HarvestPlus’ breakthrough collaborative work with ICRISAT in India on zinc-enriched sorghum is now informing the adoption of zinc sorghum in Saudi Arabia and Sudan—two countries confronting high levels of micronutrient deficiency and food system stress. The expansion marks a critical step in scaling biofortified crops from national success to a global solution for micronutrient deficiency and food insecurity.

ICSR 14001, a biofortified sorghum variety developed by ICRISAT under the HarvestPlus sorghum biofortification project, is a cost-effective and sustainable solution to address micronutrient deficiencies, particularly iron and zinc, in India and other dryland countries. Developed through conventional breeding, the variety delivers 30 percent more zinc and 45 percent more iron than conventional varieties—nutrients essential for immune health and cognitive development.
Field trials and nutrition studies confirmed that ICSR 14001 not only grows well in semi-arid conditions but also improves nutritional outcomes. It has since been integrated into public distribution systems and school feeding initiatives, setting a benchmark for climate-smart, nutrition-focused crop interventions.

The success in India provided a working model: the use of public-sector research to breed nutrient-rich varieties, validate health impact, and integrate into farming and food systems. This model is now being adapted in new contexts.

In Saudi Arabia, where arid conditions limit crop options, sorghum is increasingly important for food security. FAO and ICRISAT are supporting national research institutions to test and adapt resilient, high yielding, zinc sorghum varieties using Indian germplasm and breeding protocols. The goal is to adapt cultivation to local ecologies and practices, and reduce dependence on imports while tackling widespread zinc deficiency.

In Sudan, sorghum is a staple, but malnutrition—especially zinc deficiency—remains high. Building on India’s model, HarvestPlus is supporting CGIAR centers to introduce and multiply biofortified sorghum varieties suitable for local agroecological zones in Sudan. These efforts aim to improve both yields and nutrition outcomes among vulnerable populations.

Scientific Validation

A 2025 publication in Frontiers in Nutrition further validated the bioavailability and nutritional impact of biofortified sorghum varieties like ICSR 14001. The research shows a measurable improvement in iron status when consumed regularly, supporting its scale-up in public nutrition programs such as midday meals and food assistance schemes.

Additionally, the ICRISAT case study highlights the collaborative model that made this possible: demand-led breeding, farmer engagement, effective seed system, and alignment with national nutrition policies. This model has since become a template for replication in other sorghum-growing nations.

The Way Forward

The expanding footprint of biofortified sorghum from India to Saudi Arabia and Sudan is more than a technology transfer. It signals a new era for nutrition-enriched staples. As climate change and food insecurity intensify, crops like biofortified sorghum—resilient, nutritious, and locally accepted—will be essential tools in the global fight against hidden hunger.

HarvestPlus remains committed to working with national governments, research institutions, and the private sector to bring the benefits of biofortified crops to more farming families and communities worldwide.