Biofortification of crops for reducing malnutrition

Abstract

Micronutrient deficiencies affect approximately 3 billion people worldwide. Malnutrition hinders the development of human potential and social and economic development in developing countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) have made fighting micronutrient deficiencies, known as hidden hunger, a high priority. Deficiencies of the micronutrients, such as iron, zinc, and vitamin A, are the most devastating among the world’s poor. WHO emphasizes nutrient supplementation and food fortification to address the malnutrition. CGIAR has placed a greater emphasis on biofortification through the HarvestPlus challenge program, and improved micronutrient content of the staple crops (rice, wheat, maize, beans, cassava, pearl millet, and sweet potato) through breeding and biotechnological approaches. An excellent example of biotechnology application is the development of ‘golden rice’ with adequate levels of a provitamin A, β-carotene. The Africa Harvest and the BioCassava Plus programs, respectively, are developing sorghum and cassava with improved nutritional quality. Here, we summarize current strategies of crop biofortification and future prospects towards the development of biofortified crops.