Tag Archive for: India

Sector-Wide Training series in Indonesia on Rice Fortification

TechnoServe Indonesia, in partnership with Indonesia’s Rice Millers and Traders Association (PERPADI), successfully held three Sector-Wide Training (SWT) sessions on Rice Fortification.

These trainings took place in three cities—Yogyakarta, Malang, and Jakarta—over October and November 2025. The sessions covered technical materials on the production of fortified rice and fortified rice kernels (FRK), including premix, extrusion, blending processes, and Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC).

The training also highlighted the importance of rice fortification in Indonesia, existing regulations, and the business opportunities available to Indonesian millers.

Experts from Millers for Nutrition’s Strategic Fortification Partners (SFPs), including Buhler AG, dsm-firmenich, and Hexagon Nutrition, presented during the sessions. We also featured Indonesian fortified rice producers and FRK manufacturers who shared their experiences and challenges.

Over 100 millers participated in this training.

Empowering a Healthier Future through Wheat Flour Fortification!

Millers for Nutrition organized an Awareness Seminar and Retailer Workshop on “Wheat Flour Fortification” in Valsad on November 20th, 2025 in association with NPB Agro Pvt. Ltd. and Valsad Rotary Rangers.

The seminar was graced by esteemed guests, including Dr. Rajkumar Dagadkhair (ARS), Joint Director, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, as the Chief Guest, and Padmashree Dr. Yazdi Italia, Ex. Hon. Director, Go-NGO Sickle Cell Anaemia Control Program, Govt. of Gujarat, as the Guest of Honor. Dr. Nimisha Patel and Dr. Krunal Rana from Amit Hospitals Pvt. Ltd. also shared their valuable insights on the importance of food fortification.

Over 100 guests, including millers and retailers, attended the event, which aimed to build awareness about the benefits of wheat flour fortification. We are committed to working towards a healthier future for all and appreciate the support of our partners, speakers, and participants in making this event a success.

Key Highlights:

  • Awareness Seminar and Retailer Workshop on Wheat Flour Fortification
  • Esteemed guests from Food Safety and Standards Authority of India and healthcare sector
  • Over 100 attendees, including millers and retailers
  • Focus on building awareness about the importance of wheat flour fortification

Let’s work together towards a healthier future!

West Bengal Steps Up in the Fight Against Malnutrition as Millers for Nutrition and Industry Leaders Launch Five New Fortified Food Brands in Kolkata

Initiative brings together government, experts, and millers to strengthen nutrition security and expand access to fortified rice and wheat flour across the state

In a major step toward tackling malnutrition and hidden hunger, Millers for Nutrition, powered by TechnoServe, today brought together millers, nutrition experts, government officials, and industry leaders at Peerless Hotel, Esplanade, Kolkata for the launch of five new fortified food brands. In continuation of the series of national events themed “Unlocking Market Potential: Advancing Fortified Staple Foods” this event in Kolkata underscored how food fortification can significantly improve nutrition outcomes for families across the state.

Senior representatives from the Food and Civil Supplies Department – Government of West Bengal, FSSAI Eastern Region, and the Food Corporation of India attended the event.

Speaking at the event, Rizwan Yusufali, Global Program Director, Millers for Nutrition, said, “Malnutrition remains one of India’s most urgent public health concerns. Fortified staple foods offer a simple, proven way to improve nutrition at scale. The launch of five fortified brands in West Bengal shows what is possible when millers, government, and partners come together with a shared mission. This collaboration is a meaningful step toward building a healthier and more nutrition-secure West Bengal.”

“Strengthening food processing capabilities is essential for scaling fortification effectively. Today’s progress in West Bengal shows how the food processing industry can lead the way in ensuring that safe, fortified, and high-quality foods reach every household,” added Dominic Schofield, Senior Director – Agri Food Systems, TechnoServe.

At the event, five fortified brands were officially introduced to consumers in West Bengal. KPS Agro Products launched its KPS Kitchen King Fortified Atta, reaffirming its commitment to providing safe and nutritious wheat flour. Gitakshi Mercantile Pvt. Ltd. introduced Gitakshi Fortified Rice, developed through modern milling practices and guided by the Agarwal family’s focus on quality and nutrition. Jasmine Rice Mill unveiled KPS Kitchen King Fortified Rice, highlighting its efforts to improve access to healthier rice for local households. Hanumanta Food Products Pvt. Ltd. launched Hanumanta Fortified Atta, expanding its existing range of Atta, Maida, Sooji, and Pasta. Bagaria Foods LLP presented fortified Atta offerings under its well-known Royal brand, giving consumers more nutritious options in their daily food choices.

These launches are expected to play a vital role in addressing anaemia and micronutrient deficiencies, which have remained persistent challenges in the state, especially among women and children. The discussions held during the event also highlighted how fortified foods can strengthen school meal programs, public distribution systems, and the commercial retail market.

As West Bengal advances its fight against hidden hunger, Millers for Nutrition reaffirmed its commitment to supporting millers with technical assistance, training, and market guidance to make fortified foods a mainstream reality for every household.

Building Model FRK Units: A Food Safety Management System Approach

TechnoServe, a global non-profit organization active in nearly 30 countries, is implementing the Inspiring Good Nutrition Initiatives Through Enterprise (IGNITE) program to promote large-scale food fortification.   TechnoServe has launched a groundbreaking initiative to establish Model Fortified Rice Kernel (FRK) units equipped with Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS) and ISO 22000 certification to enhance and sustain the quality of fortified rice kernels supplied through the Public Distribution System (PDS).

The project led by Abhishek Shukla, Country Program Manager – IGNITE India, envisions establishing six model FRK units in its initial phase, namely AJ Industries (Raipur), Creative Nutrition (Hyderabad), Shri Poornima Agro (Lucknow), Fortfit Food (Kolkata), Gandhi FRK (Fatehpur), and SVHG Agri Solutions LLP (Sangareddy). These units will serve as benchmarks, providing a platform for nearby FRK manufacturers, Centers of Excellence (CoEs), Technical Support Units (TSUs), and government delegations to visit, learn, and adopt international best practices in fortification, FRK manufacturing, food safety, and quality. As more FRK units join this journey, the impact will continue to grow — building trust, improving nutrition, and ensuring safer food for all.

Survey Insights and Challenges Identified (GAP Assessment)

A detailed survey across West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Telangana identified six key sites for the establishment of model units. The survey highlighted critical challenges such as:

1. Infrastructure & Facility Management

  • Inadequate infrastructure and storage conditions
  • Gaps in maintenance and cleanliness
  • Poor ventilation, lighting, and temperature control affecting product safety
  • Lack of proper waste disposal leading to cross-contamination risks

2. Hygiene & Sanitation

  • Weak hygiene, sanitation, and pest management practices
  • Limited awareness of personal hygiene protocols
  • Absence of proper cleaning schedules and monitoring systems
  • Inadequate training on food safety practices for workers

3. Systems & Process Control

  • Insufficient implementation of documented systems
  • Lack of control at critical points increases wastage and chances of defective batches
  • No proper traceability or recall system in case of defective products
  • Inconsistent calibration and maintenance of equipment leading to quality variations

4. Product Quality & Compliance

  • Fortified kernels may have inconsistent nutrient levels and higher chances of contamination
  • Variation in product appearance (size, shape, color) leading to consumer rejection
  • Reduced shelf life and stability of fortified kernels due to poor handling
  • Non-compliance can lead to audit failures, regulatory penalties, and loss of buyer trust

Addressing these areas is central to ensuring both the nutritional value and safety of fortified rice.

Building Capacity and Food Safety Culture

To strengthen systems sustainably, training programs are being conducted for employees at all units. These sessions focus on:

B

Building Capacity

  • Development of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for each critical process step.
  • Process validation to ensure consistent and safe FRK production.
  • HACCP-based manufacturing process streamlining through structured training and documentation.
  • Identification and implementation of Critical Control Points (CCPs), Operational Prerequisite Programs (OPRPs), and Prerequisite Programs (PRPs) to improve and sustain product quality.
  • Establishing traceability and documentation systems for raw material to finished product.
  • Periodic audits and mock drills (e.g., product recall exercises) to test system readiness.
  • Capacity building of quality control teams with modern tools and testing methods.
  • Regular training programs for workers, supervisors, and management on GMP, HACCP, and FSMS.
  • Engagement with external experts and regulatory bodies for continuous learning.

Fostering Food Safety Culture

  • Leadership commitment – management leading by example in prioritizing food safety.
  • Promoting accountability at all levels – every worker responsible for hygiene and safety.
  • Encouraging reporting of issues without fear of blame to ensure proactive problem-solving.
  • Displaying food safety awareness posters and visual reminders across the unit.
  • Recognition and reward systems for staff adhering to good food safety practices.
  • Building a “safety-first mindset” where product quality and consumer health take precedence over speed or cost.

Such capacity building ensures that food safety becomes part of the organization’s culture, not just a compliance requirement.

FSMS and ISO 22000 Implementation

Through Normes Decodees’ expertise in consulting, auditing, and training, FRK units are being guided to achieve ISO 22000 certification, creating a structured framework for:

  • Hazard identification and risk control
  • Consistent quality assurance across production
  • Regulatory compliance at both national and international levels
  • Increased consumer confidence and market credibility
  • Enhanced efficiency through reduced waste and better process control
  • Development of robust documentation and SOPs at different levels

Nutritional and Public Health Impact of FRK

By embedding Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS) into day-to-day operations, fortified rice kernel production achieves long-term reliability, sustainability, and public health impact.

The adoption of fortified rice kernel under FSMS ensures:

  1. Consistent Nutritional Value during production – Uniform enrichment with iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12 to ensure reliable nutritional benefits
  2. Improved Public Health Outcomes – Reduction in anemia and micronutrient deficiencies among vulnerable populations.
  3. Sustainable Health Gains – Strengthened immunity, cognitive growth, and overall well-being.
  4. Cost-Effective Nutrition Delivery – A scalable, affordable approach without requiring dietary changes.
  5. Stronger National Nutrition Programs – Supporting the Public Distribution System (PDS) and government-led initiatives.

ISO 22000-certified FRK units further safeguard nutrient stability and quality consistency through rigorous monitoring, validation, and control measures.

Vision for the Future

“The integration of FRK Manufacturing with ISO 22000 standards positions these Model FRK units as Centers of Excellence. These facilities not only demonstrate compliance and quality but also serve as models to inspire other FRK Units to adopt structured food safety practices”. says Abhishek Shukla, the driving force behind implementing robust Food Safety Management Systems in select FRK units across India’s major rice-producing states.

With continuous training, infrastructure strengthening, and robust FSMS adherence, the partnership between TechnoServe and Normes Decodees is driving a transformation of the fortified rice sector into a trusted, efficient, and sustainable industry.

This initiative reflects a shared commitment to advancing nutrition, food safety, and public health—paving the way for India’s fortified rice production to align with the highest global standards.

May 2025 Miller of the Month is Abhishek Agarwal, Director of Shyamatara Rice Mills, India

May 2025 Miller of the Month: Abhishek Agarwal – Director of Shyamatara Rice Mills, India

1.  What inspired Shyamatara Rice Mills to venture into fortified rice production?

Shyamatara Rice Mills (P) Limited has played a pivotal role in improving the nutrition space of the people of West Bengal since 2005. Our family being present in the rice milling industry for the past 47 years has adopted and understood the needs of the market as and when the market demanded a change. With the food quality being deteriorated day by day, our focus changed to how we can provide nutrition through supply of fortified rice in the open market in West Bengal in the variant which is most consumed by the people of Eastern part of India.   

Our May 2025 Miller of the Month is Abhishek Agarwal, Director of Shyamatara Rice Mills, India

2.  Can you share the challenges and successes you’ve faced during the launch of Bengal Crown Fortified Rice?

Our venture into fortified rice in West Bengal was a decision made consciously over the past 6 months after realizing the true need of the product in the open market. Being one of the first movers in West Bengal for this product, our main challenge was to ensure our marketing is such that we are able to convince the consumers about the importance of Fortified Rice and how just by adding it in your daily diet, there is a stark difference in their vitamins, zinc and Iron Levels which are crucial in the overall health for a human.

3.  How do you see fortified rice contributing to addressing micronutrient deficiencies in West Bengal?

Fortified Rice has already been quite a success story for the Indian Government ever since it has been implemented in the rice supplied for the Public Distribution System. Almost 65% Indians consume PDS supplied fortified rice in India. Our focus is on the remaining 35%. Almost 1/3rd of the population being exposed to malnutrition because of non consumption of fortified rice is a huge number. We can surely address low Iron and Vitamin levels strongly as it is the most economical way of getting a balanced diet across all socio-economic groups.

4.  What role do you think millers play in ensuring nutrition security, and how can we collaborate further?

Millers play a very crucial role in ensuring nutrition security for all as the Government has trusted the milling stage in the whole cycle to ensure true and fair fortification of staples. We as millers have to ensure we are able to keep the Government’s trust. In the future, we can collaborate with NGOs, Government agencies and industrial bodies to ensure fortification is understood and accepted by every consumer.                                                       

5.  Looking ahead, what are your plans for expanding fortified rice production and distribution?

We have already introduced fortified rice across most varieties of non basmati rice processed by us and most of the products are available on E- commerce platforms like Amazon and Flipkart. Going forward, we envision that fortified rice will be accepted at such levels in the open market that there will be only fortified rice production and distribution across all variants processed by us.

 6.  Any message for our readers, particularly those interested in nutrition and fortification?

The whole community collectively has to ensure acceptability of fortified staples across all consumer levels. Consumer awareness holds the key to ensure success of this dietary change in our daily lives which we want to bring. There is a vey big opportunity for fortified staples if marketed well and accepted by consumers. Entry of more and established players will only help in achieving the motto of bringing fortified food in every plate across the globe. 

Sri Padmalaya Rice Mill Launches ‘Aarogya’ Fortified Rice at Kakinada Round Table; Momentum Builds for Fortified Staples Across India

Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh — In a significant step toward improving nutritional security, Sri Padmalaya Rice Mill unveiled its new fortified rice brand, Aarogya, during the Rice Millers Round Table event held recently in Kakinada. The fortified rice is enriched with five essential micronutrients, aligning with India’s broader public health push to combat malnutrition. The millers roundtable brought together key stakeholders—including rice millers, nutrition experts, and government representatives—to assess the current landscape of rice fortification, address market challenges, and explore strategic opportunities for growth in the region.

Interest in fortified staples continues to grow, with several millers from Kolkata also announcing plans to introduce their own fortified rice and wheat flour brands in the near future. This marks a significant shift in the grain processing industry, as fortified foods gain traction not just in Andhra Pradesh but across the country. Keynote speakers at the event included Dr. Rajan Sankar, Senior Advisor at TechnoServe, and Judy Boucek, Nutrition Improvement Lead at dsm-firmenich. Both shared valuable insights on the science and policy of rice fortification, and emphasized its role in addressing micronutrient deficiencies among large segments of the population. “With fortified staples, we’re not just processing food—we’re delivering better health to millions,” said Dr. Sankar. “It’s encouraging to see millers stepping up and becoming partners in this important mission.”

As India accelerates its efforts to scale up rice fortification, initiatives like Aarogya serve as promising examples of how private sector players can contribute to national nutrition goals.

Stay tuned—more fortified brands are on the horizon as India’s staple food landscape continues to evolve toward better health and well-being for all.

SVHG Agri Foods: A Story of Growth and Improvement

At the forefront of India’s food industry, SVHG Agri Solutions has experienced a transformative impact since partnering with Millers for Nutrition. According to miller Harshrav Shukla, this collaboration has far-reaching benefits, extending beyond technical assistance to encompass significant enhancements in operational efficiency, product quality, and strategic networking.

This multifaceted impact has positioned the company for sustainable growth, empowering them to better serve their customers while staying ahead in the competitive food landscape. SVHG Agri Solutions credits Millers for Nutrition for helping pinpoint technical deficiencies, particularly in dosing and flow rate of fortificants. For example, when a screw broke, which seemed like a small problem but caused quality issues during the mixing of fortificants, Abhishek Shukla, country program manager at Millers for Nutrition India, and his team were quick to offer support and connect SVHG with experts.

This collaboration enhanced the company’s understanding of best practices and expanded the organization’s professional network. Abhishek introduced the team to other fortified rice kernels  producers who practice good manufacturing principles. The connections opened new horizons for SVHG Agri Solutions, enabling them to benchmark their processes against industry leaders and adopt advanced quality control measures. The company is now better positioned to improve business efficiencies.

Harshrav said Millers for Nutrition also helped identify opportunities to  reduce production costs. Additionally, the insights they gained influenced their approach to customer service, enabling SVHG to better serve customers and respond to their needs effectively. The collaboration has also fostered a culture of learning and improvement among the staff, boosting their performance and engagement.

As SVHG Agri Solutions continues to grow, Harshrav anticipates that future enhancements will positively impact its production capacity and product quality. And with Abhishek and his team available for support, they feel confident in their ability to troubleshoot challenges and resolve issues.

Big News! Fortified Wheat Flour is now available in open markets!

Ahmedabad, December 19, 2024 – In a significant move to address micronutrient malnutrition, Gujarat Roller Flour Millers Association (GRFMA), Fortify Health, and Millers for Nutrition held a joint training workshop on “Wheat Flour Fortification” in Ahmedabad.

The event brought together stakeholders from the food industry, government, and civil society to discuss ways to promote wheat flour fortification and increase fortified staple products in the market.

A key highlight was the launch of fortified wheat flour by several key millers affiliated with GRFMA. The products will be available in SKUs of 5 to 50 kg in open markets. The fortified flour will help combat malnutrition for the nation’s population. According to the World Health Organization and the Global Hunger Index, approximately 35.5% of children under five are stunted, while 18.7% are wasted. Furthermore, in India, anaemia affects nearly 50% of women, 25% of men, and 67% of children under five, while 60% of the population suffers from vitamin D deficiency and 20% of adolescents lack sufficient vitamin A. Hence prioritizing nutrition is essential; a well-nourished workforce sustains effective human capital, economic growth, and social progress. 

“We are committed to supporting this initiative, which has the potential to improve the health and well-being of millions of people in India,” said Mr. Vipul Rana, Designated Officer, Food Safety and Drug Administration.

The event featured presentations and interactive sessions with experts from the food industry, government, and civil society and offered millers an opportunity to share their experiences and challenges related to wheat flour fortification.

“Wheat flour fortification is a critical step towards combating micronutrient malnutrition in India,” said Mr. Ramesh Saraf, President, GRFMA. “We are committed to promoting this initiative and working with our partners to make fortified staple products widely available in the market.”

February 2025 Miller of Month: Iddi Mvungi, Compliance Manager, Bakhresa Millers, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

December 2024 Miller of Month: Veerabhadra Boddu, West African Soy Industries Limited (WASIL), Nigeria

Food vehicle: Soybean oil

December’s Miller of the Month Veerabhadra Boddu, head of quality for West African Soy Industries Limited (WASIL), talks about the company’s commitment to fortification and experience with Millers for Nutrition.

Why did you join Millers for Nutrition?

WASIL is a manufacturer of Golden Terra Soya Oil and we are proud members of Millers for Nutrition because of our commitment to food fortification and our compliance with regulatory standards. Joining Millers for Nutrition as food producers and complying with this regulation is a value-added advantage to our company because we get all the support that we need to follow mandatory regulatory requirements and also commit to the all round availability of vitamin A in our products.

Tell us about your commitment to food fortification

WASIL is very committed to food fortification as it’s a regulatory compliance and to do that, we test each and every batch of oil that leaves our factory with the use of a sophisticated equipment called i-Chroma check 3 to ensure that each oil produced and sold meets the minimum requirement of 20,000iu/kg.

What’s your proudest achievement?
Our proudest achievement is that we are part of the fastest growing company in 2022, also in 2024, we were awarded an Excellence award at GLOBOIL 2024. Additionally, WASIL’s Managing Director, Mr. Ipsit Charabarti was named GLOBOIL International Professional Of 2024 for his Excellent Leadership and dedication. Lastly, 2024 Statista and Financial Times recognized WASIL two times as the fastest growing organization in Africa.

How are you involved in your community?

WASIL is located at Sagamu, Ogun State, Nigeria and we collaborate with regulatory bodies such NAFDAC, NESREA, SON, FCCPC etc. and international regulatory bodies by following all regulations both in the international and local communities to ensure that the food we sell is fortified and safe for the people of the community who are the end users. We are also involved in many community development projects like constructing drainage, ensuring water is treated before sending out our waste water. We also give various services such as training soya farmers and women in shea nut. We are involved in the continuous development of our staff by impacting knowledge through various training as it is required for different skill development.

What would you tell other millers about joining Millers for Nutrition?
Join Millers for Nutrition to gain knowledge and get the support that will give you an advantage over other brands. Millers for Nutrition offer millers various platforms that will help your brand to be known and it will help you to know where you are standing in compliance in comparison with other brands, so as to make improvements and be committed to get to the top.

November 2024 Miller of the Month: Rahat Agarwal, Fort Fit Foods Pvt. Ltd. of India

Bio Analyt Founder Florian Schweigert (left) presents an award to Rahat Agarwal.

November 2024 Miller of Month: Rahat Agarwal, Director, Fort Fit Foods Pvt. Ltd., India

Winner: Rising Milling Star of Food Fortification and Nutrition (Rice) at the Champions of Food Fortification and Nutrition Awards by Millers for Nutrition

What motivated you to join the Millers for Nutrition Coalition?

My motivation to join the Millers for Nutrition coalition stemmed from a deep understanding of the challenges facing our sector. As a developing industry, we are at a pivotal moment where collaboration and support are crucial for navigating the complexities of food fortification. The coalition stands out as a unique platform that genuinely advocates for millers, addressing our concerns and recognizing our essential role in the supply chain. The opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals and share insights has been invaluable. Upon learning about the coalition’s initiatives, I felt an intrinsic motivation to contribute and be part of a community that prioritizes collective wellbeing and the nutritional health of families.

Tell us about your commitment to food fortification

Our commitment to food fortification was ignited in 2020 when we established this vital wing of our company. We encountered alarming data highlighting the prevalence of malnutrition both globally and in India, which was profoundly concerning. The implications of failing to address these nutritional deficiencies are significant, particularly for future generations. We believe that nutrition is foundational to a sustainable and thriving society. Fortification not only addresses immediate health needs but also serves as a strategic response to challenges such as crop failures exacerbated by climate change. At FORT-FIT FOODS, we are resolutely dedicated to advancing fortification efforts, recognizing it as a critical pathway to ensuring the nutritional wellbeing of communities.

How has the technical assistance from Millers for Nutrition impacted your business?

The technical assistance from Millers for Nutrition has had a transformative impact on our operations. We have successfully facilitated several technology transfers that have enhanced our production capabilities. Additionally, engaging with industry experts has provided us with invaluable insights and strategies to optimize our factory operations. This collaboration has not only improved our efficiency but has also fostered a culture of innovation within our team. Overall, the support from Millers for Nutrition has been instrumental in driving our growth and commitment to excellence in food fortification.

What advice do you have for other millers?

My advice to fellow millers is to view our industry not as a competitive race but as a collaborative marathon. Each of us operates at our own pace, but together, we can reach common goals. Embrace the importance of knowledge sharing; do not hesitate to ask questions or seek guidance when faced with challenges. The insights gained from others can be a catalyst for growth and improvement. Remember, the only questions that go unanswered are the ones we do not ask. By fostering an environment of openness and collaboration, we can collectively elevate our industry and make a lasting impact on food fortification.

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