Potential Impacts of Iron Biofortification in India

Alexander Stein, Matin Qaim, J.V. Meenakshi, Penelope Nestel, H.P.S. Sachdev and Zulfiqar A. Bhutta

No 8536, Research in Development Economics and Policy (Discussion Paper Series) from Universitaet Hohenheim, Department of Agricultural Economics and Social Sciences in the Tropics and Subtropics

Abstract: Iron deficiency is a widespread nutritional problem in developing countries, causing impaired physical activity and cognitive development, as well as maternal mortality. Although food fortification and supplementation programmes have been effective in some countries, their overall success remains limited. Biofortification, that is, breeding crops for higher micronutrient content, is a relatively new approach. We propose a methodology for ex-ante impact assessment of iron biofortification, which builds on disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and a large household data set. Our analysis of iron-rich rice and wheat in India indicates sizeable potential health benefits. The cost-effectiveness of iron biofortification compares favourably with other interventions.

Keywords: Research; and; Development/Tech; Change/Emerging; Technologies (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 36
Date: 2006
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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Journal Article: Potential impacts of iron biofortification in India (2008)
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ags:uhohdp:8536

DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.8536

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