African Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO) in collaboration with HarvestPlus jointly hosted a high-impact international training program titled: “Biofortification: A Cost-Effective and Sustainable Solution to Improve Human Health” from 15-18 September 2025. The training underlined the critical role of food systems transformation in addressing malnutrition and climate challenges. Biofortification is a proven solution that strengthens food systems by embedding essential micronutrients directly into staple crops making nutrition accessible, affordable, and sustainable for millions.

The programme received a total registration of one hundred twenty five (125)  participants from twenty six (26 ) AARDO member  countries, namely, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Republic of China (Taiwan), Egypt, Ethiopia, Gambia, Ghana, India, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Liberia, Libya, Malawi, Malaysia, Mauritius, Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, and Zambia and six (6) prospective member countries of AARDO, namely, Cameroon, Maldives, Myanmar, Netherlands, Rwanda and Uganda,

The sessions were inaugurated by H.E. Dr. Manoj Nardeosingh, Secretary General, AARDO, and Mr. Arun Baral, CEO, HarvestPlus. In his address, H.E. Dr. Manoj Nardeosingh emphasized that biofortification is a transformative approach enabling nations to improve nutrition and public health at scale. By embedding nutrition into food systems, it can create a lasting impact on vulnerable communities across Africa and Asia. Mr. Arun Baral underscored the significance of the training, noting that it demonstrates how science, policy, and partnerships can converge to deliver nutritious crops to millions. He further stressed that biofortification goes beyond crops—it is about building resilient food systems, ensuring healthier futures, and advancing inclusive development.

The four-day technical sessions focused on the science and types of biofortified crops, global and national initiatives, and the roles of public and private sectors in seed production, certification, delivery systems, and scaling. Key discussions included communication strategies, behavior change, integration into food systems, post-harvest handling, market development, and the role of public private partnerships and agribusiness. The sessions also addressed nutrition evidence, breeding targets, standards, testing tools, partnership management, as well as supportive government policies, scaling strategies, and innovative financing mechanisms.

The program was enriched by expert trainers from HarvestPlus, who brought decades of practical experience in crop research, nutrition integration, case studies on market delivery, the importance of communication and policy & advocacy. Their guidance provided participants with actionable strategies to adapt and scale biofortification in their own countries.

Special thanks to the teams from AARDO and HarvestPlus who have worked tirelessly to ensure that the training is a success. The session received highly positive feedback from participants, who appreciated the depth of knowledge shared. Together, AARDO and HarvestPlus are committed to advancing food and nutrition security through stronger, more resilient food systems.