African ‘orphan’ Crops.

• Researchers have identified genes in Africa’s local food crops that can improve resistance to drought.
• Orphan crops are nutritious local food crops that could play a crucial role in combating hunger.
• These crops are not traded internationally but have adapted themselves to grow in harsh weather conditions.
• Examples of Orphan crops are finger millets, little millet; African yam bean, jojoba and jatropha.

Significance of this Research:

• Incorporating these genes through hybridisation might improve crop yield that is affected by increasing global temperatures and heatwaves.
• According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) estimation, Countries like India and Pakistan are also likely to be affected by the prolonged heatwave.
• The UN body is responsible for coordinating responses to environmental issues.