MOU signed between NABI and Farmgrocer Company to transfer benefits of anthocyanin rich black wheat to general public
India is a major producer of wheat and majority of her population depends on it but most of the nutrient requirements are not fulfilled by it. In a new, National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (NABI), Mohali, an autonomous Institute of the Department of biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Govt. of India developed colored wheat, which would fulfil more nutrient requirements than conventional. The Colored wheat is available in black, blue and purple colours and is rich in anthocyanins, a pigment found in fruits like Blueberry and Jamun. We all know the benefits of Jamun, but it is rich in sugar also and is available for only a few days in a year. On the contrary, the coloured wheat can be stored and consumed every day like normal wheat. Anthocyanins are antioxidants that remove harmful free radicals from our body and help in prevention of obesity, inflammation, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, aging etc. The improved varieties of colored wheat have been developed after the several years of hard work of Dr. Monika Garg, a Scientist of NABI.
NABI has signed an MOU with “Farmgrocer Products Pvt. Ltd”, Ambala, - A company established by the Farmers. Company will not only cultivate coloured wheat with the help of farmers but also make healthy colored wheat products and take them to the consumers through their market network. Farmgrocer Products Pvt Ltd is a Private limited company incorporated by a team of young farmers. The company is primarily managed by two founder directors come from farming namely Mr. Satish Chaudhary & Mr. Puneet Singh Thind. The company will have multiple business interests in the field of agribusiness including retain of farm grocery products, processing, cold chain management and other related activities. Mr. Puneet Singh, Director, Farmgrocer Company explained their plans for the cultivation and distribution of this specialty wheat during coming rabi season and showed his commitment towards helping farming community of Punjab state.
Dr. Monika Garg, Dr. T R Sharma and Mr. Puneet Singh signed the MOU between NABI and Farmgrocer company.While speaking at the occasion, Dr. T.R. Sharma, Executive Director, NABI explained various benefits of colored wheat and expressed his satisfaction that this product of NABI will definitely help in “Doubling the Farmers Income” and will reach to the Society through Farmgrocer company.
