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West Bengal intensifies malnutrition fight with launch of five new fortified Food Brands
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Tuesday, 25 November, 2025, 12 : 00 PM [IST]
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Our Bureau, Mumbai
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West Bengal has taken a significant stride in addressing malnutrition and ‘hidden hunger’ with the launch of five new fortified rice and wheat flour brands. The initiative, organized by Millers for Nutrition, powered by TechnoServe, brought together state government officials, nutrition experts, and key industry leaders in Kolkata to expand access to nutrient-rich staple foods.
The event underscored the urgent need for scalable solutions to persistent micronutrient deficiencies across the state, particularly anaemia among women and children.
“Malnutrition remains one of India’s most urgent public health concerns. Fortified staple foods offer a simple, proven way to improve nutrition at scale,” said Rizwan Yusufali, global program director, Millers for Nutrition. He emphasized that the collaboration between millers and government partners marks a meaningful step toward a healthier, more nutrition-secure West Bengal.
Dr. Bhaskar Pal, Gynaecologist and President Elect of FOGSI, highlighted the severity of the challenge, noting that nearly 50% of Indian women continue to suffer from anaemia. He stressed that fortified foods, by adding essential micronutrients like iron, folic acid, and B12 to daily staples, provide an immediate and practical solution that requires no change in dietary habits.
Five local brands officially entered the commercial market with fortified offerings: KPS Agro Products with KPS Kitchen King Fortified Atta, Gitakshi Mercantile Pvt. Ltd. with Gitakshi Fortified Rice, Jasmine Rice Mill with KPS Kitchen King Fortified Rice, Hanumanta Food Products Pvt. Ltd. with Hanumanta Fortified Atta, and Bagaria Foods LLP under its Royal brand.
These launches are expected to play a vital role in strengthening public health infrastructure, including school meal programs and the public distribution system, as Millers for Nutrition reaffirmed its commitment to providing technical and market guidance to make fortified foods a mainstream reality for every household.
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