Malnutrition remains a pressing challenge in Nandurbar, Maharashtra, a district where 69.28 percent of the population belongs to tribal communities. Limited access to nutritious food has led to persistent micronutrient deficiencies, particularly among school-going children, affecting their health, cognitive development, and overall well-being. Without adequate nutrition, these children face barriers to learning, growth, and future opportunities.

Recognizing this urgent issue, HarvestPlus, HarvestPlus Solutions, and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MOTA) have joined forces to implement a transformative initiative aimed at improving the nutritional status of 17,000 school children across the district. Through the introduction of biofortified foods into school meals, this partnership seeks to address micronutrient deficiencies by ensuring students receive essential nutrients such as iron and zinc, which are critical for physical and cognitive development.

Under this initiative, children from grades one to 10 consume biofortified grains in the form of Bhakri and Rotis—staple foods in the region—twice a week. These nutrient-rich grains play a pivotal role in combating hidden hunger by delivering key vitamins and minerals that traditional diets often lack. By integrating biofortified foods into daily meals, the program not only enhances students’ immediate health but also supports better learning outcomes and long-term development.

However, addressing malnutrition requires more than just providing nutrient-rich meals. This initiative also incorporates nutrition education through the Nutri-Pathshala model, ensuring that both students and school staff understand the significance of micronutrients and the benefits of biofortified foods. With support from the Arogya Club, students will receive holistic health education, and Nutri-buddies—peer leaders trained in nutrition awareness—will play a key role in promoting knowledge-sharing and behavioral change.

This initiative exemplifies the role of strategic partnerships in combating malnutrition. By leveraging HarvestPlus’ global expertise in biofortification research, along with HarvestPlus Solutions’ implementation capabilities and MOTA’s policy leadership, this collaboration is designed to be scalable, sustainable, and replicable. Supported by the Integrated Tribal Development Project (ITDP) in Nandurbar, the program aims to empower tribal communities with the tools and knowledge necessary to sustain improved nutrition for generations to come.

As a pioneer in biofortification research and implementation, HarvestPlus continues to drive efforts worldwide to improve nutrition security through innovative agricultural solutions. By integrating biofortified crops into food systems, HarvestPlus and its partners are transforming lives—ensuring that vulnerable communities, including tribal populations, have access to the nutrients they need to thrive.