An initiative in Bolivia and India, using ‘forgotten’ crops as tools for sustainable development, has empowered rural communities. Traditional crops, such as minor millets and amaranth, have untapped potential for income opportunities and nutrition security. Sometimes called neglected and underutilized species (NUS), they can grow well in marginal areas needing minimum irrigation, pesticides and fertilizers. An innovative holistic approach from farm to fork resulted in improved cultivation practices, varieties, high quality seed, less processing drudgery, improved market links and women empowerment. Genetic diversity of targeted Andean grains and minor millets has also been safeguarded, with associated indigenous knowledge of how to grow, harvest, process and cook these traditional foods. This work is part of a major global engagement supported by the International Fund for International Development (IFAD), implemented by Bioversity International and partners for over 10 years