Biofortification of Millets to Alleviate Malnutrition: A Sustainable Approach

Billions of people around the globe face micronutrient deficiencies, which in turn are an impetus for malnutrition, particularly in non-developed and developing countries. Biofortification is an effective method for combating malnutrition. Biofortification enhances the nutritive value of crops and provides access to low-cost and sustainable micronutrients. Millets are essential grains in low-income regions, where 90% of their production comes from the semiarid tropics of Asia and Africa. These crops are suitable for farmers because of their resistance to extreme weather conditions, requirement of limited agricultural resources, and shorter growing periods. Millet is well documented for its rich nutritional composition. Biofortified millets have a significant potential to decrease micronutrient deficiencies in developing nations. The different strategies for biofortification include traditional breeding, agronomic practices, and biotechnological processes. Biotechnological processes employ genetic alterations and/or genome-assisted breeding for higher efficiency of nutrient uptake and accumulation in millets. Traditional breeding focuses on selecting and developing millet varieties that naturally contain high nutrient levels. Maximizing the potential of biofortified millets in the public health system is important for the implementation of sustainable development goals and for creating consumer acceptability of biofortified products.