Feeding India's Future: Unlocking the Potential of Biofortified Millets

Abstract

Nutritional insecurity poses a significant global threat, particularly among populations heavily reliant on cereal-based diets lacking essential nutrients. Millets, predominant in African and Asian climate characterized by semi-arid conditions and susceptibility to drought, emerge as primary energy sources with superior nutritional profiles rich in essential amino acids, proteins, vitamins and minerals. The proven economic feasibility of biofortification in millets offers a promising solution to combat malnutrition in India. Acknowledging the potential, HarvestPlus introduced high-iron pearl millet in India as a measure to alleviate iron deficiency. Advancements in molecular techniques have uncovered waxy starch traits in diverse millet varieties, thereby improving their suitability. Moreover, scientists have elucidated genes linked to protein quality in finger millet. Furthermore, recent innovations in transgenic methods for expressing zinc transporters have revealed calcium sensor genes in finger millet. This article discusses strategies to expedite millet biofortification, outlining opportunities and challenges to enhance macro and micronutrient bioavailability.