A high-impact workshop on biofortification and nutrition was  held recently at Hotel LYFE, bringing together experts, policymakers, and stakeholders to discuss sustainable solutions for malnutrition and livelihood enhancement.

The event emphasized the crucial role of biofortified crops in combating malnourishment, strengthening food security, and improving nutritional outcomes in Odisha.

The workshop commenced with welcome remarks from esteemed dignitaries, including Binu Cherian (Country Manager, HarvestPlus), Sanjay Kumar Talukdar (Chief General Manager, NABARD), Dr. Raj Bhandari (Member, National Technical Board of Nutrition and Health, NITI Aayog), Dr. Pratyush Kumar Panda (CEO, One Stage), and Dr. Basanta Kar, widely known as the “Nutrition Man of India.”

Each speaker underscored the importance of biofortification as a powerful tool in addressing malnutrition and called for multi-sectoral collaboration to drive impactful change.

Pravat Kumar Roul (Vice Chancellor, OUAT) was the chief guest and addressed pressing challenges in food security and climate change, advocating for resilient crop varieties such as Black Rice, Red Rice, and White Rice.

Additionally, MOU was signed between Mahashakti Foundation and HarvestPlus for promotion of biofortified crops.

Key insights were shared by prominent experts on the role of biofortified crops in ensuring nutrition security and sustainable agriculture.

Binu Cherian stressed the need for policy diversity and strong frameworks to support sustainable agricultural practices. Sanjay Kumar Talukdar highlighted the role of financial institutions in advancing bio-certified initiatives and agricultural transformation.

Raj Bhandari emphasized the significance of effective implementation strategies and advocated biocertification as a key solution. Dr. Pratyush Kumar Panda discussed the importance of millennial engagement in sustainable farming and the necessity of bio-nutritional interventions.

Arun Baral, CEO HarvestPlus also addressed the conference highlighting the need of nutrition food, available, accessible and affordable for all.

The workshop featured in-depth discussions led by distinguished experts, including Dr. Basanta Kar, Dr. M. Govindaraj, Dr. C. N. Neeraja, and Dr. P.J. Mishra.

They explored the potential of biofortification in tackling malnutrition and shared updates on India’s biofortification programs.

With active participation from government agencies, research institutions, NGOs, and industry leaders, the event reinforced a strong commitment to ensuring nutrition security and promoting agricultural
sustainability