Biofortification
- Biofortification is a revolutionary process that nutritionally enhances, or biofortifies, staple crop varieties with higher levels of vitamins and minerals. This process holds great potential to improve the health of the poor in developing countries, particularly in rural areas.
- As an additional tool in the fight to improve the nutritional status of the poor, biofortification complements existing nutrition interventions, such as vitamin and mineral supplements, commercial food fortification, and dietary diversity.
- Staple crops such as cassava and maize are already widely produced and consumed by poor households. When biofortified varieties of these crops are introduced, existing diets and farming practices do not need to change to receive the benefits.
- Micronutrient-rich seed can easily be saved and shared by even the poorest farmers. Since the benefits are built right into the seed, little intervention or investment are needed once adopted.
- Research reveals that high levels of minerals in seeds contribute to stronger and hardier plants, leading to improved pest and drought resistance and increased productivity.