The interviews and reporting for this story were conducted in September 2024.

Until three years back, Sukhwinder Singh had not heard about biofortified seeds – seeds that have been bred to have higher levels of certain nutrients like iron and zinc. The farmer has been successfully growing wheat on his 5.5-acre landholding using these seeds.

His decision to switch to biofortified seeds was prompted by his concerns over the rampant use of chemical fertilisers, which not only harm the environment but also pose health risks to consumers. He chose to invest in biofortified seeds, which are rich in zinc.

One of the most remarkable outcomes of Sukhwinder’s adoption of biofortified seeds is the improvement in the quality of the produce. “My children find the roti (chapati) made from the wheat grown with biofortified seeds tastier. This has not only enhanced the taste of my produce but also ensured that my children consume safe and nutritious food,” says the 49-year-old resident of Bambhera village, Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh.

The use of biofortified seeds has also reduced his input costs by reducing his dependency on urea fertiliser. “Earlier, I had to add three rags of urea on one acre of land, now I only have to add as little as half a rag,” he adds.

Sukhwinder points out, “While the yield per acre may be slightly lower compared to conventional seeds, the overall benefits, including reduced input costs and improved quality, far outweigh any minor differences in productivity. Besides, I am earning Rs 2,600 per quintal instead of Rs 2,000 rates for regular wheat.”

Like........

© The Better India