How does biotechnology enhance the nutritional value of crops?

Biotechnology enhances the nutritional value of crops primarily through the introduction of specific genes that can increase levels of essential vitamins and minerals. This method allows scientists to directly target the genetic makeup of crops to boost their nutritional profiles. For example, a well-known application is Golden Rice, which has been genetically engineered to produce higher levels of beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, addressing deficiencies in populations that rely heavily on rice as a staple food.

This approach can effectively tackle malnutrition and contribute to overall public health by ensuring that crops not only provide calories but also essential nutrients. By using biotechnology, it is possible to enhance the health benefits of agricultural products without needing to rely exclusively on traditional breeding methods, which can be much slower and less precise.