A group of researchers from the International Maize and Wheat Improvement
Center (CIMMYT) documented the development of biofortified wheat and maize
varieties over recent years. The results of the study are published in AACC
International.



Biofortification, or the development of micronutrient-dense staple crops
(e.g., maize, wheat, rice, etc.) through traditional breeding technologies
and modern biotechnology, can potentially increase the crops' nutritional
value and benefit more than 2 billion people across the globe who suffer
from micronutrient deficiency.



Since the late 1990s, organizations such as the CIMMYT along with various
international research centers and scaling partners, have developed more
than 60 improved varieties of maize and wheat with increased levels of the
essential micronutrients using transgenic techniques.



Maize and wheat with enhanced levels of iron and zinc as well as Provitamin
A-enriched varieties have been released in 19 countries in Africa, Asia, and
Latin America, benefiting those in developing countries who are prone to
micronutrient deficiencies and largely depend on these staple crops for
sustenance.



The study also suggests that to maximize the benefits of biofortified crops,
they must be a part of an integrated, food systems strategy, which implies
that all the players in the value chain, especially farmers and consumers,
must receive these improved varieties positively and be convinced of its
value.



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