Bio-fortified potatoes enriched with iron are set to be introduced in India, aiming to boost nutrition and improve seed availability for farmers.

What is a Bio-Fortified Potato?

• Bio-fortified potatoes contain higher levels of essential micronutrients, such as iron and zinc, to improve public health through staple foods.
  • Bio-fortified potatoes developed by CIP are a product of conventional plant breeding, not genetic engineering.
• Developed By: These varieties are developed by the International Potato Center (CIP), headquartered in Peru and supported by Indian institutions.
• Benefits
  • Address micronutrient deficiencies like iron deficiency anemia
  • Offer better quality seeds that require fewer chemical inputs
  • Can be integrated into government nutrition programmes like mid-day meals

About Food Fortification

• Refers: The practice of adding essential vitamins and minerals to foods to improve their nutritional value and prevent deficiencies.
• Various types of Fortification Techniques: 
  • Bio-fortification: Breeding crops with enhanced nutrient content (e.g., iron-rich potatoes, Vitamin A-rich sweet potatoes).
  • Industrial Fortification: Nutrients added during food processing (e.g., iodized salt, fortified wheat flour).
  • Home Fortification: Use of micronutrient powders in home-cooked meals.
• Notable Examples of Biofortified Crops:
  • CR Dhan 416 (Rice): Salinity-tolerant with multiple pest resistances.
  • Durum Wheat: Suited for irrigated areas; high in zinc (41.1 ppm), iron (38.5 ppm), and protein (12%)
  • Others: Iron-rich Pearl Millet, Zinc-enriched Rice, Pro-vitamin A Sweet Potato & Yellow Cassava (carotenoid-biofortification)
• Need for Adding Fortified Foods:
  • Addressing Hidden Hunger: Fortified foods help combat “hidden hunger,” where people consume enough calories but lack essential nutrients.
    • India’s rank is 105th out of 127 countries in Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2024 with a score of 27.3, indicating a “serious” level of hunger. 
  • Affordable Nutrition: Fortification is a cost-effective public health strategy, especially for low-income populations who depend on staple foods.
  • Support for Vulnerable Groups: Nutritious crops like iron-rich potatoes and Vitamin A-enriched sweet potatoes can be included in school feeding programmes and midday meals, directly benefiting children.
• Examples of Food  in Public Distribution:
  • Fortified rice  with high volume of the micronutrients such as Iron, Folic Acid and Vitamin B12 is now distributed under the Public Distribution System (PDS).
  • Iodized salt and iron-folic acid tablets are part of national nutrition initiatives such as Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), Mid-Day Meal Scheme, and Poshan Abhiyaan (National Nutrition Mission).

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