Modern agriculture often depends on a small number of widely cultivated crops. Wheat, rice, maize, soybean, and a few commercial vegetables dominate many farming systems. These crops are important, but relying too heavily on them can increase production risks, reduce biodiversity, and expose farmers to unstable market prices.
Forgotten crops offer an alternative. These are traditional, indigenous, underused, or ancient crops that were once important in local diets and farming systems but gradually lost attention as commercial agriculture became more standardised.
Many forgotten crops are naturally adapted to difficult climates, poor soils, low rainfall, and limited input conditions. Some are also rich in nutrients and may attract premium demand from health-conscious consumers, speciality food businesses, restaurants, and sustainable food markets.
This guide explains how farmers can use forgotten crops to diversify production, improve resilience, and create new income opportunities.
What Are Forgotten Crops?
Forgotten crops are plant species or traditional varieties that were historically grown and consumed in a region but are now cultivated on a limited scale.
They may also be described as:
- Heritage crops
- Traditional crops
- Indigenous crops
- Underutilised crops
- Neglected crops
- Ancient grains
- Climate-resilient crops
These crops are not necessarily unproductive. In many cases, they disappeared because markets, processing systems, government support, research, and consumer habits shifted towards a smaller number of commercial crops.
Examples include millets, amaranth, sorghum, teff, buckwheat, fonio, cowpea, pigeon pea, taro, cassava, heritage beans, ancient wheat varieties, and traditional leafy vegetables.
Why Forgotten Crops Matter Today
Agriculture is facing several major challenges, including climate change, water shortages, soil degradation, pest resistance, rising fertiliser costs, and unstable food supply chains.
Forgotten crops can help farmers respond to these challenges because many of them have valuable characteristics.
They may offer:
- Better drought tolerance
- Lower water requirements
- Resistance to local pests
- Ability to grow in poor soils
- Shorter growing periods
- Lower fertiliser needs
- Improved farm biodiversity
- Strong nutritional value
- Access to specialised markets
- Reduced dependence on one crop
Their real value comes from combining traditional knowledge with modern production, processing, branding, and marketing.
1. Millets
Millets are among the most useful forgotten crops for dry and semi-arid farming regions. Common types include pearl millet, finger millet, foxtail millet, barnyard millet, proso millet, and little millet.
These small grains can often tolerate heat, low rainfall, and relatively poor soil conditions better than many major cereals.
Millets may be sold as:
- Whole grain
- Flour
- Breakfast cereal
- Snacks
- Porridge products
- Gluten-free food ingredients
- Health-food mixes
Farmers can improve profitability by cleaning, grading, milling, and packaging millet instead of selling it only as an unprocessed commodity.
2. Sorghum
Sorghum is an ancient cereal used for food, livestock feed, fodder, syrup, and industrial products.
It is especially valuable in regions with high temperatures and irregular rainfall. Some varieties are suitable for grain production, while others are grown mainly for forage.
Food-grade sorghum may be marketed to consumers looking for traditional grains or gluten-free alternatives.
Farmers should select the correct variety based on whether the crop will be used for grain, fodder, sweet syrup, or another purpose.
3. Amaranth
Amaranth can be grown as a grain crop or a leafy vegetable. Its seeds are rich in nutrients, while its leaves are commonly used in traditional dishes in many regions.
Grain amaranth may be sold for:
- Flour
- Puffed snacks
- Breakfast products
- Bakery ingredients
- Health-food mixes
Leaf amaranth has a short growing period and may provide repeated harvests under suitable management.
Because the seeds are very small, careful planting, weed control, harvesting, and cleaning are important.
4. Buckwheat
Buckwheat is a fast-growing crop that is not a true cereal, even though its seeds are used in similar ways.
It can perform well in cooler climates and relatively low-fertility soils. Its flowers also attract pollinators, making it useful in diversified farming systems.
Buckwheat can be sold as groats, flour, noodles, pancake mixes, or speciality health-food ingredients.
The crop has a relatively short season, which may allow it to fit between other crops or act as a rotational crop.
5. Teff
Teff is an ancient grain traditionally associated with Ethiopia and neighbouring areas. It produces very small seeds and can be used for flatbreads, porridge, flour blends, and speciality baked products.
Interest in teff has grown because of its nutritional profile and suitability for gluten-free markets.
However, farmers should study seed availability, local climate suitability, processing requirements, and market access before planting it commercially.
Its tiny seed size can make sowing and harvesting more difficult than larger grains.
6. Fonio
Fonio is a traditional West African grain known for its short growing period and ability to grow in challenging environments.
It may be suitable for areas with poor soils and unreliable rainfall. Fonio can be used in porridge, couscous-style dishes, flour, and packaged speciality foods.
Processing can be labour-intensive because the grains are very small. Therefore, access to suitable cleaning, dehusking, and packaging equipment is important for commercial expansion.
7. Cowpea
Cowpea is a valuable food and fodder legume. It can produce grain, green pods, leaves, and livestock feed.
Because it is a legume, it can contribute nitrogen to the farming system through biological fixation. This may improve soil fertility and benefit the following crop.
Cowpea is particularly useful in hot and dry regions.
Market opportunities may include:
- Dry beans
- Fresh pods
- Leafy vegetables
- Flour
- Animal feed
- Processed snacks
Intercropping cowpea with cereals can help diversify production and reduce farm risk.
8. Pigeon Pea
Pigeon pea is a drought-tolerant legume grown for dry seeds, green peas, fodder, fuelwood, and soil improvement.
Its deep root system can help it survive dry periods and access nutrients from deeper soil layers.
Pigeon pea can be grown as a sole crop, boundary crop, or intercrop. It is commonly combined with maize, sorghum, or millet.
Farmers may earn more by selling cleaned, graded, split, or packaged pigeon pea rather than mixed-quality grain.
9. Heritage Beans
Traditional bean varieties often have distinctive colours, shapes, flavours, and cooking qualities. While they may produce less than some commercial varieties, they can attract premium prices in speciality markets.
Potential customers include:
- Restaurants
- Organic food shops
- Chefs
- Direct consumers
- Seed collectors
- Farmers’ markets
Seed purity is essential. Different bean varieties should be harvested, stored, and labelled separately.
Farmers must also confirm whether the chosen heritage variety performs well under local disease and weather conditions.
10. Ancient Wheat Varieties
Ancient wheat types such as einkorn, emmer, and spelt have gained attention in speciality grain and artisan bakery markets.
These crops may have unique flavours, textures, and processing characteristics. However, their yield, disease resistance, and harvesting requirements may differ from modern wheat varieties.
Farmers should arrange buyers before planting because these grains may require separate storage, cleaning, milling, and transportation.
Premium prices are possible, but only when the crop meets strict quality standards.
11. Taro
Taro is a traditional root crop grown in warm and humid regions. Both the corm and leaves may be used as food, depending on the variety and local preparation methods.
The crop can perform well in wet or moisture-rich conditions where some other crops struggle.
Taro may be marketed fresh, peeled, frozen, dried, or processed into flour and chips.
Proper cooking and processing are important because raw taro contains compounds that can irritate the mouth and skin.
12. Cassava
Cassava is a hardy root crop capable of producing under relatively difficult conditions. It is widely used for food, animal feed, starch, flour, and industrial products.
Cassava can remain in the ground for some time after reaching maturity, giving farmers flexibility in harvesting.
However, roots deteriorate quickly after harvest, so farmers need a rapid marketing or processing plan.
Some cassava varieties contain higher levels of natural cyanogenic compounds and must be processed correctly before consumption.
13. Traditional Leafy Vegetables
Many indigenous leafy vegetables have been replaced by a small group of commercial greens, even though traditional species may be highly nutritious and adapted to local climates.
These crops may mature quickly and can be sold in fresh bundles to households, restaurants, retailers, and local markets.
Examples vary by region, but may include traditional amaranth leaves, spider plant, jute mallow, purslane, roselle leaves, and African nightshade.
Local consumer education and attractive packaging can help increase demand.
14. Bambara Groundnut
Bambara groundnut is a drought-tolerant legume that develops pods underground, similar to peanuts.
It can grow in low-input conditions and provides both carbohydrates and protein. The crop may also contribute to soil fertility.
Bambara groundnut can be sold as dry seeds, roasted snacks, flour, or ingredients in traditional dishes.
Its commercial potential often depends on improved processing, cooking convenience, and consumer awareness.
15. Quinoa
Quinoa is an ancient crop originally associated with the Andean region. It has become popular in international health-food markets.
Some quinoa varieties tolerate salinity, drought, and challenging environmental conditions. However, performance varies widely, and not every variety is suitable for every climate.
The seeds contain a naturally bitter coating known as saponin, which may need to be removed through washing or processing.
Farmers should avoid planting quinoa based only on international popularity. Reliable local trials and confirmed buyers are essential.
Benefits of Growing Forgotten Crops
Forgotten crops can improve farm performance in several ways.
Farm Diversification
Growing several crops reduces dependence on one market and one harvest. If the main crop performs poorly, another crop may still provide income.
Climate Resilience
Many traditional crops were selected over generations for local conditions. They may survive heat, drought, or irregular rainfall more effectively than some high-input crops.
Soil Improvement
Legumes such as cowpea, pigeon pea, and Bambara groundnut can improve crop rotations and contribute nitrogen to the soil.
Deep-rooted crops may also improve soil structure and use nutrients from lower soil layers.
Reduced Input Costs
Some forgotten crops can grow with lower fertiliser, irrigation, or pesticide requirements. Lower input use can improve profit margins when yields and market prices remain acceptable.
Premium Market Potential
Ancient grains, heritage beans, speciality flours, and indigenous vegetables may attract premium customers.
However, farmers should not assume that every forgotten crop will automatically sell at a high price. Demand must be confirmed before commercial planting.
How to Choose the Right Forgotten Crop
The best crop depends on local farming conditions and market demand.
Before selecting a crop, consider:
- Temperature and rainfall
- Soil type and drainage
- Irrigation availability
- Seed quality
- Crop duration
- Local pest and disease risks
- Harvesting requirements
- Processing facilities
- Storage life
- Buyer demand
- Expected selling price
- Transportation costs
Starting with a small trial plot allows farmers to test crop performance without risking a large investment.
Find Reliable Seeds
Seed availability is one of the biggest challenges in forgotten-crop farming.
Farmers should obtain seed from trusted research institutions, registered suppliers, farmer organisations, seed banks, or experienced growers.
Important seed qualities include:
- Correct variety identity
- Good germination
- Freedom from disease
- Suitable adaptation
- Genetic purity
- Legal permission for sale and cultivation
Seeds should be stored in dry, cool, and pest-free conditions.
Farmers interested in saving seed should learn about isolation distances, cross-pollination, selection, and proper storage.
Use Modern Agronomic Practices
Forgotten crops should not be managed carelessly simply because they are hardy.
Farmers can improve yield and quality through:
- Soil testing
- Suitable planting dates
- Correct spacing
- Quality seed treatment
- Timely weed control
- Balanced nutrition
- Efficient irrigation
- Crop rotation
- Pest monitoring
- Proper harvesting
Modern farm tools can be combined with traditional crop knowledge. Drip irrigation, weather information, mechanised planting, and digital record keeping may make forgotten crops more commercially competitive.
Add Value After Harvest
Selling raw crops often produces the lowest return. Processing and branding can increase value.
Possible products include:
- Millet flour
- Sorghum snacks
- Puffed amaranth
- Heritage bean packs
- Cassava chips
- Taro flour
- Quinoa blends
- Traditional vegetable powders
- Ancient-grain bakery mixes
- Ready-to-cook pulse products
Packaging should clearly explain the product, cooking method, storage instructions, origin, and nutritional qualities without making unsupported health claims.
Food processing may require licences, hygiene controls, labelling compliance, and quality testing.
Build a Market Before Planting
One of the most common mistakes is growing an unusual crop before finding customers.
Farmers should speak with potential buyers in advance, including:
- Restaurants
- Health-food shops
- Organic retailers
- Food processors
- Bakeries
- Hotels
- Local wholesalers
- Online grocery businesses
- Consumer cooperatives
- Export companies
Sample quantities can be supplied to test buyer interest.
Written purchase agreements, where practical, can reduce market uncertainty.
Use Storytelling and Branding
Forgotten crops often have strong cultural, historical, and environmental value. This can support effective branding.
Customers may be interested in:
- The crop’s traditional origin
- Its role in local food culture
- The farmer’s production method
- Its drought tolerance
- Its contribution to biodiversity
- Traditional recipes
- Sustainable farming practices
The story must be truthful. Misleading claims about health benefits, origin, or environmental impact can damage trust.
Combine Forgotten Crops With Agritourism
Farms growing heritage crops can create additional income through education and agritourism.
Possible activities include:
- Farm tours
- Traditional cooking demonstrations
- Seed exhibitions
- Harvest festivals
- School visits
- Heritage food events
- Crop-diversity workshops
These activities can increase direct sales and build stronger relationships with consumers.
Farmers must still follow local safety, insurance, licensing, and visitor-management requirements.
Common Challenges
Forgotten-crop farming can be profitable, but it also involves difficulties.
Common challenges include:
- Limited seed availability
- Lack of modern farming information
- Small or uncertain markets
- Labour-intensive processing
- Limited machinery
- Lack of recognised quality standards
- Consumer unfamiliarity
- Uneven crop maturity
- Poor storage infrastructure
- Difficulty obtaining finance
Farmers can reduce these problems by forming cooperatives, sharing machinery, working with researchers, and developing group marketing systems.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoidable mistakes include:
- Planting a large area without testing
- Choosing a crop based only on trends
- Ignoring local consumer preferences
- Using poor-quality seed
- Mixing varieties during storage
- Failing to arrange processing
- Making unsupported health claims
- Underestimating labour costs
- Depending on a single buyer
- Ignoring packaging quality
- Expanding before calculating profit
A smaller, well-managed crop with a confirmed market is often safer than a large crop with no reliable buyer.
Is Forgotten-Crop Farming Profitable?
Forgotten crops can improve farm profits when they are matched with suitable conditions and strong markets.
Profitability depends on:
- Yield per hectare
- Seed cost
- Labour
- Irrigation
- Processing expenses
- Packaging
- Transport
- Crop losses
- Market price
- Repeat demand
The highest returns may come from value-added products and direct sales rather than bulk grain markets.
Farmers should calculate the complete cost of production before expanding. Premium prices do not always mean high profit when processing, packaging, and marketing expenses are also high.
Conclusion
Forgotten crops can play an important role in modern profitable and sustainable farming. Ancient grains, heritage legumes, traditional roots, and indigenous vegetables can help farmers diversify income, reduce climate risk, improve soil health, and reach new speciality markets.
Millets, sorghum, amaranth, buckwheat, cowpea, pigeon pea, cassava, taro, heritage beans, and other traditional crops all offer opportunities when selected carefully.
Success depends on more than planting an unusual crop. Farmers need reliable seeds, suitable agronomic practices, post-harvest planning, market research, value addition, and accurate financial records.
The safest approach is to begin with a trial area, evaluate performance, secure regular buyers, and expand gradually. When traditional crop knowledge is combined with modern farming and marketing methods, forgotten crops can become valuable sources of resilience and long-term farm profit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a forgotten crop?
A forgotten crop is a traditional or underused crop that was once more widely grown but now receives limited commercial attention.
Which forgotten crops are suitable for dry areas?
Millets, sorghum, cowpea, pigeon pea, Bambara groundnut, and some amaranth varieties can perform well in dry conditions.
Can forgotten crops earn premium prices?
Some can attract premium prices in health-food, speciality, organic, and restaurant markets, but demand should be confirmed before planting.
Are forgotten crops easier to grow?
Many are hardy, but they still require proper seed selection, weed control, nutrition, harvesting, and pest management.
How should beginners start forgotten-crop farming?
Start with a small trial plot, use reliable seeds, record production costs, test local demand, and expand only after achieving consistent results.