SMART FOOD InitiativeChadwin MinaarSmart Food is a global initiative led by the ICRISAT - International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics, It was founded with the Vision to create a world where food is good for consumers, good for the planet and good for the farmers.
Smart Food Initiative was launched by ICRISAT in 2013. A major objective under the initiative is to promote the consumption of Millet, Sorghum and Legumes which can have a major impact on nutrition, the environment, and farmer welfare.
The Smart Food Approach

Smart Food initiative envisions Smart Food crops becoming a part of regular diets and the food system by building millet and sorghum farms.

In early development, child nutrition is one of the focal points in raising a child it aids with concentration and growth in the early development stages.

School feeding schemes stand to benefit from the use of Routine Therapeutic food as a source of nutrients and there are solutions in place for developing and developed economies

Sustainable food sources are important considering the fact that people cannot survive on fortified processed grains it does not exclude the introduction of routine therapeutic food to supplement diets and fortify meals.

Smart Food is a new concept that comprises of food that is: Good for You * Good for the Planet * Good for the Farmer....

This is possible not just by popularising them but also “mainstreaming” selected Smart Foods back as staples in developing countries.

Fortified Foods contains added micronutrients to improve quality of diet and provide health benefits.
Examples of this trend can be seen in Smart Food Nutritional Supplements that are commercially available for retail or as a Ready-To-Use Therapeutic Food RUTF is an energy-dense, mineral- and vitamin-enriched food that requires no preparation and is specifically designed to treat severe acute malnutrition (SAM).
RUTF has a similar nutrient composition to F-100 therapeutic milk, which is used to treat SAM in hospital settings.
Severe acute malnutrition (SAM): Defined by the presence of bilateral pitting oedema or severe wasting, and other clinical signs such as poor appetite. A child with SAM is highly vulnerable.
Examples of locally available variants are:

  • e'Pap contains 24 micronutrients which maximise absorption and bio-efficacy in the human body. It's backed by years of scientific research.
  • Morvite is a high-energy porridge for enjoyment by your whole family. From its roots as a precooked maize and sorghum blend, Source of 11 vitamins and 5 minerals, no cooking required and just add milk or water.
  • FUTURELIFE® Smart food™ is SMART because it is a scientifically formulated, Low GI food that combines 22 Vitamins and Minerals, 19 Amino Acids, Omega-3, Inulin (prebiotic), Selenium and MODUCARE®. It is also High in Energy, Protein and Dietary Fibre and can be enjoyed as a meal, shake or smoothie at breakfast, lunch, dinner or as a snack. It can be mixed instantly with just water or milk and requires no cooking.
  • Nutri-Go high in protein and energy, containing 22 key vitamins and minerals and 19 amino acids, it is also a source of antioxidants and electrolytes, and contains 45 nutrients in total!