Abstract

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) serves as a major food source for over half of the world’s population. Despite its widespread consumption, rice lacks many essential micronutrients, including iron, zinc, and vitamins, which contribute to global nutritional deficiencies. Biofortification, the process of enhancing the nutrient content of crops through breeding, has gained traction as a potential solution to address these deficiencies. This article explores various biofortification strategies aimed at improving rice’s nutritional profile, focusing on methods to increase micronutrient content, bioavailability, and consumer acceptance. Key approaches discussed include conventional breeding, molecular breeding, genetic modification, and agronomic practices. The challenges and potential global impacts of biofortification on public health and food security are also examined.