Biofortification of Rice, An Impactful Strategy for Nutritional Security: Current Perspectives and Future Prospect

Abstract

Globally, especially in the developing world, an estimated 20,000 million people are affected by micronutrient deficiency, generally named “hidden hunger.” Crop biofortification is an impactful strategy in addressing nutritional security as well as providing a cost-saving, sustainable means by uplifting health and well-being to communities with deprived access to diversified foods and interventions regarding the micronutrient supply. Considering the global concerns about micronutrient deficiency, research organizations have initiated studies on ensuring the bioavailability of micronutrients in staple food crops. Mitigating hidden hunger with the biofortification of rice surely can be a beneficial strategy for people who consumes rice as a staple food. Significant enhancement in iron and zinc levels, as well as with other essential minerals and vitamins is achieved in rice biofortification by various approaches. Adoption of biofortified rice varieties in targeted countries would significantly increase daily micronutrient intake and help to holistically alleviate malnutrition in human populations. This review articulates the status and perspective of rice biofortification as well as summarizes dissemination and adoption along with trends in consumer acceptance. With a positive trend, attention should now need shift to an action-based agenda and robust policy directives for scaling up rice biofortification in improving nutritional security for humans.