Helping farmers, scientists, seed and food companies deliver real nutrition to every plate
In a significant development for India’s efforts to combat
micronutrient malnutrition, a new online portal is now live, enabling access to
X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) testing services for verifying the nutritional quality
of crops. The launch marks an important step in making global-standard testing
more accessible across the country.
Biofortification—enriching food crops with essential minerals like
iron, zinc, and calcium—is gaining global attention as a sustainable solution
to malnutrition. But how do we know if a crop is truly biofortified? That’s
where technology steps in.
Using X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) Spectrometry, the lab can quickly
check if grains or flours contain the promised minerals. Unlike traditional lab
testing, which can be time-consuming and expensive, XRF offers a smarter
solution. It delivers rapid results, requires no chemical processing, and is
cost-effective—making it ideal for widespread use across India’s diverse
agricultural landscape.
What makes XRF testing a
game-changer?
● Rapid Results – Get results in a fraction of the
time compared to traditional testing methods.
● Cost-Effective – Ideal for researchers, seed and
food processors who need
affordable yet accurate analysis.
● Early Screening – Perfect for identifying
high-nutrient varieties during crop breeding.
● Non-Invasive – No damage to the sample, allowing
for continued use or further testing.
The user-friendly portal can be accessed here: https://harvestplus.solutions/nutrient-testing/
This initiative will help scientists, agribusinesses, and food
companies ensure that the food they grow and sell is not just filling—but
nourishing.
Why this matters for India
India faces widespread micronutrient deficiencies, especially in
iron and zinc. These deficiencies impact children’s growth, women’s health, and
overall productivity. Biofortified crops offer a homegrown, food-based
solution—but their success depends on verification. With this lab, India now
has the power to verify nutrient-rich crops at scale.
This also opens new opportunities for Indian food brands and
agri-exporters. Verified nutrient-rich foods can meet growing consumer demand
for healthier options—both in domestic and international markets.
“We’re proud to make this testing technology more accessible through
the portal,” said Ravinder Grover, COO, HarvestPlus Solutions. “It enables
everyone in the value chain—from breeders to buyers—to base decisions on
credible data.”
Building a truly
nourishing future
The lab supports HarvestPlus Solutions’ broader mission: to make
biofortification accessible, trusted, and scalable. With this facility, India
takes a big step toward improving nutrition security and farmer livelihoods—one
verified crop at a time.