Ludhiana, India : HarvestPlus
Solutions and COFCO International India have reached a significant milestone in
addressing micronutrient deficiencies among school-age children with the launch
of the Nutri-Pathshala Model in Punjab and Haryana. This groundbreaking
initiative is poised to revolutionize school feeding programs in India by
integrating biofortified grains into daily meals. This achievement underscores
our commitment to pioneering innovative solutions and improving the nutritional
health of students through cutting-edge advancements
The Nutri-Pathshala model focuses on enriching school meals with Iron
Pearl Millet and Zinc Wheat, which are packed with essential nutrients to boost
children's health and development. The program also includes Nutri-Dabba for
nutritious meal packs, Nutri-Diary for tracking dietary intake, and Arogya Club
for health education. Together, these elements support a holistic approach to
nutrition, fostering healthier futures for school going students.
Mr. Arun Baral, CEO, HarvestPlus Solutions said “With the launch of the
Nutri-Pathshala program in Punjab and Haryana, we are taking a significant step
towards transforming the nutritional landscape for school-age children in these
regions. By integrating biofortified grains and comprehensive wellness components,
we are addressing micronutrient deficiencies and setting a new standard for
school feeding programs. This initiative is designed to ensure that children
receive not only essential nutrients but also the education and support needed
for their overall well-being, paving the way for a healthier, more vibrant
future.”
Ms. Ravinder Kaur, District Education Officer, commented, “The
Nutri-Pathshala program embodies a comprehensive approach to supporting the
holistic development of children. By integrating elements like Nutri-Dabba for
nutritious meal packs, Nutri-Diary for tracking dietary intake, and Arogya Club
for health and wellness education, we are creating a robust framework that
nurtures both the body and mind. These interconnected components not only
ensure adequate nutritional intake but also empower students with the knowledge
and tools they need to lead healthier lives.”
Mr. Vibhav Agarwal, Deputy CEO, COFCO International India Private
Limited said, “Our commitment to the communities we serve is at the heart of
our mission, and we are proud to announce this new initiative. We believe that
improving the quality of school meals is a critical step toward ensuring that
every child has the opportunity to grow and succeed, both in the classroom and
beyond."
Mr. Ravinder Grover, Global Business Manager, HarvestPlus Solutions,
added, “With the invaluable support from COFCO International, we are thrilled
to launch the Nutri-Pathshala model in Punjab and Haryana. This partnership has
been pivotal in scaling our innovative initiative, enabling us to make
substantial improvements to school meal programs and more effectively address
micronutrient deficiencies. Together, we are transforming the nutritional
landscape for children and making a meaningful impact on their health and
development.”
Recently, Honorable Prime Minister Narendra Modi released 109
high-yielding, climate-resilient, and biofortified crop varieties, marking a
significant stride in enhancing food security and nutrition across the nation.
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. This aligns perfectly
with our Nutri-Pathshala model, which focuses on incorporating biofortified
crops into school feeding programs to enhance children's nutrition and
well-being
The Nutri-Pathshala Program is being implemented by
HarvestPlus and HarvestPlus Solutions with support from esteemed partners such
as Ray Welfare Trust, Arti Mills, BLKS, Education
Department and School authorities who are playing a
pivotal role in bringing this model to fruition. Through this collaborative
effort, we are not only addressing immediate nutritional needs but also
fostering a sustainable model for improving school feeding programs across
Punjab and Haryana.
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 and commercialization of groundbreaking innovations
from HarvestPlus and CGIAR.
For more information:
https://harvestplus.solutions/