POTENTIALITY OF NEGLECTED AND UNDREUTILIZED FRUITS AND VEGETABLES ATGOLAPGANJ UPAZILA IN SYLHET DISTRICT FOR NUTRITIONAL,FOOD AND INCOME SECURITY

Abstract

Neglected and Underutilized Fruits and Vegetables (NUFV), as recognized by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, play a significant role in addressing food security, biodiversity conservation, and climate change resilience. The study provides a situational analysis of NUFV use in four unions (Golapganj, Fulbari, Bhadeshwar and Lakshanaband) of Golapganj Upazila under Sylhet District. A survey using structured questionnaires was
conducted with 200 respondents; the data were analyzed descriptively. Results indicated 25 NUFV species were identified, with the majority of producers (52.5%) producing these plants predominantly for home consumption, compared to 29% who produced these plants commercially. The most commonly cultivated species was bamboo Korol (14.9%) and the
least was rattan/cane fruit (0.2%). The agricultural production activity was dominated by women as most of plant planting (60.5%) is done by them while men are mainly engaged on soil preparation (55.5%), mulching (56%) and marketing (77.5%). The Benefit-Cost Ratio (BCR) ranged between 6.1 and 26.1, with an average of 9.7 demonstrating high economic feasibility. Moreover, the cultivation of NUFV contributes significantly to six Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) No Poverty (SDG 1), Zero Hunger (SDG 2), Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3), Gender Equality (SGD5{newline} Climate Action {SGD13} Life on Land {sgd15}. The study draws to the conclusion that it is imperative that policy measures can sharpen up the sustainability and economic viability of NUFV in the region through focused policy actions, better market access as well as skill development programs for farmers.