India’s vast agro-climatic diversity enables year-round cultivation of a wide range of leafy vegetables, reflecting the country’s rich agricultural legacy and cultural traditions. These greens, both major and minor, are an essential part of regional diets and significantly contribute to household nutrition. While widely grown varieties are commonly consumed, many regionally important minor greens play a crucial role in traditional food systems and local cuisines.

Leafy vegetables are excellent sources of essential micronutrients such as iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C, along with antioxidants that support overall health and help combat nutritional deficiencies. Many of these greens are also recognized in indigenous health systems for their medicinal value, used to treat a variety of ailments. Their quick growth, suitability for small landholdings, and rising market demand make them ideal for small and marginal farmers as a sustainable income source. However, despite their nutritional and economic value, several minor leafy vegetables remain underutilized due to limited research, poor extension services, lack of quality seeds, and low consumer awareness. Fortunately, the growing interest in traditional foods, organic produce, and health-conscious diets presents an opportunity to revive and promote these crops.

This book offers a comprehensive exploration of leafy vegetables in India, covering their cultivation practices, nutritional benefits, and regional importance, while emphasizing their role in sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture. It also presents findings from reviews of leafy vegetable cultivation under both open-field conditions and soilless systems, illustrating their adaptability, productivity, and potential for integration into modern, resource-efficient farming practices. Microgreens and hydroponic systems in leafy vegetables are also reviewed in this book, highlighting their relevance in modern food production and nutrition security.

By combining traditional knowledge with scientific insights, the book supports the conservation and mainstreaming of India’s rich leafy vegetable diversity and serves as a valuable guide for students, researchers, extension professionals, and progressive farmers committed to building sustainable and inclusive food systems.