In a bustling classroom in a Maharashtra’s village, children eagerly gather around their teacher, excitedly chattering about the lesson of the day—nutrition. With Nutri Dabbas in hand, they scan labels for iron, zinc, and essential vitamins, demonstrating their newfound knowledge.

This is Nutri Pathshala, an initiative by HarvestPlus Solutions (HPS) in India, aimed at improving school meals by incorporating biofortified foods like iron pearl millet and zinc wheat. Having served over 2.5 million meals in two years, HPS is addressing malnutrition at its root – in childhood.

Celebrity Chef Sanjeev Kapoor, a Padma Shri Award recipient and advocate for healthy eating, has joined the movement. Inspired by the students’ ability to read nutrition labels, he exclaimed,”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 at young age, health too becomes a matter of taste! These children can improve not only their own health but also of the nation’s as well with nutrition education)

With Chef Kapoor’s support, Nutri Pathshala, a Make-in-India initiative, is gaining momentum, proving that the knowledge and nutritious 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!” said Ravinder Grover, Global Business Manager at HarvestPlus Solutions. “We are proud to partner with Chef Sanjeev Kapoor in this game-changing movement. After all, not all superheroes wear capes—some wear chef coats” Ravinder added.

The Power of Generation Alpha

Children are influential change makers, and Nutri Pathshala 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 Research 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 benefited over 330 million people with nutritious foods in 2023 alone across Asia, Africa and Latin America.

The impact is being recognized globally. 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 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 driving lasting change. Led by HarvestPlus Solutions, 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, the program is nourishing the food value chain—from kitchen to classrooms. With support from state governments and corporations, Nutri Pathshala complements India’s Mid-Day Meal Program.

With a bold vision to reach 10 million children by 2030, Nutri-Pathshala is sowing the seeds of change. As every child learns to read nutrition labels with every biofortified meal served, the movement steps closer to a healthier future.