Q.Explain what is meant by biofortification.

Biofortification refers to breeding crops with higher levels of vitamins and minerals, or with a higher amount of proteins and healthier fats/amino acids, compared to the varieties normally grown. The primary goal is to combat malnutrition, particularly micronutrient (vitamin and mineral) deficiencies, which are widespread among large sections of the population that rely mainly on cereal-based diets.

Why it is needed: Ordinary staple crop varieties, though they may give high yields, are often deficient in essential micronutrients. Biofortification breeding programmes aim to develop varieties with much higher content of essential nutrients so that eating the staple food itself helps meet daily nutritional requirements, without needing separate supplementation.

Examples of biofortified varieties developed through plant breeding include crop varieties bred for higher iron and protein content in various pulses, higher vitamin A content, higher iron and zinc content in cereals, and higher protein and improved amino acid balance in maize. NCERT specifically mentions examples such as varieties with higher amounts of iron, vitamin A, and improved protein quality (e.g., through methods aiming to raise lysine and tryptophan content in maize). …

Define biofortification in one precise sentence (breeding for higher vitamins/minerals/protein/healthier fats than normal varieties), then state its …

• Confusing biofortification with genetic engineering/GM crops in general, when it specifically refers to breeding for enhanced nutritional content.
• Giving only a vague answer like 'making food more nutritious' without naming the specific targets (vitamins, minerals, protein, amino acid/fatty-acid quality). …