Scientists at a leading global grain research institute hope to dramatically increase new varieties of zinc-enriched wheat, which would increase intakes of the essential mineral for millions of poor people with deficient diets the head of the institution told Reuters.

Martin Kropff, CEO of the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), explained that he expects newly developed high-zinc wheat to account for at least 80% of the varieties distributed worldwide within 10 years, from around 9% today.

The Mexico-based institute’s research is focused on improving the fields and livelihoods of the world’s poorest farmers, while addressing the specific challenges posed by climate change, including higher temperatures, less rainfall, and disease diseases. plants in constant mutation.

Improved varieties of so-called biofortified wheat are being implemented with the help of partner seed companies in countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Mexico and Bolivia.

Kropff said China could also start adopting fortified wheat varieties this year. The manager clarified that, during the next decade, almost all wheat varieties are expected to improve nutritionally.

He added that the high-zinc grains were developed using traditional breeding techniques, rather than research based on genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

“This is something that is starting big this year,” said Kropff, who also explained that the zinc-enhanced corn developed by CIMMYT was introduced in Colombia over the past two years.

“I am very proud of this,” he added, touting the seeds’ ability to reduce malnutrition through one of the world’s staple grains.

The dramatic expansion of new wheat varieties, previously unreported, promises to improve the diets of millions of people who lack intakes of essential minerals like zinc and iron, which are used to fight viruses and move oxygen. by the body.

Lack of zinc, in particular, is one of the leading causes of malnutrition globally and is estimated to affect more than 2 billion people.

CIMMYT scientists, with a research budget of $ 120 million last year, have developed about 70% of the wheat varieties currently planted globally, as well as about half of the world’s corn varieties. world.

The vast majority of CIMMYT research is non-GMO.

The institute was founded by Norman Borlaug, winner of the 1970 Nobel Peace Prize, and carries out research projects in about 50 countries. It has attracted funding from the governments of the United States and Great Britain, among others, as well as billionaires such as Bill Gates and Carlos Slim.

“THE FIRST CORN OF ITS KIND”

Kropff also cited three varieties of maize recently developed by CIMMYT that are resistant to the fall armyworm – an insect that has caused extensive damage to crops in both Africa and Asia – which were grown in Kenya with the help of the seed bank. of corn from CIMMYT in Mexico, the largest in the world. “Like people, (worms) also like corn, but they eat the leaves and the grains, it’s really terrible,” Kropff said.

The new varieties will be distributed over the next few months for yield trials in Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe, according to CIMMYT researchers.

Kropff, a 64-year-old Dutch scientist, said that the fall armyworm resistant maize varieties are the first of their kind and have already been selected for trials in East African nations, and are expected to do so in other regions as well. from the south of that continent.

The executive explained that CIMMYT, which in a typical year develops and deploys some 35 improved varieties of wheat worldwide, fills a space that large seed companies, such as Germany’s Bayer AG or American Corteva Inc, tend to avoid.

“We grow varieties specifically for those settings where the private sector cannot make a lot of money,” he said, explaining that poorer farmers must also regularly adopt new varieties that can thrive in a world where pests and diseases are also constantly evolving.

“Small farmers trust us,” he concluded.

Categorized in:

World