July 27, 2025 | Applied Fruit Science |
The study conducted by the University of Kerala, Kariavattom, India, reviewed the significance and commercialization challenges of underutilized fruits (UFs). These fruits, though cultivated or marketed on a limited scale, play an important role in rural livelihoods and nutrition. Rich in nutrients and antioxidants, they help combat malnutrition while also supporting income generation for rural communities through collection, processing, and sales.
Despite these benefits, UFs face major barriers to commercialization. Compared to widely cultivated fruits such as mango, guava, or pineapple, UFs often command lower market prices and suffer from issues such as high post-harvest losses, perishability, and low consumer acceptance. These challenges limit their potential to reach broader markets. The review emphasizes the need for targeted market research, improved processing technologies, and studies on economic feasibility to address these constraints. Strengthening supply chains and promoting consumer awareness were identified as critical steps for improving the market value of UFs.
The findings highlight that with appropriate strategies, underutilized fruits could contribute significantly to income generation, food security, and sustainable agricultural development. Expanding their presence in global markets requires coordinated efforts to improve post-harvest management, marketing strategies, and value addition.
