by Shiv Kumar (Editor), Harsh Kumar Dikshit (Editor), Gyan Prakash Mishra (Editor), Akanksha Singh (Editor)
This edited book brings together comprehensive information on
various aspects of the biofortification of staple crops. It addresses
the present status of food and nutritional security and highlights the
importance of micronutrients in human health, a historical account of
biofortification, current approaches and challenges, crop-specific
biofortification efforts and various breeding approaches, including
conventional, and genomics enabled improvement.
It also explains
the efficacy of biofortification, bioavailability, and future thrust. It
is an inclusive source of information on different aspects of
micronutrients in crops of global importance.
Malnutrition is a
serious global issue, with millions of people being undernourished,
several suffering from micronutrient deficiencies, and the adult
population struggling with obesity. Despite significant economic
progress, South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa are still home to an
undernourished population. Nutrition-related health problems are related
to hidden hunger and are widespread in the developing world. Women and
preschool children are more vulnerable. Even though global food
production has increased manifolds, estimates indicate that over 60% of
the world’s population is deficient in essential micronutrients such as
iron, zinc, iodine, and selenium, often causing health problems and
developmental delays. Linking agricultural production with human
nutrition and health is crucial for ensuring nutrition security. Much
research has been carried out to assess genetic diversity related to
micro-nutrients in staple crops, their bioavailability, and the efficacy
of biofortified germplasm. Biofortified varieties developed in
different crops through conventional breeding are being up-scaled for
reducing the micronutrient deficiencies in other countries.
This
book is a ready reference for researchers, academicians, extension
personnel, policymakers, students, and value chain stakeholders engaged
in agriculture, nutrition, and health sectors promoting
nutrition-sensitive diets.
