Agronomic Biofortification of Food Crops: A Sustainable Way to Boost Nutritional Security

Abstract

After the green revolution, there has been a substantial increase in the productivity of food crops. But the nutritional aspect of crops could not keep pace with the growing demand of the population. This has led to a rise in malnutrition problems, especially in developing countries, due to a lack of balanced nutrition. Agronomic biofortification, the process of increasing micronutrient content in food crops through agronomic approaches, is seen as an important process to improve the status of malnutrition in the world. It is seen as a quick, safe, and cost-friendly approach to provide iron, zinc, and other micronutrients in our everyday diet. Unlike molecular/genetic approaches, agronomic biofortification is done on existing crops and varieties and hence the product is easily accepted by the consumers. Approaches like integrated nutrient management (INM) based on soil test values, microbial application, foliar spray of nutrients, can substantially increase the level of micronutrients, vitamins, folic acid, etc. in our food. With sufficient research interventions and awareness programs, agronomic biofortification can serve as a tool to improve the nutritional status of the world.