ICRISAT-led pilot project to provide nutritious food to children in tribal villages

ICRISAT and the Nangia Group are planning a pilot project to provide nutritious food to tribal children through the mid-day meal scheme. The initiative will also identify and support anaemic children while strengthening fortified food production in Bhadrachalam

Kothagudem: ICRISAT and the Nangia Group are planning to launch a pilot project to provide nutritious food to children in tribal villages and those aged seven to 10 studying in tribal welfare schools.

A team of officials from the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) and the Nangia Group visited Kothagudem on Tuesday and called on Bhadrachalam ITDA Project Officer B Rahul.

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The team informed that the ICRISAT-led pilot project aims to supply nutritious food through the mid-day meal scheme in MPP schools and formulate plans to identify and support anaemic children with nutritious food.

The team visited the nutritional food processing unit in Bhadrachalam town and is scheduled to visit other schools in tribal villages. Guidance, suggestions and support will be provided to the processing unit to ensure the supply of fortified food to all children.

Rahul informed the visiting team that the ITDA has established ‘Bhadragiri Mart’ to provide financial support to tribal women running micro-enterprises, and that it offers fully organic products to the public. High-quality millet biscuits are being produced by tribal women.

Tribal Welfare Deputy Director Chandana, Bhadrachalam in-charge MEO Rama, and members of the ICRISAT-Nangia team, Dr Mason Swami Kanna, Rupa Banerjee, Judy Thomas and Abhinav MC, were present.