STRENGTHENING GLOBAL NUTRITION THROUGH OILSEED CROP BIOFORTIFICATION

Abstract

Malnutrition resulting from deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals remains a major global public health concern. Biofortification—the process of enhancing the nutritional quality of crops through genetic engineering, conventional breeding, and agronomic interventions—offers a sustainable and long-term strategy to combat this challenge.

Oilseed crops such as soybean, canola, sunflower, olive, safflower, and sesame play a central role in human nutrition, providing fats, proteins, and essential micronutrients. Enhancing the nutritional profiles of these crops presents significant opportunities to alleviate deficiencies in iron, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins A, D, and E. Recent progress includes the development of canola varieties enriched with lysine, carotenoids, and omega-3 fatty acids, transgenic safflower with elevated omega-9 content, and selenium-enriched olive oil.

Emerging approaches, including nutrient priming and gene-editing technologies, have facilitated the production of cultivars with improved micronutrient composition, thereby enhancing their dietary and health benefits. The adoption of biofortified oilseed crops can substantially improve nutrient intake and help reduce malnutrition, particularly in resource-limited settings. Moreover, integrating biofortification with precision agriculture and advanced technologies can further strengthen food security and public health outcomes. Overall, biofortification represents a forward-looking and sustainable pathway toward ensuring a more nutritious and resilient global food system.