Breeding for Biofortification: Achievements and Importance
Madan Lal*
Dept. of Plant Breeding & Genetics, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar (848 125), India
Vignesh S.
Dept. of Plant Breeding & Genetics, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar (848 125), India
Vinay Kumar
Dept. of Plant Breeding & Genetics, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar (848 125), India
DOI: NIL
Keywords: Biofortification, Food security, Hidden hunger, Malnutrition
Abstract
Breeding for micronutrient-rich staple food crops utilizing the best traditional breeding practices and modern biotechnological tools is known as biofortification. Hidden hunger is major problem in developing country, it is defined as overall poor quality of nutrition, means individual may eat sufficient number of calories to live, but the basic diet fails to provide adequate amount of crucial vitamins and minerals needed for the mental and physical health. Conventional strategies to overcome malnutrition include dietary supplements and food fortification programmes, these methods are efficient but increases cost per unit input which is the major concern for developing nation. Biofortification is an advance technique by adopting which, concentration of essential minerals and vitamins can be enhanced. Several biofortified variety has been released for commercial cultivation in major food crops, e.g., Wheat, Rice, Maize, Groundnut, Mustard etc. having more zinc and iron content.
Downloads
not found
Reference
ICAR ANNUAL REPORT, 2020. Available at: https://icar.org.in/sites/default/files/October%202020%20Monthly%20Summary%20.pdf
Johns, T., Eyzaguirre, P.B., 2007. Biofortification, biodiversity and diet: A search for complementary applications against poverty and malnutrition. Food Policy 32(1), 1-24.
Sharma, P., Aggarwal, P., Kaur, A., 2017. Biofortification: A new approach to eradicate hidden hunger. Food Reviews International 33(1), 1-21.
Wakeel, A., Arif, S., Bashir, M.A., Ahmad, Z., Rehman, H., Kiran, A., Ibrahim, S., Khan, M.R., 2018. Perspectives of folate biofortification of cereal grains. Journal of Plant Nutrition 41(19), 2507-2524.