Pulses (Pisum sativum L.) are important grain legume crops that contribute significantly to Bangladesh’s nutritional security as inexpensive, high-protein food sources. This research assessed the agronomic performance and environmental adaptability of four pea varieties (Pea Nator Local, Pea Jikorgacha Local, BARI Khesari-2, and BARI Motorshuti-3) at the experimental field of Sylhet Agricultural
University during the 2019-2020 Rabi season. The experiment employed a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications. The results showed significant variation among varieties for plant population, leaves plant⁻¹, branches plant⁻¹, plant height, fresh weight of plant, pods plant⁻¹, pod length, seeds pod⁻¹, 100 seeds weight, and seed yield. The results revealed that the highest seed yield was obtained from Natore local (1572.37 kg ha⁻¹) and it was similar to Jhikorgacha local (1440 kg ha⁻¹). The lowest seed yield was obtained from BARI motorshuti-3 (961.87 kg ha⁻¹). Environmental suitability analysis showed that Pea Nator local had perfect adaptation with 5.5% yield loss while BARI motorshuti-3 suffered 38.8% yield loss due to environmental stress. Above all Pea Nator local and Jikorgacha local may be suggested to farmers to cultivate in Sylhet.

Keywords: Pulse cultivation, Environmental adaptation, Varietal performance, Agro-ecological Zone, Northeastern Bangladesh

Neglected and underutilized plant species (NUPS), often referred to as future smart foods, hold immense potential for enhancing food security, nutritional diversity, and climate resilience in marginal environments. This study investigated the diversity, cultivation status, and adoption constraints of NUPS in homestead agroforestry systems at Zakiganj Upazila of Sylhet District in Bangladesh a subtropical, flood-prone region characterized by high rainfall (2,540–3,810 mm annually) and acidic soils. Using a survey-based design, data were collected through face-to-face interviews with 120 randomly selected respondents across nine unions from January to June 2025 at Zakiganj Upazila. Though the NUPS are in the verse of extinction, results revealed that still 58.3% of households cultivating them primarily due to their climate tolerance (31.7%), low input requirements (28.3%), and local availability (25.0%). Key information sources of neighbors (29.2%) and extension workers (25.0%) showed major constraints comprised of lack of knowledge (38.3%), limited seed availability (25.0%), and perceived low yields (21.7%). Only 45.8% of respondents had received relevant training. Biodiversity analysis of the seven dominant NUPS (betel nut, mulberry, bonkochu, toikor, lukluki, shaplagota, and jaralebu) showed exceptionally high diversity, with a Shannon-Weaver Index (H′) of 1.9360 (near maximum 1.9459), evenness of 0.9949, and Simpson’s Index of Diversity (1–D) of 0.8544, indicating balanced species distribution. These findings highlighted the critical and important role of traditional homegardens in conserving resilient, nutrient-dense NUPS amid a lot of climate stresses. Improving knowledge gaps, seed systems, and extension services are essential to mainstream these orphan crops, which in turn, will support dietary diversification, hidden hunger mitigation, and sustainable agriculture in the vulnerable regions of Bangladesh.

Keywords: Neglected and underutilized plant species (NUPS), future smart food, homestead agroforestry, biodiversity indices, climate resilience, food security, Zakiganj, Bangladesh

Global food systems are advancing towards vulnerable due to over reliance on a narrow range of staple crops (rice, wheat, maize), creating risks from climate change, environmental degradation, and malnutrition. Neglected and underutilized plant species (NUPS), are known as Future Smart Foods which are offering climate-resilient, nutrient-dense alternatives adapted to marginal environments, with potential dietary diversity, ability to combat hidden hunger, and support sustainable livelihoods. This study was conducted with the objectives of knowing the people perception and attitude towards the NUPS in Gowainghat Upazila of Sylhet District, Bangladesh. The research area is located in a humid sub-tropical region with heavy monsoon rainfall (~5,000 mm annually) and having diverse agroecology covering 200 randomly selected respondents from four unions (Fatehpur, Rustampur, Purba Jaflong, Alirgaon) with the above objectives during June 2022 to and April 2023. Data were collected by using semi-structured interviews, pre-tested questionnaires, field observations, and focus group discussions. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Likert scales. Results revealed strong appreciation for NUPS, with fruits dominating usage (55.5%) followed by vegetables (16.5%) and medicinal applications (15%), and were primarily for self-consumption (55%) and contributing to nutrition, health, and income security. Women played the prominent role in labor-intensive production tasks (e.g., planting 57.5%, harvesting 65.5%), creating gender empowerment, while marketing remained male-dominated (71.5%). Respondents hold positive attitudes toward NUPS benefits including nutritional security and women’s empowerment. But showed low awareness of environmental contributions (e.g., biodiversity enhancement), limited knowledge levels (47% nil), with a perceived decadal decline in availability/production (66.5%) attributed to marketing constraints (79 % respondents), uneven precipitation (72%), lack of training (69%), and inadequate knowledge (64%). These findings are aligned with global patterns of NUPS erosion due to policy negligence and climate stresses. The study underscores NUPS’ viability as climate-smart resources in vulnerable rural Bangladesh, affirming their role in advancing SDGs 1 (No Poverty), 2 (Zero Hunger), 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 5 (Gender Equality), and 15 (Life on Land). Promoting awareness, gender-inclusive training, market linkages, and resilient cultivation could reverse declining, boost up food/nutrition security, and foster diversified, sustainable food systems in similar agroecological contexts.

Keywords: Neglected and underutilized plant species (NUPS), Future Smart Foods, climate-smart agriculture, food and nutrition security