Improving Nutrition in India through Biofortified Crops
Iron and zinc deficiencies are major public health concerns in India, with women and children particularly affected. Iron deficiency impairs mental development and learning capacity, increases weakness and fatigue, and may increase the risk of women dying during childbirth. Zinc deficiency causes stunting, lowers immunity, and increases susceptibility to diarrheal disease and respiratory infections. Binu Cherian and Parminder Virk of HarvestPlus explain why biofortification can be an effective solution, and which biofortified crops Indian consumers can expect.