Biofortifikaatiolla

Biofortifikaatiolla, often translated as biofortification, is a process of increasing the nutritional value of crops through conventional plant breeding or genetic engineering. The primary goal is to enhance the content of essential micronutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, within staple food crops that are commonly consumed by populations suffering from nutrient deficiencies. This approach aims to address widespread malnutrition by making the food people already eat more nutritious, without requiring significant changes in dietary habits or access to expensive supplements.

The method involves selecting and breeding plants that naturally have higher levels of certain micronutrients or introducing genes that boost their production. For instance, specific varieties of sweet potatoes have been bred to have significantly higher levels of beta-carotene, a precursor to Vitamin A. Similarly, iron-rich beans and zinc-enriched rice have been developed. Biofortification is considered a sustainable and cost-effective strategy, particularly in developing countries where access to diverse diets and nutrient supplements is limited. By integrating enhanced nutrition directly into the food supply at the farm level, biofortification offers a long-term solution to hidden hunger and its associated health problems.