Question

Life style diseases are increasing alarmingly in India. We are also dealing with large scale malnutrition in the population. Is there any method by which we can address both these problems?

Answer 1

The answer to address both these problems is called biofortification. This area looks at improving food quality with respect to protein, oil, vitamin, micronutrient, and mineral content. The oils need to be rich in omega 3 fatty acids which are good for heart. Similarly, proteins should have more of lysine and tryptophan (essential amino acids). Many varieties of maize, carrots and spinach have been released which fulfill the above criteria.

Answer 2

Biofortification

(a) Enhancing food quality with respect to protein -

• Maize hybrids that had twice the amount of the amino acids, lysine and tryptophan, compared to existing maize hybrids were developed.
• Wheat variety, Atlas 66, having a high protein content, has been used as a donor for improving cultivated wheat.
• Protein enriched beans – broad, lablab, French and garden peas.

(b) Vitamin Enriched -

• Vitamin A Enriched Carrots, Spinach, Pumpkin;
• Vitamin C enriched bitter gourd, bathua, mustard, tomato.

(c) Enrichment of Micro Nutrient And Mineral Content-

• Iron and calcium enriched spinach and bathua.