Ethno-horticultural and physico-chemical characterization of indigenous fruit species for nutritional and socio-economic uplift of local communities from district Poonch, Azad Jammu and Kashmir

The world is suffering due to the double burden of malnutrition i.e., under-nourished and over-nourished which is increasing day by day. Lack of dietary diversity and changing climatic scenarios are paving the way for this severe problem. There could be many solutions to address this chronic problem. However, using locally grown indigenous fruit species could be the cheapest and sustainable solution to tackle these issues locally as well as globally. To understand the existing barriers which are hindering to unlock the full potential of these fruit species, the present study was designed. To explore the ethno-horticultural and physico-chemical potential of some selected indigenous fruits such as persimmon, date plum, apple, pear, autumn olive, black raspberry, yellow raspberry, quince, barberry, apricot, fig, wood land strawberry, wild pomegranate, black mulberry, and plum were collected from different villages of District Poonch and analysed for various parameters. Ethno-horticultural information was gathered and documented during a survey conducted in this area while physico-chemical characterization was done through analytical studies. Samples were analysed for physico-chemical parameters such as, fruit weight, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, vitamin C, pH, total antioxidants, total flavonoids, and total phenols. The physico-chemical results showed that there is a huge potential of these fruit crops to be used locally and at national level. Further, small scale industry should be established to develop value added products.