What are ‘orphan crops’? And why is there a new campaign to get them adopted?
April 18, 202410:30 AM ET
Enlarge this image”Orphan crops” refers to plantings that have fallen out of favor but could offer advantages over staples like wheat and grain in a changing climate. Above: Lablab purpureus, also known as Indian bean and Egyptian kidney bean, is native to sub-Saharan Africa and India. It’s a warm-season annual or short-lived perennial with a thick stem that grows up to 3 feet and vines that can reach 25 feet long.
Soumyabrata Roy/NurPhoto/Getty Images
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Soumyabrata Roy/NurPhoto/Getty Images
“Orphan crops” refers to plantings that have fallen out of favor but could offer advantages over staples like wheat and grain in a changing climate. Above: Lablab purpureus, also known as Indian bean and Egyptian kidney bean, is native to sub-Saharan Africa and India. It’s a warm-season annual or short-lived perennial with a thick stem that grows up to 3 feet and vines that can reach 25 feet long.
Soumyabrata Roy/NurPhoto/Getty Images..