Advisor Ladakh launches fortified wheat flour in PDS

Leh, 19 December (HS): Advisor Ladakh Dr Pawan Kotwal launched the fortified wheat flour in Public Distribution System (PDS) of Ladakh, during a program organized by Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Department at Kangri Mill, Chuchot Gongma, here today.

Dr Pawan Kotwal accompanied by Secretary of Health and Food Safety Dr Vasantha Kumar, Director FCS&CA Tahir Hussain and other officials visited the mill to inspect the process of wheat flour fortification. The technical team apprised him in detail about the functioning of the machinery installed there.

The Advisor while addressing the gathering said that Government of India is providing fortified rice to the entire country including UT Ladakh through PDS this year onwards. He said additionally in Ladakh, fortified wheat flour will be available to the whole populace, like in a few other States such as Himachal Pradesh, etc.

Dr Kotwal added that the main objective of the fortification of wheat flour is to eradicate the deficiency of Iron, Folic acid and Vitamin B12 which is alarmingly high in Ladakh as compared to the whole country. Quoting the NFHS data he said that more than 95% of the population, including children and adults, has been found anaemic in Ladakh.

He stated that to supplement the micronutrient needs, especially of pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children, the administration is distributing Iron and Folic acid supplements free of cost in the form of tablets, however, the compliance level of taking these medicines is low.

With the launching of fortified wheat flour in Ladakh, he expressed hope that anaemia would improve in Ladakh. He also advised the shopkeepers to make available fortified oil and milk at their shops for sale, so that consumers can benefits of these items.

On the occasion, experts from the Food Fortification Division, KHPT and GAIN also spoke about the need and importance of food fortification.

Director CAPD, Tahir Hussain, Councilor Chuchot Mirza Hussain, BDC members and officials of CAPD were present on the occasion.Advisor Ladakh launches fortified wheat flour in PDS