HarvestPlus founder Howarth Bouis honored by Hon’ble PM Modi at the International Agrobiodiversity Congress, 2016 in New Delhi, India.
Hyderabad, India, August 27, 2024 - Dr.
Howarth Bouis, a recipient of the World Food Prize and Founding Director of
HarvestPlus, has applauded Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment
to enhancing nutritional security through the integration of biofortified crops
into India’s food systems. Dr. Bouis highlighted that this support underscores
the critical role of biofortification in combating malnutrition and improving
public health. PM Modi’s support for nutrient-enriched crops represents a
transformative approach to fostering long-term health and well-being for
millions of Indians.
ICAR’s Contribution to Enhanced Crop Nutrition
The Indian Council of
Agricultural Research (ICAR) and HarvestPlus are collaborating to develop
biofortified crop varieties that are now accessible to farmers across the
country. ICAR is the first in the world to introduce benchmark levels for Fe
(42 ppm) and Zn (32 ppm) in pearl millet cultivar promotion and release policy,
ensuring nutritional security in rural communities of the dry land agricultural
systems, where it is consumed. Established in 1929, ICAR is responsible for
coordinating agricultural research and education, playing a pivotal role in
shaping India’s agriculture sector. ICAR’s ongoing work in developing and
promoting biofortified crop varieties tailored to India's diverse agro-climatic
conditions is vital for ensuring food and nutrition security.
Celebrating Two Decades of Agricultural Transformation
2023 marked
HarvestPlus’ 20th anniversary, celebrating two decades of pioneering
agricultural innovation and nutrition. Through its efforts, over 440 varieties
of 13 biofortified staple crops are now available to farmers to grow in more
than 40 countries, thanks to collaborative work with CGIAR and national
research partners. These nutrient-enriched crops, including rice, wheat, and
maize, have been specifically developed to address global micronutrient
deficiencies and improve public health.
Dr. Bouis expressed
his profound appreciation for Prime Minister Modi’s endorsement, stating, “The
Prime Minister’s endorsement comes at a crucial time as malnutrition remains a
critical challenge. Agricultural innovations like biofortification offer a
sustainable, practical and cost-effective solution for developing countries to
improve nutrition and public health. We are optimistic that this endorsement
will not only drive progress within India but also encourage global leaders to
advance nutrition through biofortification.”
Transforming School Meals and Supply Chains
Prime Minister Modi
emphasized the importance of biofortified crops in key government initiatives
such as the Mid-Day Meal scheme for school children and Anganwadi services. By integrating these nutrient-rich crops into
these programs, the government aims to improve the nutritional intake of children
and vulnerable populations, tackling malnutrition in India.
Arun Baral, Chief
Executive Officer at HarvestPlus Solutions, highlighted the importance of
collaboration in these efforts: “We are working closely with public and private
sector partners to expand the availability of biofortified crops and food for
the school children and beyond. These collaborations are crucial for making
nutrient-rich foods more accessible across Asia, Africa and Latin America. As
biofortification continues to gain momentum, support from global and national
leaders and institutions is essential in advancing our collective mission to
combat malnutrition and enhance global well-being.”
Ravinder Grover,
Global Business Manager at HarvestPlus Solutions, highlighted the importance of
partnerships with social enterprises like AgroZee and Arti Mills in broadening
access to biofortified staples. "These collaborations are crucial in
making nutrient-rich foods available to more communities across India. As
biofortification gains traction, the support of leaders like Prime Minister
Modi is essential in advancing the global fight against malnutrition. His
endorsement not only amplifies the impact of biofortification efforts but also
underscores the collective commitment needed to enhance global health and
well-being," he stated.
HarvestPlus Solutions
also plays a key role in improving the nutrition of schoolchildren through the
Nutri-Pathshala model in India. This innovative initiative incorporates
biofortified crops into school meal programs, coupled with a unique nutrition
education approach, ensuring that children receive the essential micronutrients
necessary for healthy growth and development. By supporting local farmers and
making the benefits of biofortified crops accessible to those most in need, the
model addresses both health and economic challenges. To date, it has been
successfully implemented in 700 schools, fostering better health outcomes for
future generations.
For more information:
https://harvestplus.solutions/
About HarvestPlus
Solutions:
HarvestPlus Solutions (HPS) is a
purpose-driven global networked organization headquartered in Washington, DC,
with the primary objective of accelerating the scaling of groundbreaking innovations
from HarvestPlus and CGIAR.