Pros and Cons of Genetic Engineering Technologies in Reference to Biofortified Crops

The utilization of biofortification and genetic engineering stands as a ground breaking solution to global malnutrition, leveraging traditional breeding and advanced biotechnology to enhance crop nutritional content. Biofortification targets staple crops, elevating essential vitamins and minerals to combat malnutrition, while genetic engineering allows precise trait manipulation to fortify crops against pests and environmental stressors. Successful instances, such as Golden Rice enriched with vitamin A, showcase the efficacy of biofortification. Diverse methods, including conventional breeding, marker-assisted selection, genetic modification, and soil management, contribute to over 140 globally released biofortified varieties. The crucial policies supporting seed supply, pricing incentives, and integration into nutrition programs are imperative, although challenges like cost, environmental impact, taste preferences, and regulatory hurdles persist. Thus, global collaboration is essential for the responsible deployment and realization of the transformative potential of these technologies in addressing malnutrition and enhancing global food security. In this chapter, we emphasize the applications of genetic engineering technologies for better nutrition. Furthermore, we have discussed the pros and cons of genetic engineering technologies in reference to biofortified crops. In addition, we will also discuss a detailed comparison between biofortified crops and GMO crops.