Zinc biofortification in wheat has emerged as a critical approach to combat widespread micronutrient deficiencies in India, particularly zinc deficiency, which affects millions of people. The release of high yielding, disease resistant and zinc-enriched wheat varieties represent a significant advancement in agricultural research aimed at improving both food security and nutrition. Several zinc-rich wheat varieties have been successfully developed and released in India through All India Coordinated Research Programme. The present chapter abstract highlights the journey of zinc wheat variety development, focusing on breeding programs that utilized both traditional and modern plant breeding techniques, for genetic biofortification, principles and approached for seed production programme. These efforts have resulted in increased share of biofortified varieties at farmers field with enhanced zinc content, meeting the nutritional needs of vulnerable populations, particularly in rural areas. The seed production and scaling-up strategies are key to ensuring widespread adoption of these biofortified varieties. This includes a robust system for quality seed multiplication, involvement of public and private sector seed companies, and active participation of farmers through seed distribution networks. Government support through policy initiatives and awareness programs plays a crucial role in promoting the cultivation of zinc-enriched wheat varieties. The scaling-up efforts also emphasize collaboration with state agricultural departments, extension services, and farmer cooperatives to ensure that biofortified seeds reach marginalized communities. These strategies aim to enhance production capacity while ensuring that the nutritional benefits of zinc-rich wheat reach millions across the country. By integrating biofortification into India’s wheat production system, the country takes a significant step toward addressing micronutrient malnutrition, improving public health, and contributing to sustainable agricultural development.

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Zinc Wheat Variety Release, Seed Production, and Scaling Up Strategies in India

  • Chandra Nath Mishra,
  • Amit Sharma,
  • Satish Kumar,
  • Disha Kamboj,
  • Gyanendra Singh,
  • Arun Kumar Joshi,
  • Gyanendra Pratap Singh

摘要

Zinc biofortification in wheat has emerged as a critical approach to combat widespread micronutrient deficiencies in India, particularly zinc deficiency, which affects millions of people. The release of high yielding, disease resistant and zinc-enriched wheat varieties represent a significant advancement in agricultural research aimed at improving both food security and nutrition. Several zinc-rich wheat varieties have been successfully developed and released in India through All India Coordinated Research Programme. The present chapter abstract highlights the journey of zinc wheat variety development, focusing on breeding programs that utilized both traditional and modern plant breeding techniques, for genetic biofortification, principles and approached for seed production programme. These efforts have resulted in increased share of biofortified varieties at farmers field with enhanced zinc content, meeting the nutritional needs of vulnerable populations, particularly in rural areas. The seed production and scaling-up strategies are key to ensuring widespread adoption of these biofortified varieties. This includes a robust system for quality seed multiplication, involvement of public and private sector seed companies, and active participation of farmers through seed distribution networks. Government support through policy initiatives and awareness programs plays a crucial role in promoting the cultivation of zinc-enriched wheat varieties. The scaling-up efforts also emphasize collaboration with state agricultural departments, extension services, and farmer cooperatives to ensure that biofortified seeds reach marginalized communities. These strategies aim to enhance production capacity while ensuring that the nutritional benefits of zinc-rich wheat reach millions across the country. By integrating biofortification into India’s wheat production system, the country takes a significant step toward addressing micronutrient malnutrition, improving public health, and contributing to sustainable agricultural development.