Advances in Biofortification of Vegetables to Combat Malnutrition

Vitamin and mineral deficiencies, known as “hidden hunger,” present significant challenges to human health and economic development, affecting roughly one- hird of the global population. These deficiencies, particularly in zinc, iron, provitamin A, and iodine, are major contributors to malnutrition. In 2020, undernutrition was linked to approximately 45% of deaths among children under five. Despite adequate caloric intake, many individuals lack essential nutrients. Bio-fortification, the process of enriching food crops with essential vitamins and minerals through plant breeding or agronomic practices, offers a viable solution to this problem. This approach aims to improve nutritional intake, particularly in rural areas, and enhance nutrient security. Plant breeders and biotechnologists are overheading a new Green Revolution to produce more nutrient-dense crops. There are three primary methods of bio-fortification: agronomic, conventional, and transgenic. Recent advancements have led to the development of transgenic crops with enhanced provitamin A levels, including varieties such as Pusa Betakesari, Bhu Sona, Bhu Krishna, Kufri Neelkanth, and Pant Lobia-1 & Pant Lobia-2. The ultimate goal of bio-fortification is to mitigate nutrient deficiencies and improve overall health and nutrition.