Pulse Brain · Growing Health Evidence Index
Peer-reviewed

Biofortification as a sustainable solution to combat micronutrient malnutrition in the global south with a focus on Sri Lanka: potential, challenges, and policy implications

Hasitha Priyashantha, Maheshika S. Kurukulasuriya, Chaminda Senaka Ranadheera, Shishanthi Jayarathna, J. K. Vidanarachchi

Discover Food · 2025

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Summary

Abstract Micronutrient malnutrition remains a critical challenge in the Global South, particularly in Sri Lanka, where vulnerable populations face food insecurity and limited dietary diversity. This review examines biofortification as a sustainable strategy to address these deficiencies, using Sri Lanka as a case study. Biofortification, through agronomic practices, traditional breeding, and genetic engineering, offers a solution to enhance the nutritional quality of staple crops by increasing levels of essential micronutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamin A. Given the prominence of rice in the Sri Lankan diet, fortifying native aromatic rice varieties with these micronutrients is emphasized. The potential of biofortifying other staples such as pulses, soybean, maize, and cassava is also e

Subject
Micronutrient biofortification
Source type
Peer-reviewed study
System type
Other
DOI
10.1007/s44187-025-00381-y
Catalogue ID
SNmoy134bd-vzgwjb
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