Course:CONS200/2025WT2/China's Development of Underutilized Crops for Food Security and Biodiversity

From UBC Wiki
Chinese farmland in Yunnan Province

China, with its vast and diverse agricultural landscape, spans multiple climatic zones, making it one of the world's most biodiverse regions for crop cultivation.[1] Despite this, modern agricultural practices have increasingly focused on a limited number of staple crops, leading to a decline in genetic diversity and greater vulnerability to climate change and pests. Many traditional and underutilized crops, such as buckwheat, millet, and adzuki beans, possess significant nutritional and ecological benefits, yet they remain underdeveloped due to limited market demand, insufficient research investment, and policy emphasis on high-yield staples.[2] Additionally, China is home to over 800 wild plant species that could enhance the resilience of major food crops, but only a fraction of these have been domesticated or integrated into mainstream agriculture.[3]

Food security is a critical global challenge encompassing the availability, accessibility, and utilization of nutritious food. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that food security is closely linked to public health, directly impacting human health and well-being.[4] However, factors such as climate change, land degradation, and environmental pollution pose significant threats to agricultural production, affecting the quality and supply of food.[4] Therefore, exploring crop varieties with enhanced resilience to adverse conditions is essential. Climate change, in particular, introduces various abiotic stresses that adversely affect crop yields, making the development of climate-resilient crops a priority.[5]

Biodiversity plays a vital role in maintaining ecosystem stability and supporting agricultural productivity. A diverse range of crops enhances soil health, reduces pest outbreaks, and contributes to climate resilience.[6] In China, the conservation and utilization of crop genetic resources have been emphasized as key strategies for sustainable agriculture.[7] By promoting underutilized crops, China can enhance food diversity, improve nutrition, and reduce reliance on a limited number of staple crops. Additionally, these crops can contribute to ecological sustainability by preserving traditional agricultural landscapes and supporting pollinators and soil microorganisms.[1]

What is Underutilized Crops?

Underutilized crops (NUS) are those that have potential economic, nutritional or ecological value but are not widely cultivated or commercialized globally or locally. These crops are often not given sufficient attention by agricultural researchers, plant breeders, seed companies, and policy makers[8]. Due to the limited competitiveness of these crops compared with commodity crops in mainstream agriculture, their potential to improve livelihoods and ensure food security and sovereignty has not been fully realized[9]. NUS includes a wide variety of plant species such as cereals and pseudo-cereals, roots and tubers, fruits and nuts, vegetables, legumes, spices, condiments and food dye agents. They are not usually traded as commodities, and many are wild food plants, often grown in homes or collected from forests[10]. There are a wide variety of underutilized crops in China, such as Tartary Buckwheat, Chinese Yam and Chinese Mahogany, which play an important role in traditional agriculture, but due to inadequate marketing and limited consumer awareness, It has not been fully exploited.

Underutilized crops usually have a strong ability to adapt to the environment and can grow stably in poor soils and extreme climates. For example, Tartary buckwheat is tolerant of drought and cold, and can be widely cultivated in Southwest China and the Loess Plateau[11]. In contrast, modern agriculture relies heavily on high-yielding crops such as rice, wheat and maize, and these staple crops are more dependent on soil fertility, water resources and climatic conditions, making agricultural systems less resilient to climate change. The promotion of underused crops that are resistant to stress can therefore help improve the stability of agricultural systems and enhance their resilience to climate change.

In addition to ecological adaptability, the nutritional value of underutilized crops is also a concern. Modern diets are one-dimensional and many people lack essential micronutrients and dietary fiber, leading to a worsening of the problem of "hidden hunger"[10]. Many underutilized crops are rich in a variety of nutrients that can alleviate this problem to some extent. For example, Tartary buckwheat is rich in rutin, a flavonoid that has antioxidant, blood pressure and blood sugar lowering effects[12]. In addition, the amino acid composition of Tartary buckwheat protein is more balanced, especially the content of lysine is higher, compared with traditional grains such as wheat and corn, Tartary Buckwheat protein nutritional value is more advantageous[13]. In recent years, Tartary buckwheat has been widely used in functional foods, such as Tartary buckwheat tea, Tartary buckwheat noodles, etc., and its market demand is growing, especially in the diabetic and hypertension patients group has been widely welcomed. Additionally, Chinese Yam is rich in polysaccharides, saponins, flavonoids and other bioactive substances, which can enhance immunity, promote intestinal health, and have the effect of lowering blood sugar and blood lipid[14]. It is favored in the field of health food and diet for the elderly. In addition, studies have shown that Toon sprouts are rich in vitamin C, carotene, polyphenol antioxidants, and minerals such as calcium, iron, and zinc, and their antioxidant capacity is significantly higher than that of many common vegetables[15]. In addition, toon also contains coumarin-like compounds that are thought to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects. Although Chinese toon is favored by some consumers because of its unique flavor, due to its short growing period and limited picking period, the market supply fluctuated greatly, resulting in higher prices. In recent years, with the increase of people's attention to healthy eating, Chinese toon has become one of the representatives of high-end green food and has taken a place in the organic food market. The promotion of these underutilized crops can not only enrich people's diet, but also improve the national health level.

Implications of Food Security

Traditional staple crops such as wheat, rice, and corn dominate global food production, but their over-reliance exposes food systems to significant risks, including climate vulnerabilities, soil degradation, and disease outbreaks[16]. In this context, underutilized crops—which are often native, resilient, and nutritionally superior—have gained increasing attention as a viable solution to food security challenges.

China, with its vast agroecological diversity, possesses a wealth of underutilized crops, such as Chinese Yam (Dioscorea opposita), Tartary Buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum), and Chinese Mahogany (Toona sinensis). These crops offer multiple advantages, including improving dietary diversity, enhancing climate resilience, promoting agricultural sustainability, and reducing dependence on staple imports.[17]

Enhancing Nutritional Diversity

One of the major threats to food security is malnutrition, which persists even in countries with abundant food supply due to the dominance of calorie-rich but nutrient-poor diets. Underutilized crops play a vital role in addressing this issue by providing diverse and nutrient-rich food sources.[18]

For example, Chinese Yam (Dioscorea opposita) is a tuber crop widely consumed in China, rich in dietary fiber, antioxidants, and essential micronutrients such as iron, potassium, and vitamin C, which support immune function and cardiovascular health[19]. Amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) is another underutilized crop that boasts high levels of protein, calcium, and lysine, an essential amino acid often deficient in staple cereals like rice and wheat. Regular consumption of such crops can help combat micronutrient deficiencies, particularly in rural and economically disadvantaged regions.

Moreover, underutilized crops often contain bioactive compounds that provide additional health benefits beyond basic nutrition. Studies have shown that Tartary Buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum) contains high levels of rutin, a flavonoid with anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular-protective properties[20]. Such functional properties make these crops valuable for improving public health and reducing the burden of diet-related chronic diseases, such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions[21].

Expanding the cultivation and consumption of these nutrient-dense crops can play a crucial role in promoting balanced diets, improving public health outcomes, and reducing dependence on industrially processed foods, which are often low in nutritional value.

Climate Resilience and Sustainable Agriculture

As climate change accelerates, extreme weather events—such as droughts, floods, and temperature fluctuations—are increasingly threatening global food production. Conventional crops, particularly monocultures of wheat, rice, and maize, are highly vulnerable to these climatic shocks. Underutilized crops, however, often exhibit higher adaptability and resilience to harsh environmental conditions, making them key assets for climate-smart agriculture[22].

For instance, Tartary Buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum) thrives in poor soils and high-altitude regions where other crops struggle. It is highly drought-resistant, requires minimal fertilizer inputs, and matures quickly, making it an excellent alternative for regions prone to erratic rainfall and soil degradation[20]. Similarly, Water Caltrop (Trapa natans) is an aquatic plant that grows in wetlands and flood-prone areas, offering a viable food source in regions affected by seasonal flooding[23].

In addition to their resilience, many underutilized crops require fewer chemical inputs such as synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, making them more environmentally sustainable[24]. Their ability to thrive in marginal lands and degraded ecosystems reduces pressure on fertile lands and promotes agricultural biodiversity, which in turn enhances ecosystem stability and soil fertility[23].

Promoting the widespread cultivation of these resilient crops not only strengthens food security in the face of climate change but also reduces the carbon footprint of agriculture, supports regenerative farming practices, and helps maintain agroecological balance[25].

Diversification of Food Sources

Modern agricultural systems are largely dependent on a handful of staple crops, which makes food production highly vulnerable to external shocks such as pest outbreaks, crop diseases, and climate-related disruptions. Increasing crop diversity through the incorporation of underutilized crops can enhance food system resilience and reduce the risks associated with monoculture farming[26].

For example, Chinese Mahogany (Toona sinensis) is a perennial tree crop that provides edible shoots and leaves, serving as an alternative vegetable source while also offering reforestation and soil conservation benefits[27].Unlike annual crops, perennials contribute to long-term carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation, making them valuable in sustainable agricultural landscapes[27].

Incorporating a wider range of food crops into agricultural systems diversifies food production, reduces dependence on a few major crops, and enhances resilience against food supply chain disruptions. This is particularly important for China, where food security is closely linked to both domestic production capacity and global trade stability[28].

Economic and Livelihood Benefits for Farmers

Supporting the cultivation of underutilized crops creates new income opportunities for smallholder farmers, especially in rural areas where agricultural resources are limited. Many of these crops have high market potential due to their nutritional benefits, cultural significance, and unique flavors, which cater to growing consumer demand for healthy, functional, and indigenous foods[26].

For instance, Amaranth and Tartary Buckwheat have witnessed increased commercialization in China, with government initiatives encouraging their large-scale cultivation and integration into domestic and international markets[20]. Their ability to grow in low-input farming systems makes them particularly attractive for small-scale farmers looking to diversify their income streams without excessive investment in fertilizers and pesticides.

Furthermore, underutilized crops can contribute to rural economic development by fostering local food industries, including traditional food processing, herbal medicine production, and organic agriculture markets. Encouraging their cultivation and commercialization empowers farming communities, enhances agricultural sustainability, and strengthens regional economies[17].

Reducing Dependence on Imported Staples

China’s long-term food security strategy includes reducing reliance on imported staple crops such as wheat, rice, and corn. While imports have helped stabilize food supply, excessive dependence on international markets poses risks related to price fluctuations, trade restrictions, and geopolitical tensions[28].

By promoting the production and consumption of indigenous underutilized crops, China can enhance its food self-sufficiency, reduce vulnerability to external supply disruptions, and preserve traditional agricultural knowledge.[29] These crops have historically played a crucial role in local food systems and culinary traditions, and their revival supports both cultural heritage and agricultural resilience[29].

Additionally, strengthening domestic seed banks and research initiatives focused on underutilized crops can help preserve genetic diversity, improve crop breeding programs, and ensure long-term food security for future generations[26].

The applications of underutilized crops in biodiversity

As one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, China has many traditional crop resources. However, due to the increased intensification of the new form of agriculture, many of the indigenous crops are being pushed out slowly, thus making agricultural biodiversity a major problem[1]. Underutilized crops are not only a source of food and income but are also a significant contributor to genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity.

Promoting Genetic Diversity

Genetic diversity is the basis of biodiversity. It provides genetic resources for disease resistance, stress resistance and evolutionary adaptability of crops. China's underutilized crops retain a wealth of local varieties and wild relatives that are of great value in modern agricultural breeding and genetic improvement[30].

Many underutilized crops have unique gene pools. For example, Tartary Buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum), as a cold-tolerant and drought-tolerant crop, has strong stress resistance in its genes, which can provide a gene source for the improvement of resistance to reverse effects for staple crops such as wheat[4]. In addition, Chinese Yam (Dioscorea opposita) has a variety of local varieties. There were significant genetic differences in starch content and disease resistance among different varieties, which provided the basis for high-yield and high-quality breeding in the future[31]. Such crops provide a wealth of genetic resources that can help improve crop resistance and resistance to disease.

In commercial agriculture, however, many local varieties are being phased out as the market favors high-yielding, manageable crops. This has a direct impact on the ongoing reduction in crop genetic diversity. To deal with this problem, China has established several germplasm banks. For example, the establishment of China's National Crop Germplasm Bank is aimed at protecting seeds and genetic resources of endangered crops[32].

Enhancing Species Diversity

Species diversity refers to the number and variety of different kinds of crops or plants in an ecosystem. Underutilized crops can reduce the environmental problems caused by monoculture and improve the stability of agricultural systems by enriching the planting structure of farmland[1].

a. Growing multiple crops together can reduce the risk of pests and diseases

Mixed farming methods in traditional agriculture can effectively reduce the spread of pests and diseases. For example, farmers in mountainous areas of southwest China use a mixed rice-legume-Tartary buckwheat system to take advantage of the complementary effect between crops to reduce the occurrence of pests and diseases and improve soil fertility[4].

b.The use of traditional crops in maintaining species diversity

Chinese mahogany (Toona sinensis) is a tree with high nutritional value. Not only is it edible, but its sprouts are also a high-end vegetable. Its widespread cultivation can reduce fragmentation between farmland and forests and increase species diversity, thereby improving ecosystem resilience[32]. In addition, Water caltrop (Trapa natans) is an aquatic plant. Chinese lakes and wetlands used to be almost exclusively cultivated with water caltrop. It can provide shelter for aquatic life. It can also reduce lake eutrophication and maintain the health of water bodies, thereby increasing the species richness of aquatic ecosystems. However, due to the influence of water pollution and modern agriculture, the growing environment of water chestnut has been seriously damaged[33]. This also leads to its role in the water body greatly weakened.

Facilitating Ecosystems Diversity

Ecosystem diversity is the variety of different ecosystem types and their internal diversity. Many unexploited crops are vital in maintaining ecosystem stability, ecosystem function in different ecological zones, land restoration, and the negative effects of modern agriculture. There are many underutilized crops that are more tolerant, which can increase the robustness and complexity of agro-ecosystems and increase the ecological toughness. For instance, amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) has low soil tolerance, which helps in preventing soil erosion and at the same time produces high yields under high temperature and water stress conditions thus improving farmland ecosystems[34]. Tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tataricum) is cultivated on terraced lands in the southwestern mountains of China, which also serves to check erosion, reduces the need for chemicals and supports organic farming. It is also very adaptable, robust and suitable for cultivation at high altitudes, and it may support some of the remote cities in China[4].

Conclusion

You should conclude your Wiki paper by summarizing the topic, or some aspect of the topic.

References

Please use the Wikipedia reference style. Provide a citation for every sentence, statement, thought, or bit of data not your own, giving the author, year, AND page. For dictionary references for English-language terms, I strongly recommend you use the Oxford English Dictionary. You can reference foreign-language sources but please also provide translations into English in the reference list.

Note: Before writing your wiki article on the UBC Wiki, it may be helpful to review the tips in Wikipedia: Writing better articles.[35]

  1. ↑ Jump up to: 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Knez, M., Ranić, M., & Gurinović, M. (2024). Underutilized plants increase biodiversity, improve food and nutrition security, reduce malnutrition, and enhance human health and well-being. let's put them back on the plate. Nutrition Reviews, 82(8), 1111-1124. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":0" defined multiple times with different content
  2. ↑ FAO. (2019). The State of the World’s Biodiversity for Food and Agriculture.
  3. ↑ Dialogue Earth. (2023). China’s Crop Diversity and Global Food Security.
  4. ↑ Jump up to: 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 Zhang, Z., Zhang, J., Lu, P., Wu, B., Liu, M., Gao, J., Wang, C., Bai, K., & Guo, G. (2022). Six underutilized grain crops for food and nutrition in china. Plants (Basel), 11(19), 2451. Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; name ":1" defined multiple times with different content
  5. ↑ Vala, Y. B., Sekhar, M., Sudeepthi, B., Thriveni, V., Lallawmkimi, M. C., Ranjith, R., & Reddy, S. E. (2024). A review on influence of climate change on agronomic practices and crop adaptation strategies. Journal of Experimental Agriculture International, 46(10), 671-686.
  6. ↑ FAO. (2019). The State of the World’s Biodiversity for Food and Agriculture.
  7. ↑ Zheng, B., Yang, G., Chen, M., et al. (2023). Current status and challenges of biodiversity conservation and utilization in China. Journal of Ecology, 43(3), 118-123.
  8. ↑ Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (2024). The potential of neglected and underutilized species (NUS) and crop adaptation to climate change. FAO. Retrieved from https://openknowledge.fao.org/handle/20.500.14283/i7788en​
  9. ↑ Padulosi, S., Heywood, V., Hunter, D., & Jarvis, A. (2011). Underutilized species and climate change: Current status and outlook. Crop Adaptation to Climate Change, 507–521. https://doi.org/10.1002/9780470960929.ch35
  10. ↑ Jump up to: 10.0 10.1 (2018). Future Smart Food. https://doi.org/10.18356/23b5f7ab-en
  11. ↑ Zhang, Z., Zhang, J., Lu, P., Wu, B., Liu, M., Gao, J., Wang, C., Bai, K., & Guo, G. (2022). Six underutilized grain crops for Food and nutrition in China. Plants, 11(19), 2451. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11192451
  12. ↑ Nishimura, M., Ohkawara, T., Sato, Y., Satoh, H., Suzuki, T., Ishiguro, K., Noda, T., Morishita, T., & Nishihira, J. (2016). Effectiveness of rutin-rich tartary buckwheat ( Fagopyrum Tataricum Gaertn.) ‘manten-kirari’ in body weight reduction related to its antioxidant properties: A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Journal of Functional Foods, 26, 460–469. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2016.08.004
  13. ↑ Luthar, Z., Golob, A., Germ, M., Vombergar, B., & Kreft, I. (2021). Tartary Buckwheat in human nutrition. Plants, 10(4), 700. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10040700
  14. ↑ Li, Y., Ji, S., Xu, T., Zhong, Y., Xu, M., Liu, Y., Li, M., Fan, B., Wang, F., Xiao, J., & Lu, B. (2023). Chinese yam (dioscorea): Nutritional value, beneficial effects, and food and pharmaceutical applications. Trends in Food Science &amp; Technology, 134, 29–40. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tifs.2023.01.021
  15. ↑ Peng, W., Liu, Y., Hu, M., Zhang, M., Yang, J., Liang, F., Huang, Q., & Wu, C. (2019). Toona sinensis: A comprehensive review on its traditional usages, phytochemisty, pharmacology and toxicology. Revista Brasileira de Farmacognosia, 29(1), 111–124. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjp.2018.07.009
  16. ↑ FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization). (2021). The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2021. FAO, IFAD, UNICEF, WFP, and WHO Joint Report.https://www.fao.org/publications/fao-flagship-publications/the-state-of-food-security-and-nutrition-in-the-world?utm_source
  17. ↑ Jump up to: 17.0 17.1 Padulosi, S., Hodgkin, T., Williams, J. T., & Haq, N. (2002). Underutilized crops: trends, challenges and opportunities in the 21st century. In Managing plant genetic diversity. Proceedings of an international conference, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 12-16 June 2000 (pp. 323-338). Wallingford UK: CABI Publishing.
  18. ↑ Knez, M., Ranić, M., & Gurinović, M. (2024). Underutilized plants increase biodiversity, improve food and nutrition security, reduce malnutrition, and enhance human health and well-being. let's put them back on the plate. Nutrition Reviews, 82(8), 1111-1124.
  19. ↑ Khol, M., Ma, F., Lei, L., Liu, W., & Liu, X. (2024). A frontier review of nutraceutical Chinese yam. Foods, 13(10), 1426.
  20. ↑ Jump up to: 20.0 20.1 20.2 Zhang, Z. L., Zhou, M. L., Tang, Y., Li, F. L., Tang, Y. X., Shao, J. R., ... & Wu, Y. M. (2012). Bioactive compounds in functional buckwheat food. Food research international, 49(1), 389-395.
  21. ↑ WHO. (2020). Healthy diet: Key facts. World Health Organization.
  22. ↑ Padulosi, S., Thompson, J., & Rudebjer, P. G. (2013). Fighting poverty, hunger and malnutrition with neglected and underutilized species: needs, challenges and the way forward.
  23. ↑ Jump up to: 23.0 23.1 Yesuph, D. S., Dalka, D. D., & Tadesse Baye, M. (2025). Underutilized and neglected crop species and their role in enhancing household food security amid climate change, wolaita zone, ethiopia. Heliyon, 11(3), e42345.  
  24. ↑ Ndlovu, M., Scheelbeek, P., Ngidi, M., & Mabhaudhi, T. (2024). Underutilized crops for diverse, resilient and healthy agri-food systems: a systematic review of sub-Saharan Africa. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 8, 1498402.
  25. ↑ IPCC. (2021). Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
  26. ↑ Jump up to: 26.0 26.1 26.2 Khoury, C. K., Brush, S., Costich, D. E., Curry, H. A., De Haan, S., Engels, J. M., ... & Thormann, I. (2022). Crop genetic erosion: understanding and responding to loss of crop diversity. New Phytologist, 233(1), 84-118.
  27. ↑ Jump up to: 27.0 27.1 Zhang, Z., Zhang, J., Lu, P., Wu, B., Liu, M., Gao, J., Wang, C., Bai, K., & Guo, G. (2022). Six underutilized grain crops for food and nutrition in china. Plants (Basel), 11(19), 2451.
  28. ↑ Jump up to: 28.0 28.1 FAO. (2020). The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2020. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
  29. ↑ Jump up to: 29.0 29.1 Li, X., & Siddique, K. H. M. (2020). Future smart food: Harnessing the potential of neglected and underutilized species for zero hunger. Maternal and Child Nutrition, 16(S3), e13008-n/a.
  30. ↑ Yesuph, D. S., Dalka, D. D., & Tadesse Baye, M. (2025). Underutilized and neglected crop species and their role in enhancing household food security amid climate change, wolaita zone, ethiopia. Heliyon, 11(3), e42345.
  31. ↑ Li, X., & Siddique, K. H. M. (2020). Future smart food: Harnessing the potential of neglected and underutilized species for zero hunger. Maternal and Child Nutrition, 16(S3), e13008-n/a.
  32. ↑ Jump up to: 32.0 32.1 Wang, E. (2023). Revitalize traditional agriculture: Chinese consumer perception and preference of “Modern” organic and sustainable traditional rice products. Sustainability, 15(12), 9206.
  33. ↑ Ma, J., Gilmour, B., & Dang, H. (2017). Promise, problems and prospects: Agri-biotech governance in china, india and japan. China Agricultural Economic Review, 9(3), 453-475.
  34. ↑ Padulosi, S., Hodgkin, T., Williams, J. T., & Haq, N. (2001). Underutilized crops: trends, challenges and opportunities in the 21st century. In CABI Publishing eBooks (pp. 323–338).
  35. ↑ En.wikipedia.org. (2018). Writing better articles. [online] Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Writing_better_articles [Accessed 18 Jan. 2018].


Seekiefer (Pinus halepensis) 9months-fromtop.jpg
 This conservation resource was created by Course:CONS200.
Retrieved from "https://wiki.ubc.ca/index.php?title=Course:CONS200/2025WT2/China%27s_Development_of_Underutilized_Crops_for_Food_Security_and_Biodiversity&oldid=856550"