-KH News Desk (editorial1@imaws.org)
Millers for Nutrition, powered by TechnoServe, in partnership with the Gujarat Roller Flour Millers Association (GRFMA), and Fortify Health, today announced the launch of seven fortified wheat flour brands in Ahmedabad, marking an important milestone in India’s ongoing fight against malnutrition and anaemia.
“India’s battle against malnutrition and anaemia demands bold industry leadership, and Millers for Nutrition is proud to champion that change. Today’s launch in Gujarat shows how millers can step up, fortifying everyday staples like wheat flour with iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12 so that essential nutrients reach more households. In doing so, we move closer to a healthier, stronger nation,” said Monojit Indra, Senior Practice Leader at TechnoServe and Program Lead for Millers for Nutrition Asia.
Highlighting the urgent health need, Dr. Parul Kotdawala, Obstetrician, Gynaecologist, and Infertility Specialist, added: “Malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies continue to affect millions of Indians, especially women and children, undermining immunity, growth, and cognitive development. Fortified foods provide a simple but powerful intervention — by embedding essential nutrients into staples like rice and wheat flour, we can reach vulnerable populations at scale without altering dietary habits. Adoption of fortified staples is a critical lever in bridging India’s nutrition gap and improving public health outcomes.”
The newly launched fortified flour brands viz. Radhe Makhan (Bhavya Food Products), Madhvan Bhog (Riddhi Siddhi Grain Processing), Rajbhog (Radhaji Proteins), RajShree (Giriraj Food Industry), Rohini Gold (Rohini Pulses & Foods), and Zam-Zam, Muskan, Shudh (Fortune Proteins), along with Lalwani Harry’s Chakki Atta (Bright Star Foods), will now be available in open markets across Gujarat. Each of these products has been fortified with Iron, Folic Acid, and Vitamin B12, three critical nutrients that are key to tackling anaemia and hidden hunger. Millers for Nutrition has aided the Millers with technical assistance, brand and marketing support etc. to prepare for their launch.
India continues to face high levels of anaemia and micronutrient deficiencies, particularly among women of reproductive age and children. According to national surveys, nearly half of Indian women are anaemic, with rural and low-income households most affected. By fortifying staples that are consumed daily, such as wheat flour, Millers for Nutrition and its partners aim to bring nutrition directly to the plates of families without requiring changes in food habits.
The launch event, held at WelcomHotel by ITC in Ahmedabad, brought together government representatives, industry leaders, and civil society partners. Sessions during the event focused on the regulatory framework for wheat flour fortification, the role of school meals and public distribution systems in advancing nutrition, and new opportunities to expand fortified staples through e-commerce and retail platforms. The event also featured insights from the Akshaya Patra Foundation on tackling classroom hunger, and perspectives from health experts and innovators working to expand fortified foods in India.
“This launch in Gujarat is not only about new brands but also about building trust in fortified foods. Millers for Nutrition is committed to walking alongside millers with technical support, quality assurance, and market insights so that fortification becomes a business advantage as well as a public health solution. By combining industry innovation with social impact, we are creating a model that can be scaled across India,” added Abhishek Shukla, Country Program Manager, Millers for Nutrition, India.
With Gujarat millers now joining the fortification movement, the state is positioned to serve as a model for industry leadership in India’s broader nutrition journey. The collective efforts of millers, policymakers, and civil society under the Millers for Nutrition banner reaffirm that fortification is not just a technical intervention but a mainstream solution to hidden hunger.
