Dear all
I am associated with agriculture sector since 1993 first as an under graduate student and now as a scientist. Have closely observed the crop breeding programmes and variety release criteria. Till date only criteria is increase in yield over the best check crop variety. At present only change has happened is that protein content is needed for release of varieties in cereals and pulses. But protein content to be higher than check variety is not binding as still yield is the main criteria.
As we look for higher yields one of the important yield contributing trait is bold grains, if we do comparative analysis of bold grains vs small grains, it is very clear that bold grains have more of starch and less protein and minerals.
when we look towards soil health, than the answer is obviously lying in why are we looking for organic agriculture. As excessive use of chemical fertilizers viz. Urea, Muriate of Potash (MOP), Single super phosphate (SSP) has resulted in decline in soil organic carbon, soil cation exchange capacity as a result their capacity to store minerals has also reduced.
Off course their are many factors which may be responsible for an over all impact on nutrient density but there is no denying that the varieties developed with aim of improving productivity and excessive use of chemical fertilizers (again aimed for increasing production) has also contributed for low nutrient density in the food crops.
It would be good idea that for any crop variety to be released (may be still on yield basis) nutrient profile for proximates, minerals and vitamins be made mandatory. This will help us to track on nutrient composition of new varieties released for cultivation.
Rakesh
Dr. Rakesh Bhardwaj Senior Scientist (Biochemistry) Germplasm Evaluation Division National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR) PUSA Campus, New Delhi - 110 012 India Phone (+91)11-25848074(O),(+91)11-25842495(Fax) (+91)9560487889 (M), (+91) 9015405449