Biofortification of cereal crops: An emerging strategy to overcome hidden Hunger

Abstract

Bio-fortification of crops is a feasible and most economical approach for overcoming ‘hidden hunger’. Increasing the concentration of minerals in edible portions of cereals involves better uptake from soil and improved translocation to grains from leaves and finally enhanced sequestration to endosperm. Genetic diversity can be utilized to enhance micronutrient composition through conventional and modern breeding approaches. The most promising work plan to successfully alleviate micronutrient malnutrition will be to increase mineral content in the crops and simultaneously enhance their bioavailability by reducing anti-nutritional compounds and/or enhancing concentration of mineral absorption promoters. To effectively combat hidden hunger through bio-fortification, even after the development of bio-fortified varieties, it will be essential to address various socio-economical and sociopolitical challenges to popularize their cultivation by farmers and ultimately their consumption by the end users. A multi-tier coordinated strategy will play a pivotal role in overcoming hidden hunger.