Launched by HarvestPlus and Cargill, the NutriHarvest project is aimed at enhancing global nutrition through better access to nutritious food. The project, with a funding of $3 million, will take 36 months to deliver 17 million nutrient-rich meals in India, Kenya, Tanzania, and Guatemala. The project in India envisions empowering over 100,000 farmers and providing for 1.4 million meals in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Bihar, focusing on biofortified crops like iron pearl millet and zinc wheat and raising poultry.
India is the largest millet-producing country in the world, and the government has increased its promotion through cultivation and consumption. NutriHarvest will take off on the momentum and will be a major contributor to agricultural diversification and nutritional security. The two key areas of focus are as follows:
Home Grown School Feeding Program
The program will look forward to adding these nutrient-rich crops to school feeding schemes by enhancing the production of iron pearl millet and zinc wheat. In addition, NutriPatshala will provide nutritious meals to the students while educating them on nutrition and hygiene, leading to dietary diversity and improved health outcomes.
Hatching Hope Initiative
Through the Hatching Hope initiative, NutriHarvest will support poultry farmers, especially women, through training on sustainable farming practices. This component is aimed at increasing household protein consumption as well as boosting economic resilience and improving local food systems.
The project aims to make healthy meals more accessible and affordable, therefore promoting a strong and safe food system in India and worldwide. By enabling farmers to grow and market biofortified crops and proteins, NutriHarvest supports sustainable agricultural practices and community-driven solutions to malnutrition.
Conclusion
NutriHarvest is a landmark initiative for fighting malnutrition, enhancing farmer livelihoods, and improving food security. With an approach targeting agricultural innovation, community engagement, and nutritional education, this initiative aims to create a sustainable impact in India and around the world. By addressing these interconnected challenges, NutriHarvest contributes to a more resilient and healthier food system for millions.
Source: NRDPL