Status: New
| Name & address of the Laboratory/Organization | ICAR - National Rice Research Institute, Cuttack | |
| Website address | https://icar-nrri.in/ | |
| Affiliated to which Department/Ministry | Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) | |
| CSR Registration Number | 0000 | |
| Registration under 12A | ||
| Registration under 80G | ||
| Name of the CSR Nodal | Dr GAK Kumar | |
| Contact information of CSR Nodal | 9437484576, gak.kumar26@gmail.com | |
| Principal Investigator | Dr. Sudipta Paul, sudiptaiari@gmail.com | |
| Co- Principal Investigator (Co-PI) | Dr. Krishnendu Chattopadhyay, krishnenducrri@gmail.com | |
| Objective on the basis of need | 1. Establish rice-based Model Nutrition Village in selected nutritionally vulnerable areas of Odisha. 2. Identify and validate mechanisms for sustainability of the Model Nutrition Village(s). |
| Executive summary of the proposed project (In 250 words) | The widespread malnutrition prevalent among the entire population of the country is a matter of major concern from sustainable development point of view. Recent data published by the Govt. of India suggests that prevalence of malnutrition in the state of Odisha is above the national average. A significant portion of rice farming households of Odisha is vulnerable to food and nutrition insecurity due to the cumulative effects of multiple demographic, socioeconomic and environmental factors. Since the food habit of the native people can hardly be changed, establishing a rice-based Model Nutrition Village may be thought of as a potential solution to the problem of food and nutrition insecurity. The model envisages a holistic and integrated approach encompassing nutri-farming, nutrition education, capacity building for home-scale fortification and value addition, and convergence with the grassroots organizations. It aims at transforming the entire village into nutritionally aware and practicing farming population. The ICAR-CRRI, Cuttack already has some lead in this specific direction. The institute has released nutritionally superior varieties with high protein and zinc contents. Several integrated farming system models with a major focus on composite nutrition values have been developed at the institute. The institute has also spearheaded in rice-based food fortification and preparation of extrudates especially identifying a judicious combination of rice and nutri-millets. The project will be implemented in collaboration with the Coalition for Food and Nutrition Security (CFNS) in the nutritionally most vulnerable areas of Odisha. The project has the potential of offering a scientifically validated solution for reversing the malnutrition scenario of the entire state. |
| Technology Readiness Level (If not a new project but an advancement of existing know how) | The proposed project aims to leverage innovative technologies with the long-term goal of eradicating malnutrition, while also fostering short-term changes in the attitudes and practices of rice farmers towards pro-nutrition farming. In the medium term, the project will focus on building capacity through knowledge empowerment and promoting nutri-preneurial behaviors. Recognizing the resistance often encountered while attempting to alter dietary habits, the project seeks to enhance the existing food basket by introducing nutritionally rich, socially acceptable, and individually preferred dietary components. Given that rice is the staple food in this region, replacing conventional high-yielding varieties with nutritionally enriched rice varieties is a practical and sustainable solution, alongside other necessary interventions. Technological interventions under the project accordingly will comprise nutritionally rich rice varieties, ready-to-cook (RTC), ready-to-eat (RTE), and ready-to-serve (RTS) rice based nutritional food products, and nutrition-focussed farming system models. The ICAR-CRRI in Cuttack has already released three rice varieties—CR Dhan 310, CR Dhan 311, and CR Dhan 315—which are rich in protein and zinc. Additionally, the institute has developed a range of ricemillet-based fortified extruded products, such as rice-millet vermicelli, beetroot, carrot, and moringafortified rice noodles, as well as rice-ragi pasta. The institute has also developed RTE rice-millet based fortified extruded products like rice-pulse fortified extrudates, rice-millet fortified extrudates, and lowcost essential vitamin and mineral fortified rice-based extrudates. The RTS products of the institute include flavoured rice milk. Besides the institute has developed RTE millet based fortified bakery products and ready to use rice based instant mixes. Many of the products can be prepared at homescale with necessary technical guidance and critical inputs. The institute has developed a number of nutrition-focused low-cost integrated farming system models ready for outscaling. Further, nutri-kitchen garden will be an integral part of the idea, ‘Model Nutrition Village.’ The institute has expertise in providing technological backstopping for the same. In nutshell, the project objectives can be fulfilled with the technologies the institute already has at its disposal. |
| Outomes or Deliverables | The major deliverable of the project will be Rice-based Model Nutrition Village which will have the following outcomes: - Improved focus of farm-households on health and nutrition. - Improved knowledge of farm households about nutrition-rich agri-food system. - Improved availability of seed materials of nutri-rich rice varieties in the seed chain. - Improved technical know-how of the farmers, farm women, and rural youth in the area of RTC and RTE rice based extruded products. - Self-employment and entrepreneurship in the areas of value addition in rice and IFS. - Improved crop and enterprise diversification, and improved dietary diversity. |
| Project aligned with which most relevant UN SDGs | Goal 2 - Zero Hunger Goal 3 - Good Health & Well-Being Goal 12 - Responsible Consumption & Production |
| Duration (In years) | The project is proposed for a duration of 3 years. |
| Expected Impact | The project will have direct and indirect impact on health, nutrition, livelihood, and subjective wellbeing of the rice farmers. |
| Implementation model (self- implemented/ outsourced partnership) | The project will be implemented in collaboration with the Coalition for Food and Nutrition Security (CFNS). |
| Total Budget (Recurring +Non-Recurring Expenses) | 100 Lakhs |