Tuber crops are the most important food crops after cereals. These crops find an important place in the dietary
habits of the farmers; especially in attaining food security of the tribal population. A number of tubers are gathered by tribal
population and consumed as a substitute to cereals or along with cereals. Utilization of these helps to attain food and
nutrition security. In the present study information was gathered by personally interviewing the farmers (n=30) of Western
Ghats areas (Sirsi, Joida, Yallapur) of Karnataka using a questionnaire. Results indicated that more than 20 types of minor
tubers were grown in these areas. They were consumed in the form of boiled, powdered, steamed, fried, and processed with
sweets and spices. A variety of recipes were prepared using these tubers viz., - sambar, barfi, bhaji, payasa, gojju, hasi,
tambli, sukkha, etc. These tubers are not only used for culinary purpose but also for the medicinal purpose viz., diabetes,
hypertension, weakness, dysentery, tiredness, paralysis, fever, stomach ache, piles, cough, etc. The tubers of 'Shatavari'
are used to improve milk production and 'Bili suli gadde' is used for controlling white discharge problem among women.
From this study, it can be concluded that large number of minor tubers are cultivated or gathered in Western Ghats region
and used in daily life for attaining nutrition and health security. Plethora of knowledge is available with farmers of this region
regarding health benefits of the minor tubers.