Rediscovery of Common Bean Landraces in Tribal Regions of Balaghat (MP), India

Phaseolus vulgaris L. is one of the most important legume grains for human as well as animal consumption direct and indirect Internationally. This crop shows a great phenotypic variation, which enables its production in a wide range of agroecosystems and cropping systems. These species are considered superfoods, but yet many of them are not part of our diets. In the tribal blocks of Balaghat district of Madhya Pradesh (Baihar, Birsa, Paraswada, Lanji, and Kirnapur) A great genetic diversity in common bean (P. vulgaris) observed in wild populations, traditional varieties, and primitive landraces as well as been maintained at the College of Agriculture in Balaghat (MP).

The importance of common bean landraces in agriculture cannot be neglected. Beans are rich in a variety of nutrients and a convenient plant source of protein and dietary fiber. Unbalanced food affects billions of people worldwide, leading to malnutrition and socio-economic complications as well. Many primitive landraces have medicinal properties, they contain folate, iron, thiamin, vitamin K, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, and potassium it has an effective impact on human health such as promoting heart health, maintaining blood sugar, enhancing digestive functions, and repairing the body and supporting weight loss. Beans are edible in fresh, And canned forms. Dry beans are rich sources of iron also and this is so important for vegetarians and vegans as substitutes for nutrients from animal sources, especially iron. Conservation of genetic resources of common bean species in suitable banks is an important pillar for international food security.