Malnutrition affects over three billion people globally through micronutrient deficiencies, presenting one of the most pressing health challenges of the 21st century. With global food production requirements projected to increase by 70% by 2050, traditional agricultural approaches alone prove insufficient to meet nutritional demands. Biotechnology has emerged as a transformative solution, with biofortification at the forefront of innovative interventions to enhance micronutrient content in staple food crops. Biofortification strategically increases nutrient density through conventional breeding, genetic engineering, and agronomic practices, addressing nutritional deficiencies at their source rather than through post-harvest interventions. By 2024, nearly 450 biofortified varieties across 12 crops will have been released in 41 countries, demonstrating remarkable success. Major achievements include Golden Rice for vitamin A deficiency, orange maize addressing provitamin A needs in Africa, iron-enriched beans combating anaemia, and zinc-enhanced wheat varieties. Beyond biofortification, biotechnological applications extend to synthetic biology, precision nutrition, and microbial biotechnology, enabling the production of essential nutrients through bio-factories and personalized dietary interventions. Advanced tools, including CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing and metabolic engineering, offer unprecedented opportunities for the simultaneous improvement of multiple nutritional traits while maintaining yield and environmental adaptability. Despite significant progress, challenges remain in genetic constraints, regulatory frameworks, consumer acceptance, and ensuring equitable access for vulnerable populations. The future lies in integrating conventional and modern biotechnological approaches, expanding the scope to more crops and nutrients, and fostering multi-sectoral collaboration for global nutritional security. Biotechnology represents a fundamental transformation in addressing nutritional inadequacy through sustainable, cost-effective interventions.
