Author(s): Gyana Ranjan Mohanty, Prasanta Kumar Majhi, Subhakanta Samantaray, Monika Ray, Sandeep Kumar Mallik, Abhijeet Swain and Ankit Kumar

Abstract: Flaxseed or linseed holds the distinction of being one of the first crops domesticated in the old world. Its historical significance and multifaceted utility are well-documented through literary and archaeological evidence, highlighting its longstanding role in food, medicine, and textile fiber production. It is cultivated for its dual-purpose utility in food and fiber production. As an oilseed crop, its primary output is oil, serving commercial purposes. The textiles industry relies on the raw material from flax to produce linen, commonly used in the manufacturing of bed sheets and tablecloths. This composition provides essential information on the cultivation of flax, emphasizing that adopting scientific cultivation technologies is key to achieving better quality and higher production. Exploring its potential as a multi-purpose crop on a global scale, flaxseed is now actively recommended for its role as an immunity booster and nutraceutical. This is particularly significant in a post-COVID pandemic, where the demand for immune-strengthening foods is heightened. Beyond health benefits, flax addresses concerns related to over-reliance on animal-based sources in the human diet linseed boasts a substantial composition of essential fatty acids. In fact, it contains 75% polyunsaturated fatty acids, with 57% of that being alphalinolenic acid an omega-3 fatty acid and 16% being linoleic acid, categorized as an omega-6 fatty acid. Furthermore, the incorporation of natural flax fibers in advanced synthetic science and eco-friendly product development positions it as a sustainable alternative. In the current context of climate change and frequent natural disasters, flax emerges as a beacon of hope for fostering sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture.

DOI: 10.33545/26174693.2024.v8.i6f.1348