none 10.31254/phyto.2025.14511 BioMed Research Publishers BioMed Research Publishers 16195 187186662 316921 20251216133144430 10.31254 2025-12-16T13:31:50Z 2025-12-16T13:31:46Z 0 The Journal of Phytopharmacology J Phytopharmacol 2320480X 10.31254/phyto https://www.phytopharmajournal.com/ 11 30 2025 14 5 Ranjana Roy Mishra https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8763-8450 Heirloom plants are traditional crop cultivars of heritage value, grown for hundreds of years and preserved by regional people. They are open pollinated, non-hybrid varieties. Heirloom crop cultivars are found in specific geographical region and called as folk, traditional, native varieties, land races or desi cultivars. These plants are hardy in nature and are well-suited to local climate hence they are important for small scale farmers. Heirloom plants and their products have unique name, appearance, aroma, colour, taste and are often rich in minerals and vitamins. They hold cultural value in lives of regional people and are used in local cuisines. The seeds of these plants are saved and tradition of their cultivation is passed from generation to generation through folk knowledge. These crops were widely cultivated in India before the introduction of high yielding hybrid varieties. However, gradually they are vanishing and many heirlooms crops no longer exist due to competition with hybrid varieties. This paper discusses the importance of heirloom plants, their nutritional and health benefits and why their cultivation is important. GI tagging of these crops and growing awareness about their unique qualities are proving economic catalyst for them. Many of our heirloom cultivars are on the verge of extinction. Strategies should be developed for their revival. 11 30 2025 370 373 1 10.31254/biomed-crossmark-policy www.biomedresearch.org false 10.31254/phyto.2025.14511 https://phytopharmajournal.com/articles/abstracts/847/year=2025&vol=14&issue=5