Impact study of biofortified pearl millet production and its utilization for livelihood and nutrition security

Biofortification is a cost effective and sustainable agricultural strategy to address the problem of livelihood security and micronutrient malnutrition. Therefore Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Morena initiated production of biofortified pearl millet in RVSKVV-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Morena and in Nutri Smart Village of Morena district. The investigation was also conducted to study the effect of biofortified pearl millet supplementation on nutritional status of adolescent girls of Nutri Smart Village of the district. The biofortified pearl millet variety AHB 1269 produced an average grain yield of 31.5 q/ha while variety AHB 1200 produced an average grain yield of 30.5 q/ha. The overall acceptability score for biofortified pearl millet AHB 1269 was found higher (8.6) whereas control sample received the lowest score (7.9). There was 2.7 to 3.8 per cent increase in hemoglobin level of adolescent girls through consumption of value added products of pearl millet for 90 days. Thus production of biofortified pearl millet and its consumption in form of different value added products could be an efficient vehicle for protecting the livelihoods of farmers and farm women and improving nutritional status of vulnerable group.