Biofortified carrot variety benefits local farmers 

Biofortified carrot variety benefits local farmers 

Part of: GS Prelims and GS – III – Science and Technology  

In News:

• Madhuban Gajar, a biofortified carrot variety, developed by a farmer scientist has benefited hundreds of farmers in Gujarat.
• The carrot has high β-carotene (beta-carotene) and iron content. 

Key takeaways:

• The variety is being cultivated in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh since the last three years.
• The Madhuvan Gajar is used for various value-added products. 
• It was developed by Shri Vallabhhai Vasrambhai Marvaniyawas. 
• He has received a National Award (2017) and a Padma Shri (2019) for his extraordinary work. 

Important value additions:

Biofortification 

• It means breeding crops to increase their nutritional value. 
• This can be done either through conventional selective breeding, or through genetic engineering.

Image source: http://nif.org.in/Innovationofday/madhuvan-gajar-a-high-nutritious-carrot-vareity/6