Plant Genetic Resources for Crop Improvement: The North-Western Himalayan Perspective

Abstract

Himalayas is one of the unique eco-systems, rich in robust indigenous culture and traditional wisdom. Due to
its varied climatic conditions, it is gifted with a wide diversity of plant genetic resources (PGRs) of several crop
species and their wild relatives. These crops and their wild taxa have contributed signifi cantly to environment
and food security of the native people. Recent past has seen some breakthroughs in successful utilization of
Himalayan PGRs in cultivar development that could serve as model for future crop improvement programs visà-
vis climate change and nutritional security