A Promising Approach for Addressing Micronutrient Deficiencies and Enhancing Nutritional Quality in Food Crops through Biofortification
Akshay Kumar Kurdekar
Department of Agronomy, University of Agriculture Sciences, Raichur, India.
A. Mrashida Banu *
Department of Botany, Hajee Karutha Rowther Howdia College (Autonomous), Uthamapalayam, Theni - 625533, Tamil Nadu, India.
Hiren Das
Department of Soil Science, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, 785013, Assam, India.
K. Sudha Rani
Department of Foods and Nutrition, Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural University, India.
Shivali Rana
CSK Himachal Pradesh Agriculture University, 176062, India.
Sumit Rai
Centre for Environment Assessment and Climate Change, GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, Kosi-Katarmal, Almora-263643, Uttarakhand, India.
Supriya Pandey
Centre for Environment Assessment and Climate Change, GB Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, Kosi-Katarmal, Almora-263643, Uttarakhand, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Biofortification is a promising agricultural approach for addressing micronutrient shortages and increasing the nutritional content of food crops. Micronutrient deficiencies, also known as "hidden hunger," continue to affect many people around the world, particularly in underdeveloped countries. This presentation emphasises the need of biofortification in solving this worldwide health issue. Biofortification tries to improve the level of important micronutrients such as iron, zinc, vitamin A, and iodine in edible plant portions by using traditional breeding techniques or current biotechnological procedures. Iron-fortified beans, zinc-enhanced rice, vitamin A-rich sweet potatoes, and iodine-enriched crops are all examples of successful biofortified crops. To maximise their impact, biofortification programmes must be integrated with nutrition education and agronomic practises, according to the abstract. Governments, research institutes, non-governmental organisations, and the commercial sector must work together to scale up biofortification activities and build healthier, more resilient communities around the world.
Keywords: Biofortification, nutrient enrichment, bioavailability, crossbreeding, genetic variety, seed coating