In a groundbreaking move to revolutionize school lunches and promote healthier eating habits, Bihar Agricultural University has introduced the ‘Nutri Tiffin Box’ made entirely from millets. This innovative product serves as a nutritious alternative to popular instant noodles, addressing widespread concerns over junk food consumption among children.
The development comes at a time when nutritionists and health experts are raising alarms about the rising obesity rates and malnutrition in India. Traditional noodles, often loaded with refined flour and preservatives, offer little nutritional value. The millet-based tiffin box, however, is packed with proteins, fibers, vitamins, and minerals essential for growing kids.
Dr. Rakesh Kumar, lead researcher at the university’s Food Technology Department, explained the inspiration behind the project. ‘We noticed that children in rural Bihar were increasingly opting for packaged noodles due to convenience. Our goal was to create something equally appealing but far superior in health benefits,’ he said.
Crafted from a blend of local millets like ragi, jowar, and bajra, the Nutri Tiffin Box is ready-to-eat and requires no cooking. It comes in various flavors – from spicy masala to sweet jaggery – ensuring it caters to diverse tastes. Each box provides a balanced meal with 25-30% of a child’s daily caloric needs, making it ideal for midday snacks or full lunches.
The university conducted extensive trials in 50 government schools across Bihar, where students overwhelmingly preferred the millet tiffin over noodles. Feedback highlighted its longer satiety, improved energy levels, and better focus in classrooms. ‘My child no longer feels hungry by afternoon and his grades have improved,’ shared one delighted parent.
This initiative aligns with the national push for millet promotion under the International Year of Millets 2023. Bihar Agricultural University plans to scale production through partnerships with local farmers and food processors. The product is priced affordably at Rs. 20 per box, aiming to make healthy eating accessible to all.
As India battles lifestyle diseases, innovations like the Nutri Tiffin Box could play a pivotal role in fostering a healthier generation. The university has already received inquiries from other states, signaling a potential nationwide rollout.