Biofortification of Staple Crops

The book "Biofortification of Staple Crops: Present Status, Approaches, and Challenges" is a comprehensive resource that discusses the biofortification of staple crops, focusing on micronutrients and their importance for human health. It highlights the global issue of malnutrition, particularly in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, and the need for sustainable solutions. The book covers various aspects of biofortification, including crop-specific efforts, breeding approaches, and the evaluation of biofortified germplasm. It serves as a valuable reference for researchers, academics, extension personnel, policymakers, and stakeholders involved in agriculture, nutrition, and health sectors promoting nutrition-sensitive diets.

Format: Hardback
Length: 549 pages
Publication date: 10 March 2022
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

This edited book is a comprehensive resource that brings together detailed information on diverse aspects of biofortification of staple crops. It delves into the current state of food and nutritional security, emphasizing the crucial role of micronutrients in human health. Providing a historical overview of biofortification, the book explores current approaches and challenges in this field. It also highlights crop-specific biofortification efforts and various breeding approaches, including conventional and genomics-enabled improvement. Furthermore, it sheds light on the effectiveness of biofortification, bioavailability, and the future prospects of this approach. This book serves as an invaluable source of knowledge on various aspects of micronutrients in crops of global importance.

Malnutrition poses a severe global concern, affecting millions of individuals, leading to micronutrient deficiencies and obesity among adults. Despite substantial economic advancements, South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa continue to grapple with undernourishment, with hidden hunger and nutrition-related health issues prevalent in developing regions. Women and preschool children are particularly vulnerable to these challenges. While global food production has witnessed remarkable growth, estimates suggest that over 60% of the world's population lacks essential micronutrients like iron, zinc, iodine, and selenium, often resulting in health problems and developmental delays. Recognizing the interconnectedness between agricultural production and human nutrition and health is paramount for ensuring nutrition security. Extensive research has been conducted to evaluate genetic diversity related to micro-nutrients in staple crops, their bioavailability, and the efficacy of biofortified germplasm. Through conventional breeding, biofortified varieties have been developed in various crops, aimed at reducing micronutrient deficiencies.

In conclusion, this edited book serves as a vital resource for researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders in the field of biofortification. By providing comprehensive information on diverse aspects of biofortification, it contributes to the understanding and promotion of sustainable solutions to address malnutrition and improve global food and nutritional security.

Weight: 1010g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811632792
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022