Tag: Crop breeding

More than two billion people worldwide suffer from hidden hunger, a form of malnutrition caused by insufficient intake of essential vitamins and minerals. Biofortification offers a promising agricultural solution to this pervasive global health challenge by enhancing the nutritional value of staple crops.

According to a review of scientific literature in the journal *Foods*, the decline in nutrient density is an "alarming" trend that poses a significant challenge for future health. So, **why do fruits and vegetables lack the nutrients today that they had 50 years ago**? The answer lies in the complex interplay of modern agricultural practices, environmental changes, and selective crop breeding.

According to the World Health Organization, over two billion people worldwide suffer from micronutrient deficiencies, a condition known as 'hidden hunger'. A sustainable and impactful strategy to combat this global health issue is biofortification, and understanding **what are the four main objectives of biofortification** is crucial for appreciating its role in modern agriculture and public health.

Over two billion people worldwide suffer from 'hidden hunger' due to deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals. **What is biofortification?** It is an agricultural strategy designed to address this global crisis by increasing the nutrient density of food crops through targeted breeding and other agricultural techniques.