BIOFORTIFICATION OF CORN TO ENHANCE Zn, Fe AND Cu CONCENTRATION IN GRAINS

"Hidden Hunger" as micronutrient deficiency in human body results in poor growth, reduced immunity, fatigue, loss of muscle sterility and psychomotor development of children. Induction of micronutrients in plants on site is an essential effective method to improve the micronutrient contents of staple crops in developing countries. Biofortification reduces the micronutrients deficiency resulting in lowering the number of people totally dependent on fortification and supplementation. Maize (Zea mays L.) is the main source of world's food energy and most demanding staple crop for the people of different countries of Africa, Latin America and Asia. This paper presents the investigation of geographic overlap between the soil deficiency and human deficiency of nutrients in maize crop during Kharif season. Micronutrients concentrations (Zn, Fe and Cu) in maize grains are observed by atomic absorption spectroscopy using four levels of treatment (Basal, Basal + Foliar, Foliar, Control) of zinc, Iron and Copper through fertilizer application. Statistical analysis and comparison with control indicates that there is a noticeable enhancement in nutritious quality of maize grains through biofortification and hence provides a cost-effective solution to overcome the malnutrition.