Adoption and Productivity Assessment of Zinc-Biofortified Wheat (Akbar-19) Among Smallholder Farmers in District Khyber, Pakistan

Abstract

Micronutrient malnutrition, particularly zinc deficiency, remains a critical public health challenge in Pakistan, where wheat is the dominant staple food but inherently low in zinc. Bio-fortification offers a sustainable solution by enhancing the micronutrient content of staple crops. This study evaluates the adoption and impact of zinc-biofortified wheat (Akbar-19) among 200 smallholder farmers in District Khyber, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. A mixed-methods design was employed during the wheat season of 2024–25. Two hundred farmer received certified Akbar‑19 seed, fertilizers and technical guidance. Adoption behavior, seed retention, yield performance, and household food security outcomes were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results showed that Akbar-19 achieved significantly higher yields, averaging 1700 kg acre⁻¹ compared with conventional wheat varieties (1300 kg acre⁻¹) grown simultaneously on adjacent control plots during the same season. Seed retention was high, with 86% of households saving 2–4 maunds for future planting, and 60% sharing seed within communities. Awareness of zinc’s health benefits increased from 20% at baseline to 100% post‑intervention. This study contributes to current knowledge by demonstrating that zinc‑biofortified wheat can simultaneously improve productivity (30.77%) and nutritional awareness under real farming conditions. The findings highlight the potential of farmer‑led seed saving and informal sharing networks to sustain adoption. However, as results are limited to one season and location, broader conclusions require multi‑season, multi‑location trials and clinical validation of nutritional outcomes.