Millers, Experts, and Policymakers Unite in Punjab to Tackle Malnutrition

Ludhiana, October 15, 2025: Millers for Nutrition, powered by TechnoServe, has brought together millers, nutrition experts, government officials, and industry representatives to discuss how fortification can become a powerful solution to tackle hidden hunger at an event, themed “Unlocking Market Potential: Advancing Fortified Rice in Punjab,”  this Wednesday at Hotel Park Plaza.
 
Monojit Indra, Senior Practice Leader at TechnoServe and Program Lead for Millers for Nutrition Asia, said, “India has achieved remarkable success in food production, but we still face deep-rooted challenges in nutrition. Fortification allows us to transform simple staples into nutritious foods that improve health for all. Millers leading the way can make fortified rice a part of every household’s diet, and this is also a reflection of how the milling industry can take charge in India’s fight against malnutrition.”
 
“Govt of India has done an incredible job in distributing fortified rice through various social safety net schemes. and now such launches of branded fortified rice will complement the Government’s effort by making fortified rice available in the commercial retail market also,” added Monojit Indra.
 
Millers for Nutrition has taken a significant step forward in addressing Punjab’s nutrition challenges by bringing together millers from Punjab, one of India’s leading food-producing states, and showing that good nutrition starts with informed and responsible food production.
 
Emphasizing the importance of nutrition awareness and the role of fortified foods Dr. Vanie Sarda Thapar, Gynaecologist, Obstetrician and Infertility Specialist, said, “Malnutrition and anaemia are silent problems that affect millions of families across India. Fortified foods are one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve health without changing what people eat. When rice is fortified with nutrients like iron, zinc, and essential vitamins, it helps children grow stronger, supports women’s health, and builds immunity for everyone.”
 
The event also saw the launch of The Rice Pot, a new brand of fortified rice enriched with Iron, Zinc, Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid), Vitamin B12, and Vitamin B3 (Niacin). An offering of Jai Maa Chhinmastika Rice Mills, The Rice Pot,  aims to promote healthier diets and improve public health outcomes across the state. The goal is to make fortified rice a normal part of daily consumption for every family in Punjab.
 
Speaking at the launch, Mohit Gupta, CEO of Jai Maa Chhinmastika Rice Mills, said, “We believe that as millers, we have a responsibility beyond business with our role in improving the health of the people we serve. With our new brand, The Rice Pot, we want to make nutrition simple, accessible, and affordable. Every serving of fortified rice is a step towards a stronger, healthier community.”
 
Highlighting the broader impact of the initiative, Abhishek Shukla, Country Program Manager, Millers for Nutrition India, said, “Malnutrition continues to affect millions across India, and millers can play a major part in solving this challenge. Millers for Nutrition works closely with millers, providing them with training, tools, and market insights to help them succeed in fortification. The launch of The Rice Pot in Punjab is an inspiring example of how industry leadership and social purpose can come together to create lasting impact.”
 
The event also featured interactive sessions on the benefits of fortified foods, the potential of fortification in school meal programs, and strategies for improving consumer awareness. Experts discussed how partnerships between the government, private sector, and civil society can help scale fortified rice to reach every corner of Punjab.
 
As Punjab takes this bold step, Millers for Nutrition is reinforcing its commitment to improving food systems and advancing nutrition security. The initiative’s vision is simple yet powerful, aiming to make fortified food a part of every Indian home and ensure no family suffers from hidden hunger.