Biofortification: Future Challenges for a Newly Emerging Technology to Improve Nutrition Security Sustainably

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Nutrition Science
• Plant Breeding

Background:

• Micronutrient deficiencies pose a significant health burden in low- and middle-income countries.
• Biofortification, a plant breeding strategy, aims to increase micronutrient content in staple crops.
• The HarvestPlus program, initiated in 2003, has been instrumental in implementing biofortification globally.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review achievements, lessons learned, and challenges in implementing biofortification.
• To assess the cost-effectiveness and global spread of biofortified crops.
• To explore future directions for expanding biofortification's impact.

Main Methods:

• Leveraging existing agricultural research centers and superior crop varieties.
• Focusing on cost-effectiveness and farmer adoption of high-yielding varieties.
• Utilizing published nutrition trials to demonstrate efficacy of nutrient-rich crops.

Main Results:

• Biofortified crops are now grown by farmers in over 40 countries, reaching hundreds of millions of people.
• Nutrition trials confirm the efficacy of biofortified crops in improving nutrient intake.
• Biofortification is recognized as a key intervention for reducing micronutrient deficiencies.

Conclusions:

• Biofortification is a promising, cost-effective strategy with proven efficacy.
• Challenges remain in embedding biofortification within food systems for wider impact.
• Future advancements, including genetic engineering, can enhance biofortification by combining multiple nutrients and climate-smart traits.