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Bio-Fortified Potatoes
Bio-fortified potatoes to hit the Indian market soon
Context: India is set to launch iron-rich bio-fortified potatoes, developed by the International Potato Centre (CIP) under Dr. Simon Heck’s leadership. This initiative targets micronutrient deficiencies and aims to boost food security for vulnerable communities.
What are Bio-Fortified Potatoes?
- Bio-fortified potatoes are a new variety of potatoes enriched with higher iron content to combat iron deficiency and address “hidden hunger”—micronutrient deficiencies that affect millions, especially in developing countries like India.
- Nutrient Enhancement: These potatoes are fortified with iron, and sweet potato variants are enriched with Vitamin A.
- Sweet Potato Success: Vitamin A-rich sweet potatoes are already cultivated in Karnataka, Assam, West Bengal, and Odisha.
- Developed by Experts: Created by the International Potato Centre (CIP), a global leader in tuber crop research based in Peru.
- No Taste or Yield Compromise: Developed using conventional breeding and biotechnology, they retain the taste and yield of regular potatoes.
What is Bio-Fortification?
- Biofortification is the process of increasing the vitamin and mineral content of crops through:
- Conventional plant breeding
- Agronomic practices (like soil enrichment)
- Modern biotechnology (including genetic modification)
- It differs from industrial fortification (adding nutrients during food processing) by enhancing crops at the seed level, making nutrition accessible even in remote or impoverished areas.
What role does this play in addressing global hidden hunger?
- Global Hidden Hunger refers to micronutrient deficiencies—particularly of iron, zinc, iodine, and vitamins—that affect over 2 billion people, despite adequate caloric intake.
- It leads to anaemia, stunting, weakened immunity, and poor cognitive development, and is most widespread in rural and low-income communities lacking access to diverse or fortified diets. Biofortification is emerging as a powerful and sustainable solution to combat hidden hunger. Its impact includes:
- Iron Fortification: Iron is essential for preventing anaemia and supporting cognitive and physical development, especially in children and pregnant women.
- Accessible Nutrition: Staple crops like potatoes are widely consumed, making them ideal vehicles for nutrient delivery.
- Sustainable and Cost-Effective: No need for supplements or fortified processed foods—nutrients are built into the crop itself.
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Broader Impact:
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- Sustainable Agriculture: Aligns with SDG-2 (Zero Hunger) by promoting food security and agricultural sustainability.
- School Nutrition Programs: CIP aims to link these nutritious potatoes to mid-day meals and public food procurement schemes, enhancing dietary diversity and health in vulnerable sections.
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The Source’s Authority and Ownership of the Article is Claimed By THE STUDY IAS BY MANIKANT SINGH
