Revolutionizing Nutrition with Bio-fortified Maize from IARI
The Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) recently raised a toast to a significant achievement in the field of agriculture. The institute’s diligent scientists have successfully bred the world’s first quality protein and pro-vitamin A-rich bio-fortified hybrid maize. Maize, which serves as the third most important food grain after wheat and rice, is extensively cultivated throughout the year in India. Known widely as corn, it functions as a primary ingredient for diverse food items including chips, flakes, popcorn, etc.
Nutrient-Rich Hybrid Maize: An Overview
Cereal grains are predominantly high in carbohydrates (65-75%) while being relatively low in protein (7-12%). Moreover, their proteins are deficient in essential amino acids like lysine and tryptophan. These two essential amino acids, functioning as the building blocks of proteins, cannot be synthesized by the human body. Hence, they need to be supplied via our diet.
The hybrid maize christened Pusa Vivek QPM 9 Improved is the world’s first variety rich in lysine and tryptophan, as well as pro-vitamin A. Vitamin A, a crucial micronutrient, plays a vital role in maintaining good vision, healthy teeth, skin, and skeletal tissue.
Significance of Pro-Vitamin A Rich Maize
The deficiency of Vitamin A, especially prevalent in developing countries, can spark off issues like blindness and increase susceptibility to infectious diseases. Although vitamin A rich maize has been developed in other parts of the world, the new variety stands out as it is not just rich in vitamin A, but also in the two essential amino acids.
The improved version of maize incorporates an Opaque-2 gene that heightens the content of lysine and tryptophan. Additionally, it includes the crtRB1 gene, which results in higher levels of carotenoids (beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, and beta-cryptoxanthin). These carotenoids convert into vitamin A inside the body.
Features & Facts about Bio-fortified Hybrid Maize
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Protein-rich | High in Lysine and Tryptophan |
| Vitamin A-rich | High in Pro-vitamin A |
| Lifespan | Matures Early |
| Non-GMO | Genes derived from maize lines |
The Role of IARI in Agricultural Advancements
The IARI, popularly known as the Pusa Institute, has a rich history of contributing to agricultural advancements since its establishment in 1905. The institution has been instrumental in developing many crop varieties that have revolutionized agriculture in India. The development of this bio-fortified hybrid maize is one such significant achievement. With its high nutritional profile and early maturation, this maize variety holds the potential to positively impact a large population’s nutritional status, especially among malnourished children, enhancing India’s ranking in the Global Hunger Index.