Open Access

Wheat is one of the most important staple food crops which contribute about 20% of daily calories and protein intake for the human population globally. Beyond wheat production challenges, South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa have a high burden of micronutrient malnutrition with 33.3% of the children under the age of five being Zn deficient. Moreover, Zn deficiency affects a large proportion of the population, particularly women (pregnant and lactating >48%) and children in rural areas. Therefore, enhancing wheat cultivation through the introduction of early maturing, climate-resilient, high-yield, and Zn enriched biofortified varieties is imperative to address food and nutrition security challenges in these regions. After years of targeted biofortification breeding and extensive multi-location testing, partner countries in South Asia and Africa released about two dozen biofortified zinc-enriched wheat varieties. The zinc content of these varieties exceeds 36 mg kg−1. For instance, Akbar-19, high-yielding and high zinc variety is becoming a mega variety and grown over 42% area in Pakistan. Additionally, several pipeline varieties are poised for commercial release in the near future. These varieties exhibit climate resilience and have demonstrated a higher yield potential (5–10%) compared to their local counterparts, along with broader adaptability. To expedite the seed multiplication and dissemination, efforts are underway, CIMMYT together with NARES partners (both public and private), is emphasizing source seed production (pre-basic and basic seeds) and employing fast-track seed production approaches, including community-based seed production (CBSP). Capacity development and awareness-building events among relevant stakeholders are integral components of efforts to promote the adoption of these varieties. These strategies aim to enhance the accessibility of nutritious wheat sustainably, particularly in remote areas where household level food insecurity and malnutrition persist.

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Thiyagarajan, K. : Not in IRS staff list but CIMMYT Affiliation