Biofortification in Millets: A Sustainable Approach for Nutritional Security

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Nutritional Science
• Plant Breeding

Background:

• Nutritional insecurity is a global challenge, particularly in populations reliant on micronutrient-deficient cereal-based diets.
• Millets are crucial energy sources in semi-arid regions, offering higher protein, essential amino acids, minerals, and vitamins compared to cereals.
• Biofortification is an effective strategy to combat malnutrition, with ongoing efforts to improve millet's nutritional profile.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current strategies for accelerating biofortification in millets.
• To summarize opportunities and challenges in enhancing macro- and micronutrient bioavailability in millets.
• To highlight the potential of advanced breeding techniques in improving millet's nutritional value.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on millet biofortification.
• Analysis of conventional breeding and genetic approaches, including molecular and transgenic techniques.
• Examination of challenges posed by antinutrients and potential solutions using gene editing tools.

Main Results:

• Conventionally bred high-iron pearl millet has been released in India.
• Molecular basis for waxy starch identified in several millet species for infant food applications.
• Progress in identifying genes for protein quality, zinc, and calcium accumulation in finger millet.

Conclusions:

• Millets hold significant potential for improving global nutrition through biofortification.
• Overcoming antinutrient factors is critical for maximizing nutrient bioavailability.
• Advanced tools like RNA interference and genome editing (ZFNs, TALENs, CRISPR) are essential for future biofortification efforts in millets.