Sweet potato biofortification priority index – a strategic tool for scaling up of biofortified varieties

Abstract

Scaling up of biofortified varieties is the key component of food-based approaches in addressing micronutrient deficiency. Orange-fleshed sweet potato varieties rich in β -carotene can address the vitamin A deficiency prevalent in rural and tribal areas. We developed a ‘sweet potato biofortification priority index’ (SPBPI), a strategic planning tool for identifying priority states for implementing biofortification field interventions. A scaling-up intervention ‘Rainbow Diet Campaign’ is being implemented in the ‘high-priority’ states, Meghalaya, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh identified by SPBPI.