ZN Fortified Seed Replication
Addressing malnutrition in UP
Intervention in association with Harvest Plus à seed and grain production of Zn fortified wheat and Iron fortified Pearl Millet.Uttar Pradesh (UP) is the most populous state in India and has one of the highest rates of malnutrition in the world – half the children under age of 5 years have stunted linear growth. In addition to its high poverty rates, UP’s undernutrition rates are among the highest in the world. To address malnutrition and undernutrition in Uttar Pradesh, UPPRO, in association with Harvest Plus, has initiated work on production of Zn fortified wheat seeds and grains. Till now total production of 400 quintals of Zn fortified wheat seeds and grains production has been completed.
Harvest Plus leads a global effort to improve nutrition and public health by developing and disseminating staple food crops that are rich in vitamins and minerals. Harvest Plus is a part of the CGIAR research programme on Agriculture for Nutrition and Health. Harvest Plus improves nutrition and public health in India by promoting pearl millet that provides more iron and wheat that provides more zinc in the diet. Harvest Plus and its partners work in five states of India to promote the availability, adoption, and consumption of biofortified pearl millet and wheat.
Production of Pearl millet grain
UPPRO in association with Harvest plus has initiated the production of Iron fortified pearl millet in Uttar Pradesh. This year, total cultivation was undertaken in 143 acres of land with 75 farmers in 3 districts. The intervention has been taken to address the Iron deficiency in women and children’s
FPO Advisory Services
Spreading Awareness
UPPRO is continuously trying to establish FPO as a centre of excellence in areas where it is providing services to small and marginal farmers. At present UPPRO is providing advisory services to 41 FPOs in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The following services are being provided to these FPOs:
Hand holding support in day-to-day business operations.
Ensuring better governance and leadership.
Capacity building of FPO Board members and FPO staff.
Designing FPO specific product and services which can leverage required services to farmers members.
Outreach
Spreading Awareness
| # | Area Name | Total FPOs | Farmers Under FPO |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ALIGARH | 2 | 1199 |
| 2 | ALLAHABAD | 7 | 6753 |
| 3 | AZAMGARH | 5 | 5357 |
| 4 | BALLIA | 1 | 102 |
| 5 | BARABANKI | 1 | 1011 |
| 6 | BHADOHI | 4 | 3135 |
| 7 | ETAWAH | 1 | 1030 |
| 8 | FIROZABAD | 1 | 1004 |
| 9 | GHAZIPUR | 2 | 2092 |
| 10 | HARDOI | 1 | 1009 |
| 11 | JAUNPUR | 2 | 2012 |
| 12 | KANNAUJ | 1 | 1091 |
| 13 | KANPUR DEHAT | 1 | 1006 |
| 14 | LUCKNOW | 4 | 3204 |
| 15 | MAU | 1 | 145 |
| 16 | PRATAPGARH | 3 | 3118 |
| 17 | RAEBARELI | 1 | 1002 |
| 18 | SITAPUR | 1 | 1009 |
| 19 | UNNAO | 1 | 1009 |
| 20 | VARANASI | 1 | 200 |
| Total | 41 | 36488 |
Projects Engagement & Implementation by UPPRO
1.Digitization of FPOs
“Digital payments in Agri business”, a project of Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has been implemented by UPPRO. CDFI was the agency which was given this project by Meity. Project implemented in 20FPos of 10 districts of Uttar Pradesh with following
Demonstrate a replicable and sustainable model linking digitization of agri transaction by farmers
Overall promotion of digital payments in the country
Behavior change for acceptance of digital payments
Increase in financial inclusion
2. Expending Nutrition in Food System of Harvest Plus
The Expanding Nutrients in the Food System (ENFS) project responds to the need for improvements in nutrition security and increases women's economic empowerment in vulnerable populations in Africa and Asia. Over four years, the project aims to benefit eleven million men, women, girls, and children under five years old across five countries.
UPPRO is the implementation agency for the ENFS project in Uttar Pradesh. It is proposed to cover 3 lakh farming HHs in the state of UP under this programme.
3.Action research on Zn fortified Paddy - Harvest Plus
UPPRO with the support of Harvest Plus Solution implementing this action research project in Sankargad Block of Prayagraj district. The action research has following objectives-
UPPRO is the implementation agency for the ENFS project in Uttar Pradesh. It is proposed to cover 3 lakh farming HHs in the state of UP under this programme.
To assess the feasibility, effectiveness, and impact of integrating nutrient-rich agronomic practices such as use of biofortified seeds, specialized fertilizers, and plant protection products on crop yield, nutrient levels, crop quality, and soil health in Zn fortified Paddy
Pilot is undergoing in Prayagraj district of Uttar Pradesh, engaging 350 farmers in the Zinc Rice value chain across the following four treatment groups
4. Parametric insurance for Millets
(IBISA a climate Insurtech Company)
On risk management front in agriculture, UPPRO is implementing Parametric insurance product on pearl millet (Bajra) in Sankargad and Jasra Block of Prayagraj region. Millet is particularly susceptible to excessive rainfall, which can lead to crop damage, reduced yields, and financial losses. Parametric insurance is an innovative type of insurance that offers a simplified and efficient way to cover risks.
The parametric insurance policy designed for UPPRO offers millet farmers the following specific benefits:
Protection During Critical Growth Phases: The coverage period (July 15th to November 5th) coincides with key growth stages for millet, ensuring protection when the crops are most vulnerable to excessive rainfall.
Tailored Coverage: The insurance is specifically tailored to address the risk of excessive rainfall, a significant threat to millet crops. This targeted approach ensures that the coverage is relevant and effective.
Financial Security: By mitigating the financial risks associated with excessive rainfall, millet farmers can secure their income and invest confidently in their agricultural activities.