A comprehensive review on enhancing global nutritional security: Progress in the biofortification of staple crops

Abstract

Bio-fortification is a new technique to increase the nutritional value of crops by breeding them with higher amounts of essential elements. This study reviews the state of bio-fortification in cereals and pulses today and the progress made in developing new varieties using modern breeding techniques. The paper also discusses the future prospects and challenges of bio-fortification in the context of global food security and hunger. Cereals and pulses are staple foods that are eaten in low-income countries to satisfy daily nutritional demands and as a source of micronutrients. They cannot provide a balanced diet since they lack critical chemicals, macronutrients, and micronutrients (grains, for example, lack Fe, Zn, certain vital amino acids and premium-grade proteins). At the same time, the bioavailability of vital micronutrients is decreased by the anti-nutrient compounds found in pulses. Because of this, malnutrition is still common in the population, which raises the risk of developing a number of illnesses, including scurvy, rickets, anaemia, beriberi, pellagra, and night blindness. These figures demonstrate how crucial it is to biofortify cereals and pulses in order to prevent malnutrition and guarantee that everyone eats a balanced diet. Both traditional breeding methods and cutting-edge novel breeding techniques (NBTs) can be used to biofortify crops. Mineral fertilisation by foliar or soil application, microbial action to improve nutrient uptake, and conventional plant breeding methods that cross plants to secure the targeted gene blend for enhanced assimilation of nutrientsand nutrient accessibility are all examples of conventional biofortification techniques. To produce mutant plants with better and more balanced nutritional profiles, on the other hand, new breeding methods (NBTs) such gene transfer from other species, overexpression, gene editing, and gene silencing are used. Consequently, the importance of both traditional techniques and NBTs in the biofortification of pulses and grains has been emphasised. Opportunities and viewpoints from the present and the future are also covered in this conversation. Additionally, the regulatory implications for recently discovered transgenic and non-transgenic biofortified crop types made with NBTs are described.