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


How to Cite

Kurdekar , Akshay Kumar, A. Mrashida Banu, Hiren Das, K. Sudha Rani, Shivali Rana, Sumit Rai, and Supriya Pandey. 2023. “A Promising Approach for Addressing Micronutrient Deficiencies and Enhancing Nutritional Quality in Food Crops through Biofortification”. International Journal of Plant & Soil Science 35 (18):2127-34. https://doi.org/10.9734/ijpss/2023/v35i183503.