Micronutrient Biofortification in Pulses: An Agricultural Approach

Abstract

Micronutrients are important growth promoting elements not only for crops but also for human being. More than two billion of the global populations are malnourished. For developing countries like India, micronutrient malnutrition among the people of every age is very common. The impact is highly seen in poor and landless rural people who can’t afford diverse foods or supplements in their diets with needed nutrients. To alleviate this micronutrient deficiency, biofortification has come to the surface as a potent option. Biofortification of crops can increase the level of micronutrients in final food products. Pulses are the cheapest sources of proteins, vitamins and micronutrients and can be supplied to the people through daily diet. Pulses are irrefutable contender for Biofortification since it is easily available to the each and every group of people. This paper focuses on the role of micronutrients on human health and various mechanisms to get nutrient rich staple food along with main emphasis on biofortification.