“Hidden hunger” is a serious problem affecting over 2000 million people in developing countries. In Peru, it has increased from 17.7 to 19.6, between 2021 and 2022. This problem is caused by deficiencies in micronutrients and vitamins in humans. Crop biofortification for zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and provitamin A (ProA) has emerged as an initiative to help solve this problem using conventional breeding (no transgenics). Research in Peru shows the feasibility of promoting biofortified maize with high Zn, high ProA and also high grain yield potential. For purple maize, which contains anthocyanins, a chemical with beneficial effects for humans, studies on varietal adaptation and anthocyanins content are being conducted in Peru. Preliminary results show clear differences among varieties for grain yield potential and high anthocyanin content in the cob, husk, and grain. Purple maize production has increased fourfold in the last twenty years due to increased local consumption and exports. However, its contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is minimal, less than 1 %. Consequently, this presents a big challenge and an opportunity for research and technology development to increase maize production and link purple maize producers with global consumers. For quality protein maize, available hybrids with high grain yield potential and wide adaptation must be promoted in Peru.
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