Nutrihub, ICAR- Indian Institute of Millets Research and Akshaya Patra MOU

Kolkata, Karnataka: Nutrihub -Following the pandemic, the burden of disease brought on by “hidden hunger” or nutritional deficiencies has grown even more. In particular in emerging economies, there is an urgent need for complementary broad-based strategies to alleviate micronutrient deficiencies. 
 
With a view to advancing research and promoting varied, balanced, and healthy diets, millets are being integrated into PM POSHAN schemes in several states, as well as being produced and consumed sustainably in various feeding programmes. The Akshaya Patra Foundation and the Nutrihub, the leading institute for millets research and development in the nation, sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) under the supervision of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). The cooperation is a project to prepare for the International Year of Millets to be hosted by India’s government in 2023. 
 
Dr. Daykar Rao, CEO of Nutrihub and PS, ICAR-IIMR, said on the collaboration: “Millets, once the staple meal of rural India, are today the superfood of a select few urban consumers. Millet, which is abundant in micronutrients, is well known as a treatment for a variety of illnesses that influence human health and lifestyle. We hope to democratise its production and consumption through this relationship with The Akshaya Patra and return this superfood back to the Indian people’s plates by first ensuring the welfare of the nation’s youth.

Nutrihub

India’s PM POSHNA plan, which serves 120 million students and is the largest school feeding programme in the world, provides a fantastic chance to alleviate micronutrient deficiencies, increase educational efficacy, and foster intergenerational communication. 
 
He continued, “By utilizing scientific and practical knowledge in fortification and school meal production and delivery, we hope to reach millions of children with healthy, well-accepted food that enhances their physical, cognitive, and social development.” 
 
In terms of distribution, Akshaya Patra operates 65 kitchens in 14 states and two union territories, reaching over 1.8 million kids every day. The nutritional profile of Akshaya Patra’s work can be further improved by expanding millet experiments in other sociocultural contexts. 
 
Nutrihub, ICAR-IIMR, and The Akshaya Patra Foundation all signed the MoU, which has a three-year expiration date.