By Priyanka Saha
In the forest-covered hills of Meghalaya, tribal communities have nurtured a rich agricultural heritage for generations. Traditional farming systems—rooted in biodiversity and ecological wisdom—form the backbone of rural livelihoods across the state. Yet, even as food is cultivated in abundance, a silent crisis of micronutrient malnutrition—commonly called “hidden hunger”—continues to affect many households, particularly among women and children.
This paradox calls for a shift in the way we approach agricultural development—not just in terms of quantity, but quality and nutrition. One promising strategy is the introduction and promotion of biofortified crops, which are bred to have higher levels of vital nutrients such as iron, zinc, and vitamin A. These crops offer a sustainable, farmer-friendly solution to address widespread deficiencies while also improving farm productivity, income resilience, and overall well-being.
Despite the abundance of traditional crops like rice, tubers, millets, and vegetables, many tribal communities in Meghalaya experience persistent malnutrition, especially among vulnerable groups. According to data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) 53.4% of women (15–49 years) in Meghalaya are anaemic, 44.1% of children under 5 are stunted, over 70% of preschool children have iron deficiency, and nearly 30% are zinc-deficient. These figures highlight that energy sufficiency does not always translate to nutrient adequacy. While food security may be achieved in terms of calories, hidden hunger remains widespread due to low intake of iron, zinc, vitamin A, and protein. These deficiencies lead to Poor physical and cognitive development in children, Lowered immunity, fatigue and poor work productivity among adults, Increased maternal and child mortality. For a state like Meghalaya, where over 85% of the rural population depends on agriculture, the farm itself must become a source of better nutrition.
Biofortification is the process of improving the nutritional quality of food crops through conventional plant breeding, agronomic practices, or modern biotechnology. Unlike external supplementation (like pills or fortified packaged foods), biofortification works from the soil up, ensuring that nutrients are built into the crops themselves. Several biofortified varieties of edible crops have been introduced to combat hidden hunger and enhance nutritional security among tribal communities. Notable among these are zinc-enriched rice varieties like DRR Dhan 45 and CR Dhan 310, which are suitable for both upland and lowland cultivation and help improve child growth and immunity. Orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) varieties such as CIP 194219.2 and Bhu Sona are rich in vitamin A and might show great potential in backyard and kitchen gardens, particularly in the Garo Hills. Quality Protein Maize (QPM) varieties like Shaktiman-4 offer improved levels of essential amino acids and are well-suited for jhum farming systems. In addition, iron- and zinc-rich lentils and chickpeas, such as IPL 220 and Pusa Chickpea 10216, are also suitale for their role in combating anaemia and protein deficiency. These biofortified crops align with local dietary habits and can be integrated into traditional mixed farming systems, offering a sustainable solution to nutrition-related challenges in the region. The path to a healthier, self-reliant Meghalaya lies beneath our feet—in the seeds we sow. By promoting biofortified crops in tribal areas, we can ensure that every meal served on a plate is not just filling, but nourishing.
(The writer is a Subject Matter Specialist (Agronomy) Krishi Vigyan Kendra, West Garo Hills)
