Patancheru (Andhra Pradesh): The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nandan Biomatrix Limited to initiate the functioning of the NutriPlus Knowledge Centre in the Agri-Science Park (ASP) located within its premises.

The MoU was signed by William D. Dar, Director of ICRISAT, and V. Bhaskar Rao, Chairman of Nandan Biomatrix.

Nandan Biomatrix, which had already established research and development facilities in the ASP, now, would be handing over its equipment to the NutriPlus Knowledge Centre.

Speaking about the funding for NutriPlus, Dr. Dar said, "The Government of Andhra Pradesh has made a contribution of Rs.2 crores. ICRISAT's contribution in kind will be to the tune of Rs.4.5 crores. The total outlay over a period of five years is expected to be Rs.30 crores, of which the Government of India will contribute Rs.5 crores".

The two MoUs that are on the anvil are with GreenPort Corporation and Yes Bank Ltd. The Green Port Corporation would contribute Rs.2 crores and become a core member of the NutriPlus, and Yes Bank would become the knowledge partner of the project and would contribute another Rs.2 crores.

According to Dr. Barry Shapiro, Managing Director of the ASP at ICRISAT, the NutriPlus Knowledge Center will blend the commercial vigor of the private sector with the scientific and technical expertise of ICRISAT to deliver projects and products that will empower poor farmers".

Mr. B. Jayakumar, Director, Technical of Nandan Biomatrix, said that they felt that their facility for research and development for nutraceuticals should be available for the NutriPlus Knowledge Centers so that it can be used by new partners to enhance the value addition of the food industry in the country.

NutriPlus will be a platform for R&D to develop new food products and innovation in food processing with focus on cereals, legumes, fruits and vegetables, and medicinal and aromatic plants.

It will be developed as a public-private-partnership model and backstop food processing related research requirements for ICRISAT and partners.