The objectives of breeding improved nutritional quality of crops are to increase

Options

A. Protein content and quality only
B. Oil/fat content and quality only
C. Vitamin content and mineral nutrients
D. All of the above

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Question**: The question asks about the objectives of breeding improved nutritional quality of crops. This involves identifying what specific nutritional components are targeted for enhancement through breeding techniques.

2. **Identifying Nutritional Components**: The key components that can be improved in crops include:
- Protein content and quality
- Oil and fat content and quality
- Vitamin content
- Mineral nutrients

3. **Explaining Biofortification**: Biofortification is a process aimed at improving the nutritional quality of food crops. This can be achieved through:
- Conventional methods (selective breeding)
- Genetic engineering (altering genetic material to enhance specific traits)

4. **Importance of Each Nutritional Component**:
- **Protein**: Essential for cell repair and growth.
- **Oil and Fat**: Provide energy necessary for bodily functions.
- **Vitamins**: Vital for maintaining healthy nerve cells and overall bodily functions.
- **Minerals**: Important for strong bones and teeth, and various metabolic processes.

5. **Conclusion**: Since all the mentioned components (protein, oil, vitamins, and minerals) are crucial for improving the nutritional quality of crops, the objective of breeding improved nutritional quality of crops is to increase all of the above.

6. **Final Answer**: The correct answer is **fourth option: all of the above**.