In the fight against hidden hunger, biofortification offers a sustainable, scientifically validated solution to boost diets and enhance global well-being
Approximately 2 billion people worldwide silently grapple with the pervasive effects of micronutrient malnutrition, often referred to as “hidden hunger.” This insidious condition arises from the absence of critical micronutrients like vitamin A, zinc, and iron in daily diets, taking a toll on the mental and physical development of children and adolescents, leading to lower IQ, stunting, and even blindness. Vulnerable groups, particularly women and children, bear the brunt of this issue, while hidden hunger erodes the productivity of both men and women due to increased susceptibility to illness and diminished work capacity.
In India, studies reveal that an estimated 50 to 70 per cent of women of reproductive age suffer from anemia, linked to iron deficiency. Additionally, zinc deficiency emerges as a formidable health concern for millions, especially children, contributing significantly to childhood stunting and even premature mortality. The absence of zinc, a vital nutrient essential for proper growth and overall health, underscores the urgency of innovative solutions.
Micronutrient malnutrition is further exacerbated by the inadequacies of local food systems, challenges related to the affordability and accessibility of nutritious foods, and the escalating impact of climate change on the quality and quantity of food production.
According to the Copenhagen Consensus of 2008, a panel of renowned economists, including five Nobel Laureates, ranked efforts to reduce hidden hunger among the most cost-effective global solutions. Biofortification, a pivotal strategy, secured the fifth position among these solutions.
Biofortification: A Promise of Health
Biofortification is a process that elevates the nutritional content of staple crops already part of the population’s daily diet, achieved through conventional and modern agricultural breeding techniques. This approach aims to measurably alleviate micronutrient deficiencies by enhancing the micronutrient content of edible plant parts.
Biofortified crops, the outcome of this remarkable process, exhibit not only high yields but also resilience to drought and heat. Importantly, they align with farmers’ preferences, making them a sustainable choice. Regular consumption of these crops has been shown to have a tangible impact on health, as substantiated by nutrition studies. This underscores their potential to effectively combat malnutrition.
In the relentless battle against hidden hunger, biofortification emerges as a beacon of hope, offering a sustainable and scientifically validated solution to enhance the nutritional value of diets and improve the overall well-being of communities worldwide.
A woman farmer growing biofortified Zinc Wheat.
Biofortification’s Advantages
Targeting Vulnerable Populations: Biofortification primarily targets populations who regularly consume significant quantities of staple foods as part of their daily diets. These individuals often lack access to diverse and nutrient-rich foods.
Rural Focus: It is particularly beneficial for rural areas, where approximately 75 per cent of subsistence farmers reside. These communities heavily rely on diets centered around staple foods such as cereals (wheat, rice, pearl millet, maize, and tuber crops) in various geographic regions. Often, supplementation or fortified food products are not readily available in these remote areas. Consequently, the introduction of locally produced, more nutritious staple food crops can have a profound impact on the daily nutrition of these communities.
Cost-Effectiveness: Biofortification proves to be a cost-effective approach. Following the initial investment in developing biofortified crops, these crops can be adopted at a relatively low additional cost and remain available in the food system year after year.
Sustainability: Biofortification embodies a sustainable approach as it hinges on foods that populations regularly consume. Biofortified crops can be cultivated to deliver essential nutrients without incurring recurring costs, making them an economically viable and sustainable solution to combat malnutrition.
Incorporating biofortified crops into regular diets offers an effective, sustainable, and economically feasible means of enhancing nutrition among vulnerable populations, particularly in rural areas.
HarvestPlus: Catalyzing Global Change HarvestPlus is at the forefront of promoting and disseminating biofortified crops globally, spanning Asia, Africa, and Latin America. With more than 86 million people worldwide benefiting from these naturally nutritious crops, Dr. Howarth Bouis, the Founder and Director of HarvestPlus, received the prestigious World Food Prize in 2016 for his pioneering work. In India, HarvestPlus collaborates with over 135 partners from various sectors, including public, private, farmer-producer organizations (FPOs), National Rural Livelihood Programs, and community organizations. HarvestPlus collaborates to scale biofortified crops in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Karnataka, Punjab, and Jharkhand. For scaling biofortified crops, HarvestPlus focuses strategically on seed availability and accessibility, demand creation for seeds, awareness about the benefits of nutritious grains, developing value chains, and favorable policies for linking to safety net programs.
Major Accomplishments
Establishment of strong partnerships between ICAR, SAUs, Livelihood programs, private and public sector and community organization.
The Prime Minister’s endorsement of biofortified crops in 2020 marked a transformative moment.
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) announced that 10 per cent of its Frontline Demonstrations would include zinc-biofortified wheat and rice varieties. Front Line Demonstrations (FLDs) facilitate direct interaction between researchers and farmers, allowing scientists to gain valuable feedback from the field.
First minimum micronutrient standards for iron and zinc for pearl millet products for being accepted in the national testing trials.
1.7 million smallholder farmers growing biofortified crops. An estimated 7 million people benefitted by consuming biofortified crops.
Two nutrition efficacy studies in biofortified pearl millet and zinc wheat were published which provides the proof of concept that these crops are efficacious.
76 biofortified varieties available for cultivation, that have been released by the ICAR and SAUs.
Capacity building for women farmers in Bihar.
In 2023, HarvestPlus commemorates the remarkable 20-year impactful journey, this milestone stands as a testament to the program’s profound contributions to global nutrition and agricultural development, underscoring its pivotal role in advancing nutrition security and improving livelihoods on a global scale. In scaling biofortified crops in India, we see not just a cost-effective and sustainable solution to combat malnutrition but a beacon of hope for healthier, brighter futures for millions.
“HarvestPlus remains steadfast in its commitment to scale biofortified crops, ensuring that the most vulnerable populations have access to and availability of nutritious diets. Our approach adds value from the farmers who cultivate these crops to the end consumers. At our core, we are driven by the mission to enrich nutrition on every plate.”
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