Shobha Rai, a dedicated wheat farmer from Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, exemplifies how integrating biofortified crops offer dual benefits, enhancing both nutrition and income. Through her commitment to adopting biofortified zinc wheat, introduced by HarvestPlus Solution and our partners UPPRO. With the support of the Government of Canada through a HarvestPlus-funded project the “Expanding Nutrients in Food Systems” (ENFS), Shobha has not only changed her life but also boosted her livelihood and income. Her success story underscores the potential of biofortified crops in empowering farmers and improving food security.

Shobha Rai owns a 1.5-acre landholding where she initially grew traditional wheat varieties, such as HD 2967 and PBW 343. Despite these conventional crops, she was keen on improving both the nutritional content of her produce and the overall productivity of her land. Shobha’s interest in biofortification led her to adopt zinc wheat with the support of HarvestPlus Solutions. She participated in awareness training programs organized by HarvestPlus Solutions, which provided crucial insights into the benefits of biofortified crops—especially the potential for enhanced nutritional value
Armed with this knowledge, Shobha planted zinc wheat across her entire 1.5-acre farm. She received 60 kg of zinc wheat seeds and the result was a highly successful harvest. Her total production reached 22.5 quintals (2250 kg), a significant increase from her previous yield of 18 (1800 kg) quintals with traditional wheat varieties. Out of this, she set aside 13 quintals (1300 kg) as market surplus and reserved 5 quintals for family consumption.

The increase in Shobha’s wheat yield directly translated into a substantial rise in her income. Before adopting biofortified zinc wheat, her annual income from wheat cultivation was around 28,600 INR, considering the 1300 kg priced at INR 22 per kg. However, after switching to biofortified zinc wheat, her income soared to 56,000 INR considering 2250 kg, with the wheat now selling at INR 25 per kg. This boost in income was primarily due to the higher yield and the ability to sell the biofortified zinc wheat at a slightly higher price.

Shobha herself reflects, “The ENFS project has changed my life and way of living, increased my income, and greatly improved my family’s health.” Her story continues to inspire farmers in her community, showing them that biofortified crops are not just a path to better nutrition, but also a gateway to enhanced economic prosperity.