Biofortification to combat Vitamin A deficiency sustainably through promoting Orange-fleshed Sweet Potato in eastern Uttar Pradesh

Abstract

India is among top few countries for Vitamin A deficiency as 60,000 children go blind annually. Other than blindness, a number of eye diseases like night blindness, bitot spot, xerothalmia and others are caused by vitamin A deficiency. More than 6% children in Uttar Pradesh suffer from clinical vitamin A deficiency. Vitamin A deficiency among poor children in Gorakhpur average to 42% (as high as 65% in 3 year age group). Government of India, supported by CIDA, Helen Keller International, Micro-nutrient Initiative, UNICEF, USAID and the World Bank distributed free vitamin A capsule. Results were positive and dramatic but met failure due costs involved, problem in distribution, and corruption. Sustainable solution with no costs to government is popularization of Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato (OFSP) varieties, which have yellow or orange flesh due to very high level of â-carotene (precursor of Vitamin A). OFSP also supply required quantity of Potassium, dietary fibre, and energy. OFSP produces more edible energy per unit and people can grow, store and consume throughout the year. Supported by Tata Trusts since last 3 years, PRDF tested more than 50 OFSP varieties and identified ST-14, CIP-440127 and VA-43 adapted to the region now popularizing its growing and consumption enjoining hundreds of farmers and thousands of school children. A cycle of multiplying healthy vines has been perfected and being practiced. A number of products of leaf and tuber like Pakora, chips, juice etc have been developed. More needs to be done on research and awareness fronts.