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International Conference on

Recent Trends in Environmental Sustainability

ESCON22/CDMP/10
Achieving sustainable nutrition with minor fruits under climatic scenarios

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Mehdi Maqbool , Noosheen Zahid , Syed Zufiqar Ali Shah 1
Department of Horticulture, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Poonch Rawalakot, Azad
Jammu and Kashmir-Pakistan

Correspondence: mehdimaqbool@upr.edu.pk
Abstract

Numerous minor fruit species worldwide have been reported to be rich in vitamins, minerals
and other micronutrients, suggesting that they have the potential to play a role in addressing
the major problem of malnutrition. Using indigenous minor fruits species to address this acute
problem could be the cheapest and sustainable solution for local as well as global communities.
However, to unlock the full potential of these naturally grown minor fruit species, many
barriers exist. These barriers include non-availability of nutritional information and non-
existence of proper supply chain systems. Therefore, this current study was designed to analyze
some selected naturally grown fruits (Amlok, Autumn olive, Quince, Fig, Wild raspberries and
Barberries) for their nutritional value. In this regard, locally grown fruits were collected and
analysed for physical (fruit diameter, total weight of fruit, fruit colour, fruit firmness) and
biochemical (vitamin C, total soluble solids, total ash content, titratable acidity, pH and
antioxidant properties such as total antioxidants and total phenolics) parameters. Results
showed that there is a huge potential of these minor fruit species to be promoted for commercial
scale cultivation. However, further efforts are required to establish certified nurseries, small
scale value addition plants and a supply chain system for these fruit species.
Keywords: Minor fruits; Malnutrition; Nutritional security; Sustainable food supply

Department of Environmental Sciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Vehari Campus

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