Tag Archive for: India

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

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.

Miller of the Month – Rahat Agarwal, Fort Fit Foods Pvt. Ltd. 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.

Millers for Nutrition and Fortify Health Team Up to Empower Nutrition and Enrich Lives in India

Millers for Nutrition, in partnership with Fortify Health, recently co-sponsored the 61st Annual General Meeting of the U.P. Roller Flour Millers Association. This event introduced TechnoServe and Millers for Nutrition to the association, highlighting the coalition’s objectives and inviting millers to join the movement. Fortify Health works to increase access to micronutrient-rich wheat flour, reducing and preventing iron-deficiency anaemia.

Abhishek Shukla, Country Program Manager, emphasized the importance of flour fortification efforts across the state, while Deepti Gulati, Senior Advisor at TechnoServe, shared valuable insights from past projects and the Take Home Ration (THR) scheme. The event drew attendees from the Government of Uttar Pradesh, including Shri Suresh Kumar Khanna, Cabinet Minister for Finance and Parliamentary Affairs, and Shri Manoj Kumar Singh, Chief Secretary. Other key attendees included Dharmendra Jain, President of UPRFMA and Navneet Chitlangia, President of the Roller Flour Millers Federation of India. The event, attended by over 150 millers, served as a catalyst for advancing food fortification conversations.

Millers for Nutrition Advocates for Rice Fortification at National Seminar

Jakarta, Indonesia – Evelyn Djuwidja, Program Manager for Millers for Nutrition Indonesia, took center stage at the recent national seminar and workshop on “Innovations in Rice Fortification Technology”. The event, held in Jakarta, brought together key stakeholders from the Indonesian government, development partners, and local rice millers.

As the Nutrition partner for the seminar, Millers for Nutrition emphasized the importance of rice fortification in achieving Indonesia’s ambitious #GoldenIndonesia2045 vision. This initiative aims to improve food and nutrition security nationwide.

“Rice fortification is a critical step towards nourishing Indonesia and the world,” said Evelyn Djuwidja. “By working together, we can ensure that every Indonesian has access to nutritious food, paving the way for a healthier and more prosperous future.”

The seminar and workshop provided a platform for experts to share innovative solutions, best practices, and challenges in rice fortification. Attendees included representatives from:

– Indonesian Government

– Development partners

– Local rice millers

– Nutrition experts

Millers for Nutrition’s participation underscores its commitment to supporting Indonesia’s food fortification efforts. By collaborating with local stakeholders, the organization aims to improve nutrition and public health outcomes for millions.

“Together, let’s nourish Indonesia and the world!”

Millers Table – UPRFMA, Lucknow India

Millers for Nutrition and Fortify Health Team Up to Empower Nutrition and Enrich Lives

In a significant step towards combating malnutrition, Millers for Nutrition, in partnership with Fortify Health, co-sponsored the 61st Annual General Meeting of the U.P. Roller Flour Millers Association. This event marked a crucial milestone in introducing TechnoServe and Millers for Nutrition to the association, highlighting the coalition’s objectives and inviting millers to join the movement.

Abhishek Shukla, Country Program Manager, emphasized the importance of flour fortification efforts across the state, while Mrs. Deepti Gulati, Senior Advisor at TechnoServe, shared valuable insights from past projects and Take Home Rations (THR). The event drew esteemed attendees, including Shri Suresh Kumar Khanna, Cabinet Minister for Finance and Parliamentary Affairs, and Shri Manoj Kumar Singh, Chief Secretary, both from the Government of Uttar Pradesh.

Key Attendees:

  • Shri Suresh Kumar Khanna, Cabinet Minister for Finance and Parliamentary Affairs (Govt of Uttar Pradesh)
  • Shri Manoj Kumar Singh, Chief Secretary (Govt of Uttar Pradesh)
  • Mr. Dharmendra Jain, President of UPRFMA
  • Mr. Navneet Chitlangia, President of the Roller Flour Miller’s Federation of India

With over 150 millers in attendance, the event provided a platform for valuable discussions and congratulations on Millers For Nutrition’s success in strengthening food fortification. This collaboration with the UP Roller Flour Millers Association brings Millers for Nutrition closer to its mission of improving nutrition for 1 billion people by 2026. Stay tuned for more updates on this journey!

Fortify Health has been working tirelessly to enable access to micronutrient-rich wheat flour, reducing and preventing iron-deficiency anaemia. Their partnership with the Food Fortification Initiative supports wheat flour fortification in Indian government programs.

Food Fortification: The Unsung Hero of Global Nutrition – World Food Day 2024

In the fight against malnutrition, there is a humble, yet transformative solution that has quietly improved the health of billions around the world: food fortification. This simple intervention—adding essential vitamins and minerals to staple foods—has made a profound impact on global health, yet it often goes unnoticed. As we celebrate World Food Day 2024, it’s time to shine a spotlight on this unsung hero, whose benefits are more relevant today than ever before.

Food fortification isn’t just about nutrition—it’s about improving lives, economies, and the future of our world. It’s the reason iodine deficiency disorders have nearly disappeared, why devastating diseases like beriberi and pellagra are now rare, and why the rates of neural tube defects, a major cause of infant mortality, have plummeted. This simple, cost-effective solution has saved millions of lives and has quietly been a cornerstone of public health for decades. Yet, in global conversations on nutrition, it rarely takes center stage.

A Silent, Global Crisis

Right now, over 2 billion people—almost one in three—suffer from “hidden hunger.” This isn’t about empty stomachs; it’s about the lack of essential nutrients like iron, iodine, vitamin A, and folic acid, which are crucial for healthy development. The consequences are severe: stunted growth, weakened immune systems, cognitive impairments, and even death. For example, iron deficiency affects 1.6 billion people and contributes to 20% of maternal deaths worldwide. This is more than just a health issue—it’s an economic one too. According to the World Bank, micronutrient deficiencies cost developing countries up to $3 billion annually in lost productivity and healthcare expenses.

The Power of Fortification: Proven Results

Food fortification is one of the most powerful tools in the fight against hidden hunger. Take iodized salt, for example. Since its introduction in the 1990s, iodine fortification has reduced global iodine deficiency by over 80%, virtually eliminating iodine deficiency disorders like goiter. Nearly 90% of the world’s population now consumes iodized salt, saving millions of lives and improving cognitive development, especially in children.

Similarly, fortifying wheat and maize flour with folic acid has been a game-changer in the fight against birth defects. In countries with mandatory fortification, neural tube defects—such as spina bifida—have dropped by 46%. In the U.S. alone, fortification has prevented 1,300 neural tube defect-affected pregnancies every year since 1998. These numbers aren’t just statistics—they represent lives changed and futures transformed.

In Zambia, where flour is fortified with iron, anemia in women of reproductive age dropped by 10% in just a few years. The impact is clear: fortification works, it’s affordable, and it reaches people where they are—no drastic changes in behavior or diet needed.

A Changing World, A Growing Need

The world is changing fast, and with it, so are people’s diets. By 2050, 68% of the global population will live in urban areas, up from just 30% in 1950. This shift toward urban living is driving changes in food consumption, with more people relying on processed and packaged foods. While these foods are convenient, they often lack the essential nutrients found in traditional diets. In sub-Saharan Africa, urbanization is leading to increased consumption of refined grains, stripped of nutrients during processing. The result? A growing nutritional gap, one that food fortification is perfectly poised to fill.

The Global Nutrition Report of 2021 warns that in low- and middle-income countries, diets are becoming increasingly energy-dense but nutrient-poor, contributing to rising obesity and non-communicable diseases like diabetes. In these environments, fortifying staple foods with critical nutrients like iron, vitamin A, and folic acid can address the double burden of malnutrition—undernutrition and obesity—at the same time. Food fortification offers a pragmatic solution that can adapt to these changing realities without overhauling dietary habits.

A Pragmatic Approach: TechnoServe’s Millers for Nutrition

So, how do we make food fortification even more effective? By working with the people who make the food we eat. That’s exactly what TechnoServe’s Millers for Nutrition initiative does—engage with private-sector millers, the unsung heroes who ensure that the food reaching millions of people is not just filling, but nutritious.

Unlike traditional approaches that focus on government regulations, TechnoServe’s strategy is simple but powerful: we give millers the tools, technical assistance, and training they need to voluntarily fortify their products. Our approach is pragmatic, scalable, and sustainable. By 2023, TechnoServe had partnered with 500 millers across Africa and Asia, impacting the nutrition of over 200 million people.

The initiative is driven by competition and innovation. For instance, in Kenya and Nigeria, TechnoServe introduced the Kenya Millers Fortification Index (KMFI) and the Micronutrient Fortification Index (MFI). These indices encourage millers to compete on quality and compliance. The result? A 40% improvement in fortification levels among participating millers in Kenya, ensuring that fortified products meet nutritional standards and reach those who need them most.

Scaling Up: The Future of Fortification

The successes seen in Kenya, Nigeria, Zambia, and other countries are just the beginning. More than 85 countries now have mandatory fortification programs, but billions of people—especially in low- and middle-income countries—still do not have consistent access to fortified foods. Scaling up fortification efforts, expanding access, and ensuring that fortified foods reach the most vulnerable populations is the next frontier.

On this World Food Day 2024, the message is clear: food fortification is a simple, effective solution that remains essential in the fight against malnutrition. As the world’s populations shift towards urban living and dietary patterns evolve, fortification is becoming more critical than ever before. Through initiatives like Millers for Nutrition, TechnoServe is showing how public-private collaboration can drive real, lasting change.

Together, we have the tools to build a healthier, more resilient world—one fortified grain at a time. Food fortification may be the unsung hero of global nutrition, but its power to improve lives is undeniable. Let’s make sure it gets the recognition it deserves as a cornerstone of our global strategy to end malnutrition. After all, sometimes the simplest solutions are the most powerful.

Source: Rizwuan Yusifali, Program Director, Inspiring Good Nutrition Initiative Through Enterprise (IGNITE)

mombasa-maize-millers-logo

October 2024 Miller of Month: Mombasa Maize Millers (Nakuru) Limited, Kenya

October 2024 Miller of Month: Mombasa Maize Millers (Nakuru) Limited, Kenya

Food vehicle: Wheat Flour

Winner: Kenya Millers Fortification Index
4PG Award – Evidence Parity Award

mombasa-maize-millers-logo

Ezinah Bosibori Aroni, quality control officer at Mombasa, talks about the company’s commitment to fortification and experience with Millers for Nutrition.

Why are you a member of M4N?
We joined Millers for Nutrition to learn food fortification standards and practices.
The technical assistance and support have been valuable in improving our operations.

Tell us about your commitment to food fortification
Our commitment is closely aligned with the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS)
compliance requirements. This dedication to quality and nutrition reinforces our position as a responsible miller within the Kenyan milling sector. We’re constantly working to enhance our fortification processes to ensure we deliver adequately fortified and nutritious products to our customers.

Ezinah Bosibori Aroni, quality control officer at Mombasa Maize Millers

How did the Millers for Nutrition training impact your business?
We recently participated in comprehensive training programs supported by Millers for Nutrition, focusing on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP). These trainings have significantly impacted and improved our company operations and practices in several ways namely:

– We’ve developed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that have streamlined our
workflows, enhancing efficiency and clarity in roles and responsibilities.

– Our company has been recognized by the Nakuru County Health and Safety Department as a benchmark for GMP – safety and health standards.

– We’ve strengthened our rapport with customers by developing robust product recall
procedures, ensuring trust and reliability in our products.

What advice do you have for other millers?
I encourage millers to join the coalition and take advantage of training programs. The knowledge gained from these programs can significantly improve operations, food safety standards, and overall product quality. Additionally, implementing SOPs and working towards certifications like ISO can set them apart in the market and build customer trust.

India hosts The Millers Table

Connecting the Dots in Rice Fortification

Millers for Nutrition recently hosted “The Millers Table” in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, bringing together millers and technical experts for an informal luncheon. The event aimed to facilitate open discussions on challenges, opportunities, and best practices in Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK) manufacturing and rice fortification.

Dr. Rajan Sankar, Senior Advisor – TechnoServe and Mr. Sridhar NB, Head – Business Development : Rice Fortification EMEA & South Asia DSM-Firmenich shared their valuable technical expertise on FRK manufacturing and rice fortification. 

We’ll continue to host these casual gatherings to foster meaningful connections, knowledge sharing, and collective growth.

https://gfmdhaka.com/news/millers-for-nutrition-launched-in-india-to-help-millers-produce-high-quality-nutritious-foods-and-reduce-malnutrition

September 28, Grain Feed & Milling Magazine

https://gfmdhaka.com/news/millers-for-nutrition-launched-in-india-to-help-millers-produce-high-quality-nutritious-foods-and-reduce-malnutrition

https://millermagazine.com/blog/millers-for-nutrition-initiative-launched-in-india-to-combat-malnutrition-5857

Miller Magazine, 24th September

https://millermagazine.com/blog/millers-for-nutrition-initiative-launched-in-india-to-combat-malnutrition-5857

Tag Archive for: India

Wheat Flour Fortification Workshop

This event will also centre around the official launch of fortified wheat flour by five prominent Gujarat Roller Flour millers Association (GRFMA) -affiliated millers.