Kolkata|24 November 2025:
In a landmark move to strengthen West Bengal’s fight against malnutrition and hidden hunger, our team covered a significant event at A City Hotel in Kolkata, where Millers for Nutrition — powered by TechnoServe — brought together leading millers, nutrition experts, government officials & industry partners for the grand launch of five new fortified food brands.
As part of the national series “Unlocking Market Potential, Advancing Fortified Staple Foods,” the Kolkata edition showcased how fortified rice & wheat flour can rapidly transform nutrition outcomes for millions of families in the state.
Speaking to stakeholders, Rizwan Yusufali, Global Program Director, Millers for Nutrition, stressed the urgency of the issue.
“Malnutrition is still one of India’s toughest public health challenges. Fortified staple foods are a simple, effective way to improve nutrition at scale. Today’s launch in West Bengal shows what strong collaboration can achieve.”
Adding to this, Dominic Schofield, Senior Director – Agri Food Systems, TechnoServe, noted that strengthening the food processing industry is essential for long-term impact.
“West Bengal’s progress proves how millers can lead the change by ensuring safe, nutritious, and high-quality fortified foods reach households across the state,” he said.
In one of the most powerful messages of the day, Dr. Bhaskar Pal, Gynaecologist and President Elect, FOGSI, addressed the widespread problem of anaemia:
“Nearly half of Indian women still suffer fr
om anaemia. Fortified foods enriched with iron, folic acid, and B12 can significantly improve immunity, pregnancy outcomes, and child development — without asking people to change their diets.”
Five New Fortified Brands Unveiled:
During the event, the following brands were officially launched and presented to the audience:
KPS Agro Products – KPS Kitchen King Fortified Atta…
Gitakshi Mercantile Pvt. Ltd. – Gitakshi Fortified Rice
Jasmine Rice Mill – KPS Kitchen King Fortified Rice.
Hanumanta Food Products Pvt. Ltd. – Hanumanta Fortified Atta.
Bagaria Foods LLP – Royal Brand Fortified Atta.
These fortified staples aim to directly address micronutrient deficiencies that continue to affect women, children, and vulnerable populations across the state.
Experts at the event also emphasized how fortified foods can enhance government nutrition programs — from school meals to public distribution — while simultaneously strengthening the commercial market.
As West Bengal scales up its fight against hidden hunger, Millers for Nutrition reaffirmed its commitment to empowering local millers with advanced training, technical guidance, and quality support to make fortified staples a staple part of every household’s diet.
Our coverage highlights the growing momentum in West Bengal’s nutrition movement — a collective effort that is poised to pave the way for a healthier, more resilient future.
