By Your AgriStory 
In a bustling classroom in a village in Maharashtra, children eagerly gather around their teacher, their chatter filling the air. But today, the lesson isn’t about math or science – it’s about something even more fundamental: the food on their plates. With excitement, they scan the labels on their Nutri Dabbas, checking for iron, zinc, and essential vitamins. They know what to look for. They have learned that nutrition isn’t just about filling their stomachs—it’s about nourishing their future.
This is Nutri Pathshala, an initiative by HarvestPlus Solutions (HPS), that is improving school meals by incorporating biofortified grains like iron pearl millet and zinc wheat. With over 2.5 million meals served over the last two years, HPS is addressing malnutrition at its root – in childhood.
The movement has found a strong advocate in Chef Sanjeev Kapoor. Honoured with the prestigious Padma Shri Award and a celebrated household name in India and beyond, he has played a key role in popularizing Indian cuisine globally and is a passionate advocate for healthy eating. When he met the student champions of Nutri Pathshala, he was moved by their ability to read nutrition labels and make informed choices.
“Bachpan se sikhne ki aadat dal jaaye, toh sehat bhi swaad ban jaati hai! Yeh bacche sirf apni nahi, desh ki sehat sudhar sakte hain #PoshanKiPadhai se.” (When the habit of learning starts young, health too becomes a matter of taste! These children can improve not just their own well-being but also that of the nation with nutrition education.)
With his support, Nutri Pathshala, a Make-in-India initiative is gaining momentum, proving that the right knowledge and the right food can create lifelong healthy habits.
“Imagine a world where every school meal fuels stronger bodies and sharper minds for rural children. That’s the vision of Nutri Pathshala! We’re proud to partner with Chef Sanjeev Kapoor in this game-changing movement. After all, not all superheroes wear capes—some wear chef coats” said Ravinder Grover, Global Manager, HarvestPlus Solutions.
The Power of Generation Alpha:
Children are not just passive recipients of knowledge; they are early adopters and influential changemakers. Recognizing this, the Nutri Pathshala initiative has made healthy eating more engaging by reimagining local favourites – bhakri, chiwda, ladoos, in biofortified versions. Modern snacks like nutri-bars and healthy cookies have also been introduced to ensure that nutritious food remains enjoyable.
From a Research Idea to a Global Movement:
Nutri Pathshala is part of a larger journey that began over two decades ago when Dr. Howarth Bouis, the Father of Biofortification, asked: What if plants could help fight malnutrition? His belief in biofortification has since benefited over 300 million people across Asia and Africa.
The impact is being recognized at the highest levels. Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, has now released 109 biofortified varieties, developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). The African Union has endorsed biofortification as a key strategy to combat malnutrition, while the World Bank has recognized it as a nutrition-smart solution that benefits both farmers and consumers.
A Future Without Malnutrition:
As malnutrition persists in India, initiatives like Nutri Pathshala are proving how collaborative interventions drive lasting change. Led by HarvestPlus Solutions (HPS), a pioneer in biofortification, the program envisions a future where every child has access to nutritious meals that nourishes lifelong health.
Through partnerships with small and medium enterprises, startups, and self-help groups, HPS is nutrifying the food value chain—from kitchen to classrooms. With support from state governments and corporations, Nutri Pathshala is complementing India’s coveted Mid-Day Meal Program, amplifying its impact.
With a bold vision to reach 10 million children by 2030, Nutri-Pathshala is sowing the seeds of change today. As every child learns to read nutrition labels with every biofortified meal served, the movement steps closer to a healthier future.
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