A pioneering open-access book, Breeding for Zinc-Biofortified Cultivars, has been published, providing comprehensive resource to address global zinc deficiency through agriculture. The book highlights the latest science, innovations, and policy approaches driving the development of zinc-rich staple crops to combat hidden hunger.

Edited and authored by an international team of experts, including crop breeders, nutrition scientists, and policy leaders, the book consolidates decades of field evidence and breeding experience to advance zinc biofortification into global crop improvement efforts. The book features forewords by Dr. Bram Govaerts, Director General of International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), and Dr. Howarth Bouis, 2016 World Food Prize Laureate and founder of HarvestPlus.

“Zinc deficiency remains a widespread yet under-recognized public health issue, especially among children and women in low-income regions,” said Dr. Mahalingam Govindaraj, book editor and a senior scientist with HarvestPlus. “This book bridges the gap between agricultural science and nutrition impact, and its open-access format ensures it reaches those who need it most.”

Dr. Velu Govindan, co-editor and Principal Scientist at CIMMYT, emphasized the collaborative spirit behind the publication: “This book is a collective achievement of the global biofortification community. It captures the scientific advances we’ve made in breeding zinc-enriched wheat and other staple crops, offering practical tools and approaches for scaling impact in farmers’ fields.”

Dr. Natalia Palacios, also a co-editor and Maize Nutritional Quality Lead at CIMMYT, highlighted the importance of aligning breeding with nutritional and market needs: “By compiling strategies, results, experiences, and lessons learned—not only in crop improvement but also in seed systems—this resource aims to guide future scaling processes and the development of new biofortification initiatives. It contributes to broader efforts to improve nutrition and public health, especially among vulnerable populations.”

Released at a time when several countries, including India and Nigeria, are adopting micronutrient standards in their varietal release systems, and Pakistan is driving policy change by incorporating biofortification into its Multi-Sectoral Nutrition Strategy (2024-2030), ensuring long-term government commitment, while Nepal is expanding the adoption of zinc-biofortified wheat, this book serves as a technical guide and policy tool. It covers a wide range of topics, from genetic strategies and trait validation to delivery models and consumer acceptance.

With contributions from CGIAR centers, national agricultural research systems, and global development partners, Breeding for Zinc-Biofortified Cultivars offers a blueprint for integrating nutrition into mainstream agricultural development.

The book is freely available for download through open-access academic platforms, ensuring global reach and equitable knowledge sharing.