Abstract

CONSUMPTION TRENDS AND MARKET STUDY OF NONCONVENTIONAL VEGETABLES IN AND AROUND MUMBAI: A CASE STUDY

Suchandra Dutta*, Chitraa Shete, Kiran Chakral, Hensal Rodrigues, Vikrant

Abstract

Non-conventional Vegetables and fruits are those that grow naturally or are cultivated without the use of pesticides or fertilizers. These are often found in the surrounding forest areas. These plants are seasonal and typically emerge during the monsoon, summer, and winter seasons. They are sold in markets on the outskirts of Mumbai markets and nearby areas by local people living near these forested regions. The present study documents a total of 55 plant species from 53 genera. Among these, 19 are sold as leafy vegetables, 21 as fruits, and 3 as inflorescences, flowers, bulbils, or stems. The majority of leafy vegetables belong to the Fabaceae, Apocynaceae, and Dioscoreaceae families. Additionally, the study records the first-hand Ayurvedic uses of these plants and comments on the consumption trends associated with these Non-conventional Vegetables.

Keywords: Ayurveda, Consumption Pattern, Seasonal, Vegetables, Non-conventional Vegetables.