Biofortification in Horticultural Crops: Breeding and Biotechnological Approaches for Nutritional Security

Abstract

Biofortification is an effective and sustainable method aimed at reducing micronutrient deficiencies by enhancing the concentration of essential vitamins and minerals in commonly consumed staple crops. Several agricultural approaches are used for this purpose, including conventional breeding to develop nutrient-dense varieties, agronomic practices such as fertilizer application to improve nutrient uptake, and transgenic techniques. This strategy enhances the nutritional quality of crops and guarantees that the edible portions of the plants include vital vitamins and minerals.  Iron-enriched beans, zinc-fortified rice, and provitamin A-rich orange sweet potatoes are examples of biofortified crops that have previously shown promise in enhancing public health. Nutritional security might be further improved by future developments in genome editing, marker-assisted selection, and the incorporation of biofortified features into food processing. By incorporating nutrition into agricultural operations and enhancing public health outcomes, the widespread use of biofortified crops can help reduce malnutrition, especially in vulnerable community outcomes.