Twenty scientists have been trained to use X-ray Fluorescent (XRF) analysis, a technology used in mining to determine mineral content of soil samples, to develop more nutritious food crops by adding micro nutrients that are believed to be responsible for 'hidden hunger'.
Hidden hunger is the lack of vitamins and minerals, such as zinc and iron, in the diet. It afflicts more than 2 billion people worldwide and has negative health consequences.
The study on the technology was published in the edition of the Journal Plant and Soil.
Iron deficiency, for example, can inhibit physical and mental development in children and increase the risk for women of dying in childbirth.
The research being funded by HarvestPlus has enabled the scientist to develop more nutritious staple foods such as rice and millet without destroying the seeds.
The study found few differences in the iron and zinc values in pearl millet and rice when the two technologies were compared and the technology according to the study was believed to be cost effective and time efficient.
One of the partners of HarvestPlus, James Stangoulis, said "We really see this as just the beginning for the role XRF technology can play in improving nutrition through the development of crops richer in nutrients."
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