Prospects and potential for sustainable food and nutritional security in North Western Himalayan region

Abstract

The North Western Himalayan (NWH) region is experiencing faster warming than the global average, accompanied by increased precipitation and extreme weather events. These changes significantly impact hydrology, agriculture, biodiversity, and human health, exacerbating food and nutrition insecurity, especially in high mountain areas. However, certain wild food plants (WFPs) contribute significantly in gastronomic, social, economic and ecological arena of culinary heritage of the local population of High Himalayas. However, a wide range of traditional local crops, not only having high nutritional value but also more resilient under changing climatic condition, are slowly vanishing from the popular culture. There is a significant lack of research on the health benefits, chemical composition, and nutraceutical profiles of traditional Himalayan crops and other WFPs. Addressing these gaps is essential for understanding their potential contribution to food and nutrition security. In addition, traditional food systems, rich in nutritional and medicinal values, are also declining due to changing food habits, environmental degradation, and inadequate documentation of wild food plants, leading to a loss of agrobiodiversity and resilience in the face of climate change. Thus, a better understanding of the intricate interplay between traditional food choices and climate resilience will provide a comprehensive framework for community participation, awareness, modern breeding techniques to develop climate-resilient crop varieties, and value-addition options for sustainable food production. To achieve sustainable food and nutrition security in the NWH region requires a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach that integrates various sectors and relies on scientific research.