In the context of agricultural biotechnology, what does biofortification refer to?

Biofortification refers to the process of enhancing the nutritional value of crops through genetic engineering or traditional breeding methods. This involves increasing the levels of essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients within the crops to combat malnutrition and improve food quality. For instance, crops can be modified to enhance their content of micronutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamin A, which are critical for human health.

The focus of biofortification is on addressing dietary deficiencies in populations that rely heavily on specific staple crops, thereby contributing to improved health outcomes. By targeting the nutritional content directly within the crops themselves, biofortification offers a sustainable approach to nutrition that can complement other interventions such as dietary diversification and public health measures.