Pearl Millet Biofortification Research for Food and Nutritional Security in West Africa

Micronutrient malnutrition, or hidden hunger, is a preventable food-system-based health problem persisting in developing countries. Conventional interventions such as dietary diversification, food fortification, and supplementation have shown limited success in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The dietary deficiency of vitamins and minerals contributes to lower human productivity and becomes a major impediment to socioeconomic development. Biofortification is a sustainable and cost-effective strategy to increase micronutrient concentration in food grains through plant breeding. In West Africa, pearl millet biofortification research focuses on enhancing the nutritional quality of this widely consumed staple crop to improve food and nutritional security. Biofortified varieties aim to improve the nutritional profile of pearl millet without compromising its yield or adaptability. To sum up, ICRISAT’s pearl millet biofortification research in West Africa seeks to combat micronutrient deficiencies, enhance food security, and improve the nutritional status of populations through the development and promotion of nutrient-dense millet varieties that are well-suited to the region’s farming conditions. This requires a national variety release standard (for iron and zinc), like India and Nigeria, to mainstream nutrition in high-yielding backgrounds.