Nutrition and economy driven secondary agriculture in mountains

towards developing enabled villages (eVillage clusters)

SPS Khanuja Founder FloraFauna Science Foundation

Not to follow

Innovate

Route to Enabling???

Tall grows to dwarf

Innovate

Example !

Dwarf gene riceDee geo woo ger

6n4n

Green

Revolution

Wheat Dwarf gene sources

Norin 10, Tordo S

Think Resources !!

Glocal – not local nor only global

…. and market ??

Think Resources !!

Markets: Glocal – not local nor only global

Industrial Agriculture: Farming to Pharming

Agrotech: Plants to Crops (MAPs to MACs)

Value Addition: Plants to the Plant (Processing)

Products: Foods to FFoods (Functional Foods)

Strategic Road Map to Achieve Sustainability

Reaching the Unreached

•End-to-end Technology

•Establishing Value Chain

•Cultivation to Product to Market

Enabled Biovillages

Farming

To

Pharming

“Nutraceutical”

A nutraceutical is a product isolated / purified

from foods and is normally available in medicinal

forms that are not usually associated with food

and possesses demonstrable physiological

benefit / provides protection against chronic

diseases.

Thus, functional foods are fast becoming a part of

the meals with health benefits and better delivery.

“Functional Food”

Typically a functional food encompasses all

edible items having a health-promoting and /

or disease-preventing property beyond the

primary function of providing nutrients.

1. Nutritionally functional: the biggest trend.

2. Dairy: Dairy’s rebirth as a natural whole food.

3. Protein: Beyond the tipping point.

4. Energy: An unstoppable global trend.

5. Weight wellness: Consumer thinking redefines a market.

6. Snacking: The snackification of everything.

7. Slow energy: A new frontier.

8. Sugar: The demonisation of sugar.

9. Permission to indulge: A very smart strategy.

10. Free-from: The consumer-led trend.

11. Seniors: Opportunity for science and smaller companies.

12. Kids’ nutrition: Communication, indulgence and naturalness key to Kids’

success.

The top twelve key trends in food, nutrition and health

Source: www.foodmanufacture.co.uk/content/view/print/856593

Focus shift from ‘sustainability’ to food waste use

Move from ‘local’ to ‘authentic’

Food Information for Consumers (FIC) regulation

Protein in everything (sources include insects)

Healthy indulgence

Top five industry drivers (EU) in 2014- FoodNavigator predicts

By Caroline Scott-Thomas+, 06-Jan-2014

As the New Year dawns, FoodNavigator predicts the top five drivers of the

European food industry in the year ahead.

Kalanamak rice, ‘Buddha’s gift’, awarded GI tag

Deriving its name from the black husk (kala) and a mild salty (namak)

taste, it is considered as one of the finest rice varieties in the

international market.

Source: Manish Raj, TNN Oct 4, 2013, Times of India

CHENNAI: If you think Basmati rice, a subject of many patent battles, is the best,

here is Kalanamak rice. Known for its aroma and distinct taste, Kalanamak has

now been awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

It surpasses Basmati rice - the variety with the highest trade volume in

the international market - in every aspect except grain length, says

Uttar Pradesh State Biodiversity Board in a document on agricultural

diversity. It is soft, easily digestible and has a long shelf life. It also has

"greater head rice recovery after polishing and better elongation after

cooking," says the board.

According to the GI registry journal, grains similar to Kalanamak were

found from excavation sites at Aligarhwa (Siddharthnagar, UP) -

identified as the territory of Buddha's father, king Shuddodhan. The

name 'Shuddodhan' means pure rice.

Uttarakhand is yet to catch up in terms of Geographical

Indicators

The state has only 2 till date –

1. Basmati (jointly with other states) and

2. Uttarakhand Tejpat

Cinnamomum tamala

(Lauraceae)

It has aromatic leaves which are

used for culinary and medicinal

purposes. It is thought to have

been one of the major sources of

the medicinal plant leaves known

in classic and medieval times as

malabathrum

Aroma attributes

Beta-caryophyllene

Linalool

Eugenol

Caryophyllene oxide

Bal Mithai

(Still in process)

Small Millets of Uttarakhand: Towards Sustainable Nutritional Security

• Small millets occupy an important place in the agriculture

of the Uttarakhand especially in Hilly regions.

• Apart from food for humans, they also serve as fodder.

• This balances the delicate ecosystem in the Himalayas by

reducing pressure on grazing fields and forests.

• Small millets are grown up to an altitude of 3000 m above sea level (asl) in both pure and

mixed stands and under Jhuming (shifting) cultivation.

• Pure stands of finger and barnyard millets are common in the mid hills (1200-1700 m asl),

while in the maximum areas comprising Garhwal and Kumaon hilly region, foxtail millet is

largely grown as a mixed crop.

• Mandua (finger millet or ragi) and Jhangora have been grown since times immemorial

with high productivity.

Nature, in its generosity,must have said: “Let athousand seeds grow onthe humble stalk”, as faras millets are concerned.

Forgotten Foods Maximum nutrition per acre Water prudent Grow in hardiest terrain Need very little pampering Help promote organic farming

Mandua/Finger millet (Eleusine coracana) (Poaceae)

Metabolic potential• Finger millet is especially valuable as it contains the amino acid methionine, which is lacking in the diets

of hundreds of millions of the poor who live on starchy staples such as cassava, plantain, polished rice, or

maize meal.

• It is very adaptable to higher elevations and is grown in the

Himalaya up to 2,300 metres in elevation.

• E. coracana is amenable to intercropping with legumes such as

peanuts, cowpeas, and pigeon peas.

• The grain is made into a fermented drink (or beer) in Nepal. In

India, it is used malted and / or ground. This ground flour is

consumed mixed with milk, boiled water or yoghurt.

• The straw from finger millet is used as animal fodder. It is also

used for a flavored drink in festivals.

• Finger millet is very high in calcium, rich in iron and fibre, and

has a better energy content than other cereals. These characteristics

make it ideal for feeding to infants and the elderly.

Fields of finger millet in the Annapurna region of Nepal

In the Garhwal region of

Uttarakhand, koda or

mandua is made into

thick rotis (served with

ghee), and also made as a

dish – badi - similar to

halwa but without sugar.

In the Kumaon region of

northern India, ragi is

traditionally fed to

women after child birth.

Jhangora/Barn yard millet (Echinochloa frumentacea) (Poaceae)

Metabolic potential• Jhangora is highly nutritious, contains high levels of calcium, minerals, protein and iron.

• Known as Jhangora in the Garhwal Hills.

•It is cultivated on marginal lands where rice and other cereal crops will

not grow well. It grows in the high altitudes of the Himalaya.

• The grains are cooked in water, like rice, or boiled with milk and sugar.

Sometimes it is fermented to make beer.

• It is easy to digest and gluten free, making it an excellent alternative to

those with gluten allergies.

• It can provide us not only a high fibre food but also the subtler elements

of our dietary requirements.

• Very similar to its now glamorous cousin quinoa.

• Mouth-watering dishes with Jhangora - apart from the festive kheer,

there is also a kadhi called Jhangora ka chencheda

Vrat ke chawalEaten during

religious fasting

According to the Nutritive Value of Indian Foods, published by the National Institute Of Nutrition, every 100 gm of barnyard milletcontain 11.9 gm of moisture, 6.2 gm of protein, 2.2 gm of fat, 4.4 gm of minerals (one of the highest value among grains), 9.8 gmof crude fibre, 65.5gm of carbohydrates, 20 mg of calcium, 5 mg of iron and a high level of phosphorus at 280 mg.

Light on the stomach

Kodo millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum) (Poaceae)

Metabolic potential• Kodo millet is a nutritious grain and a good substitute to rice or wheat. The grain is composed of 11% of

protein, providing 9 grams/100 g consumed. It is an excellent source of fibre at 10 grams (37-38%), as

opposed to rice, which provides 0.2/100 g, and wheat, which provides 1.2/100 g. An adequate fibre source

helps combat the feeling of hunger. Kodo millet contains 66.6 g of carbohydrates and 353 kcal per 100 g of

grain, comparable to other millets. It also contains 3.6 g of fat per 100 g. It provides minimal amounts of

iron, at 0.5/100 mg, and minimal amounts of calcium, and 27/100 mg. Kodo millets also contain high

amounts of polyphenols, an antioxidant compound.

• Kodo millet is ground into flour and used to make pudding.

• It may also have potential to be used as grass ties on hillside

plots to prevent soil erosion, while also providing a famine

food as a secondary purpose. It has been noted that it makes a

good cover crop.

• Planting kodo millet in rows, instead of broadcasting the

seeds, increases yields and makes weeding easier. It grows on

marginal soils, but only if it has little competition from weeds.

• It is a very hardy crop that is drought tolerant and can

survive on marginal soils where other crops may not survive,

and can supply 450–900 kg of grain per hectare.

Little millet (Panicum sumatrense) (Poaceae)

Metabolic potential• The protein content of the grain is 7.7%.

• Little millet is a cheap source of energy, protein, vitamin B, fiber and minerals, and particularly rich in iron,

reported to be 9.30 mg/100g compared to 0.7 mg/100g in raw rice.

• It is grown throughout India up to altitudes of 2,100 meters.

• It can withstand both drought and waterlogging.

• The harvest yield is from 230 to 900 kg/ha.

• Little Millet is cooked like rice. Sometimes the millet is also

milled and baked.

• Zeins are prolamin storage proteins that accumulate in kernel

endosperm of several cereals. Zein-like proteins accumulate in

enhanced quantities in the filling stages of little millet.

• Nutritionally superior to rice and to wheat and is grouped

under nutritious cereals.

• The stover is a good fodder for cattle.

Highly acceptable biscuits

could be obtained by

incorporating 30% little

millet flour in the biscuit

formulations.

Foxtail millet (Setaria italica) (Poaceae)

Metabolic potential• Protein 9-14%; Carbohydrates 70-80%; Rich in dietary fibre; Starchy

with 25:75 amylose:amylopectin ratio; Lipids 3-6% with 50% of them

in form of PUFAs.

• It is the second-most widely planted species of millet, and the

most important in East Asia.

• It has the longest history of cultivation among the millets,

having been grown in China since sometime in the sixth

millennium BC.

• It is a warm season crop, typically planted in late spring.

• Harvest for hay or silage can be made in 65–70 days (typical

yield is 15,000-20,000 kg/ha of green matter or 3,000-

4,000 kg/ha of hay), and for grain in 75–90 days (typical yield

is 800–900 kg/ha of grain).

• Its early maturity and efficient use of available water make

it suitable for raising in dry areas.

• It has potential for use as a C4 biofuel.

It can be used as a weed-

suppressing smother crop.

BGI, in cooperation with ZhangjiakouAcademy of Agricultural Science, hascompleted the genome sequence andanalysis of foxtail millet (S. italica) in2012.

Proso millet (Panicum miliaceum) (Poaceae)

Metabolic potential• Protein content in proso millet grains is comparable with that of wheat (11.6% of dry matter), but the share

of essential amino acids (leucine, isoleucine and methionine) is substantially higher in proso millet. Thus

Essential Amino Acid Index is higher (51%) as compared to wheat.

• In addition, health-promoting phenolic compounds contained in the grains are readily bio-accessible and

their high calcium content favor bone strengthening and dental health.

• It is well adapted to many soil and climatic conditions; it

has a short growing season, and needs little water.

• It is an excellent crop for dryland and no-till farming.

• Like corn, it has a C4 photosynthesis.

• Proso millet can help to avoid a summer fallow, and

continuous crop rotation can be achieved.

• Among the most commonly consumed products are ready-

to-eat breakfast cereals made purely from millet flour as well

as a variety of noodles and bakery products, which are,

however, often produced from mixtures with wheat flour to

improve their sensory quality

The consumption pattern for minor millets varies from region to region.

The people in Himalayan foothills of Uttarakhand use millet as a cereal, in soups, and

for making dense, whole grain bread called ‘Chapatti’.

In India flat thin cakes called ‘Roti’ are often made from millet flour and used as the

basis for meals.

‘Kodo ko jaanr’ is the most common fermented alcoholic beverage prepared from dry

seeds of finger millet in the Eastern Himalayan regions of the Darjeeling hills and Sikkim

in India.

‘Chhang’ is also a fermented finger millet beverage popular in Ladakh region in India.

The traditional, naturally fermented finger millet product is called ‘Ambali’.

Finger millet is the cereal of choice for the preparation of porridges for children and for

the sick and old in India.

Germinated finger millet is used to make weaning foods for infants.

The tribal people in Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand consume weaning food containing

malted foxtail millet flour and malted barnyard millet flour.

Multi-utility of Millets

Currently the key millet growing regions in the

state of Uttarakhand are Pauri Garhwal, Tehri

Garhwal, Uttarkashi, Chamoli, Rudrpryag,

Pithoragarh, Champawat, Bageshwar, Almora

and Nainital districts.

Millets are priced between Rs 1,900 and

Rs. 2,000 per quintal. The rise in prices

is attributed to the low supply of the

produce. Among the value added

products are ready-to-eat flour, papad,

chaklis, cakes and biscuits.The biggest advantage of millets is that it can

provide multiple securities like food, nutrition,

fodder, fibre, health, livelihood and ecology.

Every millet farmer in India as whole

and Uttarakhand in particular must be

given a climate change bonus,

biodiversity bonus and water

conservation bonus.

If the public distribution system of Uttarakhand

includes these millets, then it will provide the

below the poverty line population a food and

nutritional security program. Problem in agriculture production in

Uttarakhand includes:

• Small and scattered land holdings,

• Scanty level of irrigation,

• Low order of mechanization,

• Terraced farms,

• Low organic content in soil,

• Low soil depth,

• High order of soil erosion and

• Difficult approach to the fields.

Uttarakhand Hills are rich

in millet biodiversity.

NATURE’S NUTRACEUTICALS

Solution to problems

Frontier Bio-horticulture

Interestingly vegetables and fruits or horticultural crops in general

represent the best examples of edible plant harvest having functional

food properties with a potential to develop nutritional ingredients or

supplements. The perception of horticultural crops and products only

as food, pulps and juices in various forms is now changing with

developments in nutrition research. The chemistry of horticultural

crops including edible and non-edible plant biomass is gaining

importance for their metabolome capabilities to compete with

conventional medicinal plants constituents for preventive health care

Khanuja SPS, Shukla AK (2011) Human health and nutrition: Functional

foods. In: Horticulture to Horti-Business (Editors: KL Chadha, AK Singh,

VB Patel), Proceedings Book of the Fourth Indian Horticulture Congress

held at New Delhi during 18-21 November, 2010, Westville Publishing

House, New Delhi, pp 433-445

Underutilized fruits for nutritional security – Hidden Opportunity

• The people of the rural regions are severely malnourished along with multiple nutrient-

deficiency disorders due to ignorance about importance of fruits and vegetables in their

diets.

• The forest areas are full of biodiversity having natural vegetation which is not harnessed

fully.

• Due to which a wide gap is formed between health and optimal use of natural sources of

nutrients, i.e., underutilized crops.

• The crops, which are neither grown commercially on large scale nor traded widely, may be

termed as underutilized horticultural crops.

• These crops are cultivated, traded, and consumed locally.

• Their consumption can provide nutrition to the poor and needy tribals by meeting the

nutrient requirements of vulnerable groups.

• As underutilized fruits, nuts, and vegetables are a rich of source of

carbohydrates, fats, proteins, energy, vitamins-A, B1, B2, B3, B6, B9, B12, C, folic

acid, and minerals-Ca, P, Fe, and dietary fiber, they have the nutritional capacity to

prevent and cure various diseases like kwashiorkor, marasmus, night blindness,

anemia, diabetes, cancer, hypertension, and hidden hunger.

Sea-buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) (Elaeagnaceae)

• It is a dioecious plant having roots living in symbiosis with

actinomycetes, which permits fixation of nitrogen from the air.

• It is grown as an agricultural plant in Germany, France, Finland, India

and China. China is the largest agricultural producer.

• In France, it is commonly sold as fruit juice or as an ingredient in non-

alcoholic and alcoholic mixed beverages. Other uses include the berries to

be processed as fruit wine or into liquor as well as jam. Buckthorn tea is

also made out of the fruits and originates from India. The fruits have a very

high vitamin C content, on average exceeding that of lemons and

oranges.

• Various pharmacological activities - cytoprotective, anti-stress,

immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, radioprotective, anti-

atherogenic, anti-tumor, anti-microbial and tissue regeneration.

• Dry temperate and cold desert areas in regions of the North-West

Himalayas (2590–4175 m above mean sea level).

Metabolic potential• Bioactive compounds like hippophae cerebroside, oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, 19-alpha-hydroxyursolic

acid, dulcioic acid, 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furancarbox-aldehyde, cirsiumaldehyde, octacosanoic acid, palmitic

acid and 1-O-hexadecanolenin; vitamins (A, C, E, K, riboflavin, folic acid); carotenoids (α, β, δ-carotene,

lycopene); phytosterols (ergosterol, stigmasterol, lansterol, amyrins), organic acids (malic acid, oxalic acid),

saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids [palmitic acid, oleic acid (omega-9), palmitoleic acid (omega-7),

linoleic acid (omega-6), and linolenic acid (omega-3)] and some essential amino acids.

Buckthorn is resistant to wind and

frost, tolerates salty soils and has a

wide-reaching root system. It is

often used to stabilize sandy

locations and as a pioneering plant

on regosols.

Suryakumar and Gupta, 2011, J. Ethnopharm. 138, 268-278

(Rhododendron anthopogon) (Ericaceae)

• This essential oil has an exotic floral aroma with lingering

sweet fruity notes.

• An interesting spiritual fact is that the dried leaves of R.

anthopogon are crushed by Buddhist monks, mixed with ghee,

and made into sacred incense for their monasteries and others

throughout S.E. Asia.

• This is a wonderful calming oil for meditation or chanting to

help make spiritual connections by opening the mind and heart

to a free flow of positive energy through its grounding, calming,

and centering properties.

• Significant killing effect against some Gram-positive reference

strains: Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus fecalis, Bacillus

subtilis; Mycobacterium tuberculosis reference strain and a

clinical isolate of Candida, C. pseudotropicalis are killed by as

low as 0.04% (v/v) essential oil.

• Moreover, the oil is able to reduce cancer cell growth

independently of the cell line and the treatment protocols used.

Metabolic potential• Essential oil from aerial parts contains monoterpenes alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, limonene and the

sesquiterpene delta-cadinene.

Rhododendron arboreum

Rhododendron wightii

R. arboreum is the national flower

of Nepal; in India it is the state tree

of Uttarakhand and state flower of

Himachal Pradesh and Nagaland.

The tree discovered in 1993 at Mt. Japfü

in Kohima district of Nagaland, India,

holds the Guinness Record for the tallest

Rhododendron at 108 ft measured at the

time of discovery which is still growing.

R. wightii is found in the Himalayas,

from E. Nepal to S.E. Tibet, at

altitudes of 3600-4300 m.

Flowering: May-June.

Kaphal (Myrica esculenta) (Myricaceae)

• It grows at altitudes 1000-2000 m above sea level.

• According to Ayurveda, it has two varieties based

on the color of flower: Shwet (white) and Rakta

(red).

• It is used in treating wounds, musculoskeletal

disorder and disease of oral cavity.

• It has anti-asthmatic activity.

• Considering the remoteness and poor rural

settings of Uttarakhand Himalaya in India,

consumption of M. esculenta fruits is likely to

benefit by scavenging and reducing free radicals in

the body of rural inhabitants.

Metabolic potential• The bark is yellow and contains the chemical substances myricetin, myricitrin and glycosides.

• Leaves of the plant also contain flavone-4'-hydroxy-3',5,5'-trimethoxy-7-O-β-I-D-

glucopyranosy)(1→4)-α-L-rhamnopyranoside; flavone-3',4'-dihydroxy-6-methoxy-7-O-α-L-

rhamnopyranoside; β-sitosterol; β-sitosterol-β-D-glucopyranoside and quercetin.

Hisalu (Rubus ellipticus) (Rosaceae)

• It is quite popular amongst the locals. Serves as the

free energy packet for the people travelling mountains.

• This bright yellow coloured fruit is abundant both in

Kumaon and Garhwal regions and it tastes amazingly

sweet.

• It ripens during March-April, available mostly in and

around Nainital, Bhimtal and Almora.

• Nepal farmers have had limited success in harvesting

and fermenting the fruit to produce a fruit wine.

• May be potential source for the formulation of

nutraceuticals or natural foods.

Metabolic potential• Significant contents of dietary fiber (5.90g/100g), carbohydrates (86.4 g/100 g) and Fe (4.249mg/100g).

• The fruit contains about 10.9% sugars, 1.1% protein, 0.5% ash, 0.55 pectin.

• Phenolics (Gallic acid, catechin, chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid), flavonoids, monomeric anthocyanins,

ascorbic acid and β-carotene.

Golden Himalayan raspberry

Rubus ellipticus is listed in the IUCNInvasive Species Specialist Groupdatabase as an Invasive species.

Habitat: Dry slopes, mountainvalleys, sparse forests and thickets atelevations of 1000 - 2600 m.

Mehal/Wild Pear (Pyrus pashia) (Rosaceae)

• It is distributed across the Himalayas (between 750

and 2,600 m asl). It is a tolerant tree that grows on

sandy loamy soil that is well drained.

• Fruit of Mehal is best to eat when it is slightly

decaying. It is set apart from the cultivated pears by

having a grittier texture.

• It is rarely found in local, national and international

markets as it is not a major cultivated tree and also the

fruit are very soft and highly perishable at maturity.

• Locals use the juice of the ripped fruit to treat

conjunctivitis by putting it in the eye of the diseased

animal. They also use this juice, about 6 teaspoons

twice a day, to treat diarrhea. It is also believed that

consumption of its fruit can also help reduce the risks

of colon cancer and can prevent the growth of polyps.

Metabolic potential• The nutritive contents of fruit are about 6.8% sugars, 3.7% protein, 1% ash, 0.4% pectin. It also contains a

low content of Vitamin C, about 1.2 mg per 100g. The percentage contents of some of the mineral elements

in the fruit are phosphorus, 0.026 percent, potassium, 0.475 percent, calcium, 0.061 percent, magnesium,

0.027 percent, and iron, 0.006 percent.

Pangar (Aesculus indica) (Hippocastanaceae / Sapindaceae)

• It is common along the Himalayan Lowlands, between Kashmir

and Western Nepal at elevations between 900 and 3,000 m.

• Its leaves are used as cattle fodder in parts of Northern India. Its

seeds are dried and ground into a bitter flour, called tattawakher.

• The flour is often mixed with wheat flour to make chapatis and also

to make a halwa (Indian sweetmeat) and sometimes is served as a

dalia, (a type of porridge or gruel) during fasting periods.

• It is used in traditional Indian medicine, for the treatment of some

skin diseases, rheumatism, as an astringent, acrid and narcotic, and in

the relief of headaches.

• Seed extract have anti-cancer potential. The fruits have been used

in ethnoveterinary medicine for treating horses.

Metabolic potential• The bitterness is caused by saponins.

• Also contains aescin, quercetin, glycosides, etc.

• Seeds contain a toxin aesculin, which is poisonous to humans.

Metabolic potential• This is the first report of the potent chemical, generically known as paclitaxel, being found in a plant other

than the yew tree. It was isolated from the nuts, branches and shells of the trees.

• As demand for the anticancer drug continues to increase, researchers may be wise to consider the hazelnut

tree as an alternative source of paclitaxel.

• Although the amount of the chemical found in a hazelnut tree is about one-tenth that of the yew (6 to 7

micrograms/gram dry weight of hazel vs. 60 to 70 micrograms/gram dry weight of yew), the effort required

to extract paclitaxel from these sources is comparable.

• Even the fungi that attack the hazelnut tree produce paclitaxel. A related species Corylus avellana also

produces taxol and precursors. (Hoffman & Shahidi, 2009, Paclitaxel and other taxanes in hazelnut, J. Func. Foods 1: 33-37)

• Found at altitude of 2,500 – 3,200m.

• Seed is used raw or cooked. It is rich in oil.

• The active chemical of the anticancer drug Taxol®

has unexpectedly been found in hazelnuts, by a team

of researchers at the University of Portland in

Portland, Oregon, USA.

Hazelnut/Bhuti badam (Corylus jacquemontii) (Betulaceae)

Potent Anticancer Agent Found in Hazelnuts: Plant Could

Become Alternative Source of Taxol Precursor (Ref:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2000/04/000410084755.htm)

Bhamora (Cornus capitata) (Cornaceae)

• It grows in moist mixed evergreen forests at

elevations of 1000 – 3000 m.

• The fruits of Himalayan strawberry tree ripen from

September to November.

• The fruits are mostly eaten raw. But at times these

are also processed and made into a preserve.

• Bark of Himalayan strawberry trees is used for

tanning. Young twigs are used as fodder. The wood is

used mainly as fuel and for making tools.

• The seed germination percentage is generally very

poor (11.4-24.7%) in this plant. The cold stratification

of seeds for 3 - 4 months improves the germination

percentage.

Metabolic potential• Ellagic compounds have antioxidant properties known to inhibit the DNA from binding to carcinogens.

• These compounds also reduce oxidative stress, combat aging, protect the heart and are anti-cancerous.

Himalayan strawberry tree

Chuaru/Wild Apricot (Prunus armeniaca) (Rosaceae)

Metabolic potential• The fruits are pulpy and the pulp is 81 per cent of the whole fruit, having 58.5 per cent moisture.

• The total soluble solids content of the fruit pulp is 17.2 per cent.

• The acidity is 1.34 per cent and the content of total sugars is 6.30 per cent.

• The reducing and non-reducing sugars are 6.25 and 0.041 per cent respectively.

• The pectin content is 2.52 per cent.

• The vitamin C is 9.95 mg per 100 g of pulp.

• The total mineral content of the pulp, as represented by its ash, is 2.452 per cent. The percentage content of

different mineral elements in the pulp is phosphorus, 0.083; potassium, 0.996; calcium, 0.042; magnesium,

0.033; and iron, 0.010.

• The protein is only 0.67 per cent.

• The wild apricot is commonly found in mid-hills, ranging from 1100 to 1700

metres above the a mean sea-level.

• The fruits are antidiarrhoeal, antipyretic, emetic, allaying thirst and not good

for old people. The seeds are tonic and anthelmintic, used in liver troubles,

piles, earache and deafness. The masticated wild apricots are applied in

ophthalmia. The fruits are also considered to be laxative and refrigerant in fever. Chopped kernels areadded to kheer in villages.

Mediterranean Diet Helps Control CholesterolLevels

ScienceDaily (Nov. 1, 2010) — The

addition of monounsaturated fat (MUFA) to

a cholesterol-lowering dietary portfolio in

patients with mild to moderate elevated

cholesterol levels increased HDL by 12.5%

and lowered LDL levels by 35%, found a

study published in CMAJ (Canadian

Medical Association Journal).

Plate with baked stuffed eggplants

Botanical name Vernacular name Part used Uses

Angelica glauca Chora Underground part Edible

Asparagus filicinus Jhinjan Tuberous roots Edible

Cyperus rotundus Motha Underground part Edible

Dioscorea bulbiflora Genthi Rhizome Edible

Orchis latifolia Hatajari Roots Edible

Vigna vexillata Pholi Underground part Edible

Adhatoda zeylanica Basing Young shoots/leaves Edible

Amaranthus caudatus Marchhu Young shoots/leaves Edible

Bergenia ciliate Patharchhata Young shoots/leaves Edible

Oxalis corniculata Chalmosi Young shoots/leaves Edible

Rheum australe Archa Young shoots/leaves Edible

Rumex hastatus Kilmoru Young shoots/leaves Edible

Smilax glaucophylla Kanjolya Young shoots/leaves Edible

Urtica dioeca and U. parviflora Kandali Young shoots/leaves Edible

Bauhinia purpurea Guiral Flowers Edible

Bombax ceiba Semwal Flowers Edible

Woodfordia fruticosa Dhaula Flowers Edible

Ficus auriculata Timla Unripe fruit Edible

Aegle marmelos Bel Fruit Edible when ripe

Aesculus indica Pangar Fruit Eaten roasted

Cornus capitata Bhamor Fruit Eaten when ripe

Elaeagnus angustifolia Giwain Fruit Eaten raw/ripe

Fragaria vesca Bhuin kaphal Fruit Eaten raw/ripe

Grewia optiva Vimal Fruit Eaten raw/ripe

Myrica esculanta Kaphal Fruit Eaten raw/ripe

Prunus sp. Chula/payan/jamni Fruit Eaten raw and ripe

Rhus parviflora Titnulya Fruit Eaten raw

Cannabis sativa Bhang Seeds/grains Eaten raw and roasted

Cleome viscose Jakhya Seeds/grains Used as spices

Impatiens balsamina Manjruya Seeds/grains Eaten raw

Juglans regia Akhore Fruit Dry fruits

Allium griffthianum Jambo Seeds/grains Spices and condiments

A. humile Laadu Seeds/grains Spices and condiments

Alpinia galanga Kalji Rhizome Spices and condiments

Angelica glauca Choru Seeds/grains/roots Spices and condiments

Mentha arvensis Pothya Leaves Spices and condiments

Zanthoxylum acanthopodium Timru Fruits/seeds Spices and condiments

Brasica napus Lahiya Seeds Oil

B. juncea Rai

Prunus armeniaca Chula Seeds Oil

Buxus wallichiana Papri Leaves/barks Non-alcoholic beverage

Cassia occidentalis Chakunda Seeds Non-alcoholic beverage

Hippophae rhamnoides Amlich Fruits Non-alcoholic beverage

Punica granatum Darim Fruits Non-alcoholic beverage and chatni

Rhododendron anthopogon Botyachaa Leaves Non-alcoholic beverage

Rhododendron arboreum Burans Flowers (petals) Non-alcoholic beverage

Taxus baccata Thuner Bark and leaves Non-alcoholic beverage

Viola sp. Somaya Leaves Non-alcoholic beverage

Andrachne cordifolia Bhotti – Alcoholic beverage

Bupleurum falcatum Tirmiri – Alcoholic beverage

Datura stramonium Dhatura – Alcoholic beverage

Hemidesmus indicus Morchiyapar – Alcoholic beverage

Rubas ellipticus Hinsar – Alcoholic beverage

R. niveus Kali hinsar – Alcoholic beverage

Taraxacum officinale Karhatu – Alcoholic beverage

Some important

wild edibles of

Uttarakhand

(vegetables, fruits,

seeds/grains, spices

and condiment, oils

and beverages).

Ref: Gairola and

Biswas, 2008, Curr.

Sci. 94: 1139-1143.

Some lesser

known exotic

veggies of

UttarakhandAcorn (Quercus sp.)

Chyun (Mushroom) Hissar (Raspberry)

Kandeli/Bichchu Buti/Stinging Nettle (Urtica dioica) (Urticaceae)• Has many hollow stinging hairs called trichomes on the leaves and stems,

which act like hypodermic needles, injecting histamine and other

chemicals that produce a stinging sensation when contacted by humans

and other animals.

• The plant has a long history of use as a source of medicine, food, and

fibre.

• U. dioica has a flavour similar to spinach mixed with cucumber when

cooked, and is rich in vitamins A and C, iron, potassium, manganese, and

calcium.

• Soaking stinging nettles in water or cooking removes the stinging

chemicals from the plant, which allows them to be handled and eaten

without injury. The leaves are also dried and may then be used to make a

herbal tea.

Metabolic potential• Stinging hairs (trichomes), whose tips come off when touched, transforming the hair into a needle that can

inject several chemicals: acetylcholine, histamine, 5-HT (serotonin), moroidin, leukotrienes, and possibly

formic acid.

• In its peak season, nettle contains up to 25% protein, dry weight, which is high for a leafy green

vegetable.

Nettle Purée

Linguda (Diplazium esculentum) (Athyriaceae)

• Vegetable fern (D. esculentum) is an edible fern.

• The young fronds are stir-fried as a "vegetable" or used

in salads.

• It is grown from rhizomes as a harvest crop.

• The spores also freely implant in humus rich, moist soils.

• Distribution is widespread and even invasive in regions

where there is plentiful heat, water and light shade. The

plants prefer acidic soil and thrive in hot conditions.

• Apart from being often served as salad, it is also

prepared with coconut milk or stir-fried together with

other vegetables, along with meat and seafood.

Metabolic potential• Plant extract also has alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity.

• Beta-carotene: low; vitamin E: medium; riboflavin: low; ascorbic acid: low; calcium: low; iron: low;

protein: 3.2%. Both fresh and boiled leaves have antioxidative activities higher than alpha-tocopherol.

Kholya Jalpatti/Watercress (Nasturtium officinale) (Brassicaceae)

• Watercress is an aquatic vegetable plant species.

• Cultivation of watercress is practical on both a large-scale and a

garden-scale. Being semi-aquatic, watercress is well-suited to

hydroponic cultivation, thriving best in water that is slightly

alkaline.

• Watercress can be sold in supermarkets in sealed plastic bags,

containing a little moisture and lightly pressurised to prevent

crushing of contents. This has allowed availability with a once-

purchased storage life of one to two days in refrigerated storage.

• SIDE EFFECTS: Watercress crops grown in the presence of

manure can be a haven for parasites such as the liver fluke

Fasciola hepatica. It is also a known inhibitor of the

cytochrome P450 CYP2E1, which may result in altered drug

metabolism for individuals on certain medications such as

chlorzoxazone.

Metabolic potential• A 100-gram serving of watercress provides 11 calories and is particularly rich in vitamin K. It also contains

significant amounts of vitamin A, vitamin C, riboflavin, vitamin B6, calcium, manganese, and folate.

Watercress has low contents of carbohydrates, protein, fat and dietary fiber.

Guenlee/Giwain (Elaeagnus umbellata) (Elaeagnaceae)

Metabolic potential• Though the fruit are small, the tree bears them abundantly. They are tart-

tasting, with chewable seeds. Their content of the carotenoid, lycopene, is

some seven to seventeen times higher than that of tomatoes.

• The fruit is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, especially in vitamins

A, C and E, flavanoids and other bio-active compounds. It is also a fairly

good source of essential fatty acids, which is fairly unusual for a fruit.

• The small white (fading to yellow) flowers have a sickly-sweet

aroma.

• It is found in the Himalayas, from Kashmir to Bhutan, Assam

and W. China, at altitudes of 1300-3000 m.

• Since it fixes atmospheric nitrogen in its roots, it often grows

vigorously and competitively in infertile soils.

• When ripe, the fruit is juicy and edible, and also makes a good

dried fruit.

• The flowers are astringent and cardiac stimulant.

Laboratory to Industry

The Paradigm Shift

Industry from laboratory

The SKiES Targets

Nutraceuticals and functional food products

for nutrition based healthcare

Bringing nature to life

SKiES Life Technologies Pvt. Ltd.

In India, the functional food industry has earned revenues of more than US $ 265 million (Approx Rs 1,325

Crores) in 2007-08 and with an estimated growth rate of 43 %, it will reach US $ 3.2 billion (Approx Rs 16,000

Crores) in 2014-15. (Source: Technopak)

In India, functional foods are therefore expected to see increased consumption over the next five years resulting

in functional foods and beverages garnering greater product share in the market as opposed to dietary

supplements (Source: Frost & Sullivan)

Source: Technopak

M&G Products/Services

(Mentored Guidance Packages)

Beneficial for

Students at various levels (BSc/BTech/MSc/MTech)

Research Scholars (MPhil/PhD/Post Doc)

Scientists or Faculty (Project Investigators/Leaders)

Major Domains: Agriculture/Lifesciences/Biotechnology

FloraFauna Science FoundationEnabling society to achieve health & nutrition through science

www.florafauna.in

VisionTranslating high tech science discoveries, biotech skills and out-of-box ideas into

high value agriculture as technology driven platform creating “Entrepreneurial

Villages” (e-Villages) enabled with skills, knowledge and innovations for natural and

agro-products of nutrition & healthcare creating self-reliant agro-entrepreneurial

zones (AEZs) strengthening India as nature-friendly growth model nation of health &

prosperity for the planet

MissionCreating “Entrepreneurial Villages” (e-Villages) as technology translation platforms

of science, knowledge and innovations (Ski) enabling agriculture, health & nutrition

as drivers of quality life, economy and growth of society

Not to follow – Dare to LeadLucknow Declaration 1st June2015

First eVillage

By FloraFauna

10th April 2016

RAJAGARHA

Itaunja

Lucknow

Uttar Pradesh

Suman P S Khanuja

Director & Mentor SKiESChairman FloraFauna Science Foundation

Former Director CIMAP/CSIR

SKILL WILL & HILL

Man, Mind, Machine and Market (Money)

Change the Mountains !!!

Team CIMAP (CSIR)

Acknowledgement…

The green path to better health & life

Translating R&D into

Innovation Ventures

NutraHelix Biotech (P) Ltd

www.nutrhelix.com

Teams are always there – we need to see

Let’s be a force

Join hands and minds

M&G: SKiES Research Port

Agro-Biotech Research Mentoring

for Lab to Land R&D

Thesis Projects for Students

Technology Projects for Faculty

Suman P S KhanujaFounder, SKiES India

Director & Mentor SKiES Life Technologies

Chairman FloraFauna Science Foundation

spskhanuja@gmail.com

khanujazy@yahoo.com

spskhanuja@skiesindia.com

SUMAN KHANUJA INNOVATION ENTERPRISES

Bringing nature to life

www.skiesindia.comThank you

Simple Working Deep Thinking