of energy and a means of surviving famines. This book has been written to provide an up-to-date overview of tuber and root crops in the Indian context, including information on their history, biodiversity, geographical distribution, botany, nutraceutical and pharmaceutical properties, new varieties, production technologies, integrated pest management strategies, starches, post-harvest technologies, and value-added products. The book also covers topics such as bioprocessing, biotechnology, ITK, and future prospects. The book provides comprehensive coverage of various tuber and root crops, including cassava, sweet potato, elephant foot yam, taro, yams, coleus, yam bean, and arrowroot. It will be an invaluable resource for policy makers, scientists, postgraduate and undergraduate students, and officials involved in tuber and root crop research, development, and extension.