Research Projects

The global population is rapidly increasing, and combating micronutrient malnutrition is crucial, especially for developing and least developed rural people. Iron is essential for a healthy diet, especially during pregnancy, and increasing protein is essential. Pulses, such as legumes, are high-quality food sources that provide dietary protein and iron. Legumes have high-performing genetic mechanisms for iron allocation to seeds, making biofortification of pulses with iron a reasonable approach. The cooperative effort between India and Germany aims to strengthen joint efforts, identify gene regulation/co-expression networks for iron accumulation, and study the potential of genome editing for producing iron-biofortified legumes using CRISPR/Cas-technology. The proposal also aims to provide international research opportunities for early-stage researchers to build competencies on international project management. The ongoing crisis has highlighted the need for diversification of the agri-food system to strengthen food supply and improve diet. Biofortification through plant breeding is a promising, cost-effective, and sustainable technique to improve the nutritional profile of food crops. However, restrictions for using genetically modified crops have emerged as the population continues to grow.