Scope of Work

HarvestPlus is seeking a consultant to support the Bihar Odisha Nutrition Initiative (BONI) program to establish linkages and networking with public and private stakeholders in order to build a sustainable production and consumption ecosystem for biofortified crops. The consultant will also help increase visibility by leveraging different communication platforms and tools. The consultant should be familiar with systems and processes of agriculture, nutrition and public health. Also, the consultant should be well-versed with publishing, media relations, and the geography of the area.

Background

At HarvestPlus, we believe that hidden hunger should not be inevitable for the people most at risk. We break down silos between agriculture and nutrition to develop creative solutions to combat hidden hunger. Our food-based approach targets some of the most vulnerable populations around the world. HarvestPlus, and its CGIAR partners, breed crops with naturally higher levels of key micronutrients, using a process called biofortification, as well as other beneficial agricultural traits, such as climate resilience, higher yields, disease resistance, and pest tolerance. This approach complements other nutrition interventions, and is evidence-based, cost-effective, and sustainable. We work across the entire value chain to develop and deliver nutrient-enriched seeds, grains, and foods to the people who need it most, via a large collection of innovative and traditional supply chain activities. HarvestPlus works across CGIAR as part of the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI). To learn more about HarvestPlus, visit our home page here.

Objectives

• Popularize biofortified crops and food to increase production and consumption in the state of Odisha
• Engage with different communication platforms
• Engage the private sector
• Link HarvestPlus with different public and private institutions and networks

Specific Deliverables

• Demonstrations on biofortified crops in the state of Odisha in coordination with stakeholders such as NGOs, FPOs, seed companies, distributors, retailers, progressive farmers, and government departments
• Facilitate and monitor seed production with seed companies and state seed corporations
• Link biofortified products to markets
• Conduct field day involving various stakeholders (farmer exposure visit)
• Conduct travelling workshop for policy makers
• Facilitate awareness program/marketing campaign
• Develop social media content in collaboration with communication manager
• Build capacity of farmers and stakeholders on biofortified crops, improved agriculture practices, etc.
• Establish linkages with government institutions of the Odisha Government, such as the department of agriculture, department of horticulture, OLM, Mission Shakti, social welfare, etc.
• Participate in exhibitions, workshops, seminars, etc.
• Support HarvestPlus stakeholder meetings