Bio-fortified horticultural crops: Combating hidden hunger and pathogen resistance

Abstract

Biofortification is the enhancement of crops’ micronutrient content via breeding, biotechnology or agronomy which offers a sustainable strategy to address widespread micronutrient deficiencies or “hidden hunger”. In India, where anemia, vitamin A deficiency and other nutrient deficits affect large portions of the population, horticultural crops (fruits and vegetables) are especially promising vehicles for biofortification because of their natural richness in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. This article reviews biofortification approaches for horticulture, including conventional breeding, genetic engineering, and agronomic methods, highlighting scientific details and examples. Indian case studies include “Madhuban Gajar” (a β-carotene-rich carrot), high-provitamin A banana efforts (e.g. NABI’s CRISPR “golden banana” project), anthocyanin- and β-carotene-fortified sweet potatoes (varieties Bhu-sona and Bhu-krishna), and micronutrient-fortified vegetables. Biofortification in plants can confer dual benefits: enhancing human nutrition and often improving crop health and stress tolerance (for example, zinc-enriched seeds exhibit stronger seedling vigor and resistance to soil pathogens). We discuss the technical and adoption challenges in India (such as limited awareness, regulatory hurdles for GM crops, and consumer acceptance of novel varieties), and outline future prospects. These include integrating biofortified horticulture into national nutrition programs (e.g. Poshan Abhiyaan “Nutri-gardens”), incentivizing farmers (through seed subsidies or price supports), and advancing research (e.g. gene editing, nanofertilizers). Finally, we summarize international and Indian policy frameworks - HarvestPlus, ICAR and DBT initiatives, FAO/WHO guidance - and recommend stronger coordinated actions to mainstream biofortified fruits and vegetables in diets and agriculture.