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Miller in Spotlight – Mr. Jambulingappa Hosmani, Managing Director – Panchamrutha Industries Pvt. Ltd. India

1. Panchamrutha Industries has evolved from a traditional grain business into a company with a growing focus on nutrition-led food products. What has driven this journey, and where does food fortification fit into your broader vision for the company?

JH: “Our journey has been driven by a simple belief: food should not just satisfy hunger; it should also contribute to better nutrition.

With over two decades of experience in the food industry, we have evolved from traditional grain trading to value-added, nutrition-focused food processing, combining consumer trust with modern technology.

Food fortification is central to this transformation. Recognising the widespread challenge of micronutrient deficiencies in India, we introduced fortified rice in 2023, followed by our Panchamrutha Deluxe Fortified Rice range, enriched with 9 essential vitamins and minerals, while retaining the familiar taste and cooking characteristics of regular rice.

Our vision is to make nutrition accessible, affordable and part of everyday meals, rather than a luxury. Going forward, we aim to expand our portfolio of fortified staples and nutrition-focused food products, contributing to a healthier India.

At Panchamrutha, we believe the future of food is not just about feeding more people, but nourishing them better.’’

2. Panchamrutha is one of the first movers in launching fortified rice in consumer packs in the commercial retail market and has since expanded its offering. What have you learned from bringing fortified rice to the market, particularly in terms of consumer expectations, affordability and building trust in the category?

JH: “Being among the early movers to introduce fortified rice in consumer packs in India’s commercial retail market has been both a responsibility and a valuable learning experience.

Our biggest learning is that consumers are willing to embrace better nutrition when it comes without compromising on taste, quality or affordability.

Initially, consumer awareness about fortified rice was limited. We realised that educating consumers about the importance of essential vitamins and minerals was just as important as introducing the product itself.

Affordability has been another key factor. We strongly believe that better nutrition should be accessible to every household, not restricted to premium consumers. Our focus has therefore been on offering fortified rice at competitive prices while maintaining consistent quality.

Building trust requires transparency, consumer education and delivering a consistent product experience. By combining familiar rice varieties like Sonamasuri and Lachkari with added micronutrients, we are making fortified nutrition a practical part of everyday meals.

Our ultimate goal is to make fortified rice a household choice, not just a health-conscious alternative.”

3. Your recent launch of Panchamrutha Deluxe Fortified Rice brings nine essential vitamins and minerals to a staple that is part of everyday diets. How do you see the role of millers in making nutrition more accessible without making fortified products feel like a premium or specialised offering?

JH: “Millers have a crucial role in bridging the gap between food security and nutritional security. Since rice is consumed daily by millions of Indian households, fortification offers an opportunity to improve micronutrient intake without changing people’s eating habits.

At Panchamrutha, our philosophy is simple: better nutrition should be a standard, not a premium.

With the launch of Panchamrutha Deluxe Fortified Rice, enriched with nine essential vitamins and minerals, our focus is on combining nutritional value with the familiar taste, quality and affordability consumers expect from their everyday rice.

I believe millers must move beyond conventional processing and become active contributors to public nutrition. By adopting fortification technology, maintaining consistent quality standards and achieving economies of scale, we can make fortified staples more affordable and widely available.

Our vision is to make fortified rice an everyday household choice, where better nutrition comes naturally with the food families already trust.

Ultimately, the success of food fortification lies not in positioning it as a specialised product, but in making it accessible to every household.’’

4.  Quality is central to building consumer confidence in fortified staples. What steps has Panchamrutha taken across production, fortification and quality assurance to ensure that consumers get consistent nutritional value while retaining the taste, appearance and cooking characteristics they expect from rice?

JH: “At Panchamrutha, we believe that fortification should enhance the nutritional value of rice without compromising the quality and experience consumers have trusted for years.

Our approach focuses on three key areas: careful selection of rice, controlled fortification and consistent quality assurance.

We emphasise sourcing quality rice, maintaining uniform grain characteristics and incorporating fortified rice kernels in accordance with prescribed FSSAI standards. Proper blending and process monitoring are essential to achieving consistent micronutrient distribution across batches.

Equally important is preserving the familiar taste, texture, appearance and cooking characteristics of popular varieties such as Sonamasuri and Lachkari, ensuring consumers can continue enjoying their everyday meals without changing their cooking habits.

We recognise that nutritional consistency requires continuous attention to raw materials, processing, packaging and quality verification.

For us, quality and nutrition must go hand in hand. Our objective is to deliver the same trusted rice experience with the added benefit of essential vitamins and minerals, making better nutrition a seamless part of everyday life.’’

5. Looking ahead, what do you believe needs to happen for fortified staples to move from being an emerging category to becoming a mainstream choice for Indian consumers—and what role do you see Panchamrutha and the wider milling industry playing in that journey?

JH: “For fortified staples to become mainstream in India, we need to focus on three fundamentals: consumer awareness, affordability and accessibility. Consumers must understand the benefits of food fortification and feel confident that better nutrition does not mean compromising on taste, quality or price.

I strongly believe that fortification should become an integral part of everyday food processing rather than remain a specialised product category.

The milling industry has a significant responsibility in this transformation. By embracing modern fortification technologies, maintaining consistent quality standards and working collectively with policymakers, nutrition experts and retailers, we can make fortified staples available to a much wider population.

At Panchamrutha, our vision is to lead by example—expanding our fortified product portfolio, strengthening consumer awareness and making nutrition-focused staples affordable for Indian households.

Our ambition is to make fortified foods a natural part of every Indian kitchen, contributing to a healthier and nutritionally stronger India.

Ultimately, the true success of fortification will be when consumers choose fortified staples not because they are different, but because they have become a trusted part of everyday life.”

6.  As a leader, what has been the most rewarding part of seeing Panchamrutha enter the food fortification space, and what keeps you motivated to continue investing in nutrition-focused products?

JH: “The most rewarding part of this journey has been seeing Panchamrutha evolve from a traditional food business into a company that can make a meaningful contribution to everyday nutrition.

For me, the greatest satisfaction comes from knowing that the food we produce has the potential to make a positive difference in the lives of families.

Introducing fortified rice into the commercial retail market was not just a business decision; it was a step towards addressing the challenge of micronutrient deficiencies through foods people already consume every day.

What keeps me motivated is the opportunity to combine our two decades of industry experience with innovation and a larger social purpose. I firmly believe that businesses have a responsibility to contribute to society beyond commercial success.

At Panchamrutha, we see nutrition-focused products not merely as a growth opportunity but as a long-term commitment to consumers.

My vision is simple: Panchamrutha should be remembered not just for the food we sell, but for the positive difference we make to people’s nutrition and well-being.

That purpose continues to inspire us to innovate, invest and make better nutrition accessible to more Indian households.’’

Millers for Nutrition and KCP Nutrritious Advance Food Fortification Efforts in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana

Millers for Nutrition, powered by TechnoServe, in collaboration with KCP Nutrritious Pvt. Ltd., brought together leaders from the staple food industry, nutrition experts and food fortification stakeholders in Hyderabad to discuss opportunities to expand fortified rice in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

The event, “Unlocking Market Potential: Advancing Fortified Rice in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana,” also marked the launch of KCP Nutri Poshan, a fortified rice range developed by KCP Nutrritious and enriched with eight essential micronutrients: Vitamin A, Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine), Vitamin B9 (Folate and folic acid), Vitamin B12, iron and zinc.

Available in three popular rice varieties—Kolam, HMT and Sona Masoori—KCP Nutri Poshan is designed to provide additional micronutrients through a staple food already consumed regularly by households across the two states.

The event forms part of Millers for Nutrition’s efforts to work with food businesses to strengthen fortification practices, improve product quality and expand the availability of fortified staple foods through commercial markets.

“Food fortification offers a practical and scalable pathway to improving nutrition outcomes because it builds on foods that people already consume every day,” said Monojit Indra, Senior Practice Leader, TechnoServe, and Program Leader, Millers for Nutrition Asia. “Through Millers for Nutrition, we are working with industry partners to strengthen fortification practices, improve product quality and expand access to fortified staple foods. The growing participation of food businesses in this effort demonstrates the increasing momentum behind nutrition-focused food systems.”

Building consumer access through everyday foods

Discussions at the event highlighted the role that fortified staple foods can play in addressing micronutrient deficiencies, while also underscoring the importance of consumer awareness and market availability in driving adoption.

While interest in healthier food choices is growing, awareness of micronutrient deficiencies and the role of food fortification remains an important area for further engagement. Stakeholders at the event highlighted the need for continued collaboration between food businesses, development organizations and other actors across the food system to strengthen consumer understanding and access to fortified products.

“At KCP Nutrritious, we believe nutrition should be easy, accessible and effortless,” said Sri Vaishnavi O, CEO, KCP Nutrritious Pvt. Ltd. “KCP Nutri Poshan has been developed to help families meet their everyday nutritional requirements without changing their eating habits, recipes or cooking methods. Our vision is to make fortified rice available on every plate and in every household while helping consumers make informed and healthier food choices.”

KCP Nutrritious plans to initially make KCP Nutri Poshan available across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana through traditional and modern retail, e-commerce and quick-commerce channels. The company also plans to undertake consumer education initiatives to build awareness of food fortification and the role of fortified staples in supporting better nutrition.

Abhishek Shukla, Country Program Manager, Millers for Nutrition India, TechnoServe, said, “Consumer awareness and market availability are essential for accelerating the adoption of fortified foods. Events like this provide an important platform for industry stakeholders to collaborate, exchange knowledge and drive greater access to nutritious staple foods. Expanding the availability of fortified staples in retail markets can play an important role in bridging nutrition gaps through everyday diets.”

The launch of KCP Nutri Poshan adds to the growing participation of food businesses in India’s fortified staples market. Through partnerships with millers, processors and food brands, Millers for Nutrition continues to support efforts to strengthen the fortification ecosystem and expand access to quality fortified foods.

The Hyderabad event concluded with a shared focus on strengthening industry collaboration, consumer awareness and market access as fortified staple foods continue to develop within India’s food system.

STRM Case study

Case Study: ShyamaTara Rice Mills

https://millersfornutrition.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/endeva_MFN_Case-Study_STRM_final.pdf
ShyamaTara Rice Mills (STRM) has a long track
record of supplying fortified rice to government
social safety net programs in India. In early
2025, with technical support from the Millers for
Nutrition (M4N) Coalition, STRM took a decisive
step beyond public procurement by launching a
fortified rice brand for middle-class consumers
in a voluntary market — becoming the second
fortified rice brand in West Bengal. The decision
was driven not by compliance or philanthropy, but
by a clear commercial logic — to differentiate in a
competitive market and capture a fast-growing,
digital-first consumer segment.
Through sustained investment in consumer
education, strong digital-first retail distribution,
and evidence-based messaging (including
health-focused influencers), STRM is helping shift
the perception of fortified rice from a product
associated with poverty alleviation to a nutritional
requirement for all segments of society. By
creating an open market for fortified rice, STRM
is helping lay the foundation for fortification that
can endure beyond subsidies and mandates —
and offering a model that could inspire a new
generation of millers.

Millers for Nutrition Bangladesh Country Conclave 2026 Strengthens Public–Private Collaboration for Food Fortification

The Millers for Nutrition Bangladesh Country Conclave 2026 marked an important milestone in advancing food fortification and improving access to safe, nutritious food across Bangladesh. Hosted in Dhaka by Millers for Nutrition, powered by TechnoServe, the conclave brought together a diverse group of stakeholders from government, industry, academia, development partners, and the milling sector.

The conclave served as a national platform to align on a shared agenda for scaling sustainable food fortification through stronger public–private collaboration. Discussions focused on enhancing regulatory compliance, strengthening Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS), and accelerating the adoption of innovation—including automation and artificial intelligence—within Bangladesh’s food processing sector. Participants also emphasized the need for coordinated, multi-stakeholder action to address industry challenges and deliver measurable nutrition outcomes.

The event was honored by the participation of senior leadership from the Directorate General of Food, along with key regulators, industry associations, food manufacturers, universities, and development organizations. Strategic fortification partners and global nutrition experts reaffirmed their commitment to providing technical expertise and long-term support to strengthen Bangladesh’s food fortification ecosystem.

As highlighted during the closing session, achieving nutrition at scale will require sustained collaboration, strong private sector leadership, and continued investment in food safety and fortification systems.

The conclave concluded with a renewed collective commitment to building a resilient, innovative, and inclusive food fortification ecosystem for Bangladesh—underscoring that meaningful nutrition impact begins with strong partnerships.

Market-Led Nutrition Gains Momentum as Three Fortified Rice Brands Launch in Uttar Pradesh

Market-led nutrition efforts in India received a significant boost with the launch of three fortified rice brands at the industry workshop “Unlocking Market Potential: Advancing Fortified Rice in Uttar Pradesh”, held in Lucknow. The launches mark an important milestone in expanding consumer access to fortified staple foods through open markets and strengthening efforts to address micronutrient deficiencies across the state.

The newly unveiled brands include Nutri Pro Rice by VistaarX, SRS Nutri Crown Fortified Rice by Shree Ram Foods, and Grainova Poshan Rice by Jain Industries. Each product is fortified with five essential micronutrients—Iron, Zinc, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid), and Vitamin B12—designed to improve everyday nutrition through one of India’s most widely consumed staple foods.

The launch event was graced by Satish Chandra Sharma, Honourable Minister of State for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Government of Uttar Pradesh, along with senior officials from the Department of Food and Civil Supplies, Food Safety and Drug Administration, representatives from academia, industry, and development organizations.

Speaking at the event, Monojit Indra, Senior Practice Leader at TechnoServe and Program Lead, Millers for Nutrition Asia, highlighted the importance of expanding fortified foods through commercial channels. He noted that while fortified rice has already demonstrated strong impact through public distribution and social safety net programmes, wider availability in retail markets can significantly increase consumer access to improved nutrition. He added that Uttar Pradesh has emerged as a key state in advancing rice fortification, and the leadership shown by local millers reflects growing industry commitment to nutrition.

Abhishek Shukla, Country Program Manager, Millers for Nutrition India, said the introduction of these brands demonstrates how millers can play a transformative role in improving nutrition while building sustainable businesses. He emphasized that through technical assistance, capacity building, and market development support, Millers for Nutrition is enabling millers to create high-quality fortified food products aligned with evolving consumer needs, and welcomed the growing momentum in Uttar Pradesh.

Highlighting the government’s perspective, Shri Satish Chandra Sharma said, “The launch of these fortified rice brands is a commendable step towards strengthening nutrition security in Uttar Pradesh. Food fortification is a practical and effective solution to address micronutrient deficiencies, particularly among vulnerable populations. I appreciate the efforts of Millers for Nutrition, powered by TechnoServe, for working closely with rice millers, industry stakeholders, and government partners to promote the adoption of fortified staples across the state. Their support in building technical capacity, creating awareness, and encouraging market-based solutions is helping transform nutrition goals into meaningful action. Such collaborative initiatives will play an important role in ensuring that nutritious food reaches more households and contributes to a healthier and stronger Uttar Pradesh.”

The workshop brought together policymakers, food industry leaders, nutrition experts, development partners, and rice millers to discuss the expanding role of food fortification in improving public health outcomes while creating sustainable business opportunities for the food processing sector.

Industry leaders Rishabh Jain, Director, VistaarX; Shubhanshu Shukla, Director, Shree Ram Foods; and Tarun Goyal, Partner, Jain Industries, underscored the importance of fortified rice in addressing micronutrient deficiencies through everyday diets. They noted that the launch of Nutri Pro Rice, SRS Nutri Crown Fortified Rice, and Grainova Poshan Rice reflects a shared commitment to delivering high-quality, nutritious rice products that meet changing consumer expectations. They further emphasized that rice, as a staple consumed by millions of households, offers an effective vehicle for delivering essential micronutrients without requiring changes in eating habits.

The programme also featured technical sessions on rice fortification, discussions on Uttar Pradesh’s experience in scaling fortified rice, and a panel discussion involving government representatives, scientists, industry leaders, and nutrition experts. The convening concluded with a shared commitment to strengthen collaboration between industry, government, and development partners to accelerate awareness, adoption, and scale-up of fortified staples across Uttar Pradesh.

Panchamrutha Industries Launches Fortified Rice Range with 9 Essential Micronutrients in Karnataka

Panchamrutha Industries Pvt. Ltd., in collaboration with Millers for Nutrition powered by TechnoServe, today announced the launch of Panchamrutha Deluxe Fortified Rice, enriched with nine essential vitamins and minerals, at a special industry workshop titled “Unlocking Market Potential: Advancing Fortified Rice in Karnataka” held in Bengaluru.

The newly launched fortified rice is enriched with Vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6 and B12, along with key minerals including Iron, Folic Acid and Zinc. The initiative underscores Panchamrutha Industries’ commitment to strengthening nutrition security by integrating essential micronutrients into a staple food consumed daily by millions of households.

The launch event brought together representatives from government bodies, nutrition scientists, healthcare professionals, food fortification experts, rice millers, and industry stakeholders to deliberate on the growing role of fortified staples in addressing micronutrient deficiencies and combating hidden hunger in India.

With a strong footprint across South India, Panchamrutha Industries has transitioned from a traditional grain business into a nutrition-led FMCG company focused on fortified staples and health-oriented food products. Operating from its advanced processing facility in Dharwad, with a production capacity exceeding 300 tonnes per day, the company combines modern fortification technology with its vision of making quality nutrition accessible to every household.

Speaking at the launch, Jambulingappa Hosmani, Managing Director, Panchamrutha Industries Pvt. Ltd., highlighted the public health relevance of fortified staples. He cited data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), noting that anaemia affects a significant proportion of children, adolescent girls and women of reproductive age in India. He emphasized that staple foods can play a transformative role in improving nutrition outcomes and said the launch of Panchamrutha Deluxe Fortified Rice aligns with the company’s goal of making nutrition a standard feature in everyday diets rather than a premium offering.

Panchamrutha Industries entered the fortified rice segment in 2023 with a focus on affordability and accessibility, offering fortified staples to consumers without additional cost. The fortified rice range is designed to retain the same taste, aroma and cooking characteristics as regular rice, while delivering enhanced nutritional value.

Highlighting the scientific importance of rice fortification, Dr. Usharani Dandamudi, Scientist F, Department of Food Safety and Analytical Quality Control Laboratory, CSIR-CFTRI, said rice fortification represents one of the most practical and scalable solutions to address micronutrient deficiencies in India, where rice is a dietary mainstay. She added that wider awareness and adoption of fortified staples can contribute significantly to building healthier communities.

Echoing this perspective, Pallavi Idooru, clinical nutritionist and diet influencer, noted that iron deficiency and anaemia continue to disproportionately affect women, particularly adolescent girls, pregnant women and young mothers. She said fortified rice can meaningfully support improved nutritional intake and maternal health when consumed regularly as part of a balanced diet.

India continues to face a substantial burden of hidden hunger, with iron deficiency and anaemia impacting millions of women and children nationwide. Fortified rice is increasingly being recognized as an effective and scalable intervention to improve nutrition security by delivering essential vitamins and minerals through a food consumed daily across socio-economic groups.

Speaking on the importance of industry leadership in food fortification, Abhishek Shukla, Country Program Manager – India, Millers for Nutrition, said rice’s universal consumption makes it one of the most effective vehicles for delivering improved nutrition at scale. He noted that the launch of Panchamrutha Deluxe Fortified Rice marks an important step in expanding consumer access to fortified staples and strengthening industry participation in India’s nutrition journey.

The workshop featured discussions on food fortification policies, regulatory frameworks, micronutrient stability in fortified rice, and collaborative approaches to scaling nutrition impact. The programme concluded with a shared emphasis on the need for continued collaboration between industry, policymakers, nutrition experts and development organizations to accelerate awareness and adoption of fortified foods in the open market.

National Convening of Industry Leaders Charts Collaborative Roadmap to Scale Staple Food Fortification in India

In a major step towards addressing hidden hunger and micronutrient deficiencies, Millers for Nutrition, powered by TechnoServe, in collaboration with the CII Food and Agriculture Centre of Excellence (CII FACE), convened senior policymakers, food industry leaders, millers, nutrition experts, and development sector stakeholders at the National Convening of Staple Food Industry Leaders for Developing a Roadmap on Scaling-Up Staple Food Fortification. The convening was held at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi.

The national forum emerged as a critical platform for strengthening industry-wide collaboration and shaping a pragmatic, market-led roadmap to accelerate the large-scale adoption of fortified staple foods across key categories including edible oil, rice, and wheat flour. Deliberations focused on enhancing industry participation, improving consumer awareness and trust, expanding retail and commercial uptake, and building sustainable solutions to address malnutrition at scale.

Speaking at the convening, Monojit Indra, Senior Practice Leader at TechnoServe and Program Leader, Millers for Nutrition Asia, underscored the importance of collective action. He noted that while India has made notable progress in advancing staple food fortification, addressing hidden hunger at scale will require deeper collaboration across the food industry ecosystem. He added that the convening helped foster stronger alignment among industry leaders, development partners, and policymakers to accelerate adoption and deliver sustained nutrition impact.

A key outcome of the discussions was the shared recognition that food fortification must evolve from being viewed primarily as a policy-driven intervention to becoming a mainstream industry movement. Participants emphasized the need for greater innovation, stronger consumer engagement, improved technical support for millers, enhanced accessibility of fortified foods, and better alignment on quality and fortification standards to build long-term consumer confidence.

Highlighting the significance of the convening, Abhishek Shukla, Country Program Manager, Millers for Nutrition India, said the discussions reaffirmed the transformative role fortification can play in strengthening India’s nutrition security. He noted that the collective commitment demonstrated by stakeholders reflected growing momentum toward scaling fortified staples through market-led approaches, industry partnerships, and increased consumer awareness.

The convening brought together senior government officials and industry leaders, including representatives from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), as well as leaders from major food and agri-business organizations such as Patanjali Foods, AWL Agri Business, Mother Dairy Fruit and Vegetables, and Kaleesuwari Refinery, among others.

Discussions highlighted the expanding role of the private sector in integrating nutrition into mainstream packaged foods and scaling commercially viable fortification solutions capable of delivering long-term public health benefits. The convening concluded with a shared commitment to deepen cross-sector collaboration, promote excellence in fortification, support capacity-building for food processors and millers, and advance actionable pathways to scale fortified staple foods across India.

Sree Sai Roller Flour Mills Expands Retail Portfolio with Launch of MINAR Fortified Protein Plus MultiGrain Atta

Sree Sai Roller Flour Mills Pvt. Ltd. (SSRFM), a leading name in India’s wheat milling industry for over three decades, has announced the launch of MINAR Fortified Protein Plus MultiGrain Atta, its most nutritionally advanced flour to date. The launch marks a significant step in the company’s retail growth strategy, bringing its deep expertise in grain processing directly to consumers through a health-focused everyday staple.

The product was unveiled in Hyderabad in the presence of film actress Shriya Saran and brand ambassador Chef Sanjay Thumma, signaling SSRFM’s accelerated entry into the Health & Lifestyle foods segment. With this addition to its MINAR brand portfolio, the company aims to redefine the daily roti by enhancing it with functional nutrition tailored for modern, health-conscious households.

Positioned as the “gold standard” within the MINAR range, Fortified Protein Plus MultiGrain Atta is designed to bridge traditional diets with functional wellness. The product delivers up to 50% higher protein than regular wheat flour, with just three rotis providing nearly one-third of an adult’s daily protein requirement. It is made from a scientifically developed blend of premium Sharbati wheat, soy, maize, and chana, further enhanced with plant-based protein isolates from soy, pea, and brown rice. In addition, the atta is fortified with essential micronutrients including Iron, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12, Zinc, and Vitamin A to help address micronutrient deficiencies and support immunity.

Commenting on the launch, Ramprakash Nagori, Managing Director, Sree Sai Roller Flour Mills, said the new product reflects the company’s evolving understanding of consumer needs. “After 30 years in the industry, we know that consumers today are looking for more than just flour. By strengthening our portfolio with this premium, nutrition-forward variant, we are working to make meaningful nutrition accessible to everyday Indian kitchens,” he said.

Aditya Bansal, Executive Director, SSRFM, highlighted the research-led approach behind the product. “This launch is the outcome of extensive R&D by our food technologists focused on high-protein diets. It offers a simple way to improve nutrient intake without changing eating habits, especially for growing children, working professionals, and fitness enthusiasts,” he noted.

Monojit Indra, Senior Practice Leader at TechnoServe and Program Lead, Millers for Nutrition Asia, emphasized the broader nutrition impact of such innovations. He said fortified staples like wheat flour offer a powerful opportunity to address protein gaps and micronutrient deficiencies at scale, adding that initiatives such as MINAR Fortified Protein Plus MultiGrain Atta demonstrate how scientific formulation and everyday accessibility can come together to reduce hidden hunger.

Echoing this perspective, Abhishek Shukla, Country Program Manager, Millers for Nutrition, India, said staple food fortification remains one of the most effective strategies to tackle micronutrient deficiencies across populations. He noted that nutrition-focused innovations led by millers can play a critical role in improving community health outcomes across India.

MINAR Fortified Protein Plus MultiGrain Atta will be available in 1 kg packs across grocery stores, supermarkets, and e-commerce platforms. The rollout will initially focus on Hyderabad, Telangana, and southern markets, followed by a phased expansion nationwide. While positioned at a slight premium to regular atta, the product is designed to remain accessible while offering enhanced nutritional benefits.

Miller in Spotlight – Mr. Cheran K, CEO – Kaleesuwari Refinery Pvt. Ltd.

Q. Kaleesuwari has been a household name for over five decades. What was the defining moment that led the company to transition from being a provider of ‘pure oil’ to becoming a champion of ‘fortified nutrition’ through initiatives like the Vita D3+ campaign?

For over five decades, Kaleesuwari built its reputation on purity and trust. However, as we engaged more deeply with consumers, nutrition experts, and public-health stakeholders, one reality became clear — India’s hidden hunger, especially Vitamin A and D deficiency, cannot be addressed by availability of food alone; it requires nutrient-enriched staples.
Edible oil is consumed daily across socio-economic segments and geographies. That makes it a powerful and scalable nutrition delivery vehicle. This insight became the defining moment for us. The Vita D initiative was therefore not just a product upgrade, but a purpose-led transition — from being a provider of pure oil to becoming a partner in preventive nutrition.
It aligns perfectly with our long-standing philosophy: what reaches the consumer’s kitchen must improve their wellbeing, not just meet a functional need.

Q. What is the biggest challenge Kaleesuwari has faced in EO fortification?


The most significant challenge has been balancing nutritional compliance with commercial and sensory expectations.
Fortification requires:
• highly precise micronutrient dosing
• stability across the product’s shelf life
• zero impact on taste, aroma, and appearance
At the same time, it must remain affordable for mass consumers.
In the early stages, creating process discipline, supplier alignment for premix quality, and real-time monitoring systems were critical. Today, the challenge has evolved into driving consumer awareness so that fortification is valued and not seen as just another label claim.

Q. With your rigorous ’80-point quality check’ process, how has Kaleesuwari integrated EO fortification into its manufacturing without compromising the taste and stability that consumers expect from brands like Gold Winner and Cardia?
Our 80-point quality check system was actually an enabler for seamless integration.
Fortification has been embedded at three levels:

Output assurance
• Retention sample testing for micronutrient stability across shelf life
• Sensory benchmarking against non-fortified control oils
This ensures that brands like Gold Winner and Cardia retain their same taste, lightness, and cooking performance, while delivering added nutrition — which is non-negotiable for us.

Input control
• Validation of certified premix suppliers
• Stability and compatibility testing with different oil matrices

Process control
• Automated and calibrated dosing systems
• Homogeneity validation at defined batch intervals
• In-line and post-blend sampling protocols

Q. How do your quality, operations, and procurement teams work together to ensure consistent standards and reliable supply to consumers?


Fortification success depends on synchronised execution across procurement, operations, and quality:
• Procurement ensures long-term partnerships with certified premix suppliers, dual sourcing strategies, and strict inbound quality protocols.
• Operations manages calibrated dosing, batch traceability, and process standardisation across plants.
• Quality drives validation, periodic audits, and regulatory compliance, including FSSAI fortification norms.
We operate through a closed-loop review system, where deviations — however small — trigger root-cause analysis and corrective action. This guarantees that the consumer gets the same nutritional assurance in every pack, every time.


Q. India faces a significant challenge with Vitamin A and D deficiencies. How does Kaleesuwari view its role as a miller in the ‘Millers for Nutrition’ coalition to help bridge this nutritional gap, especially for semi-urban and rural populations?


As a leading edible-oil miller, we believe our responsibility goes beyond manufacturing.
Through the Millers for Nutrition coalition, our focus is on:
• Making fortified oil accessible to semi-urban and rural households
• Supporting large-scale behaviour-change communication
• Partnering in institutional and public-distribution channels
• Sharing best practices in process, quality, and compliance
Because edible oil has near-universal penetration, millers like us can help bridge the micronutrient gap at population scale without requiring any change in food habits.

Q. In your experience, what is the biggest challenge in moving the needle on consumer awareness for fortified foods, and how are you tackling it?


The biggest challenge is that fortification is an invisible benefit.
Consumers can see purity and price — but they cannot see micronutrients.
Our approach has been to:
• Simplify communication through campaigns like Vita D
• Use on-pack education with the +F logo
• Drive doctor, nutritionist, and digital advocacy
• Position fortification as family wellness, not a technical feature
The shift we are working towards is from “oil that cooks well” to “oil that cares for your family’s health.”

Q. As our ‘Miller in Spotlight,’ how does Kaleesuwari envision the long-term roadmap for its fortification journey?


Our fortification roadmap is built on three pillars:

Nutrition leadership
• Continuous improvement in micronutrient stability
• Collaboration with policymakers and industry bodies
• Consumer education at scale


Our long-term vision is clear:
Every Kaleesuwari pack should not only deliver purity and performance, but also measurable nutritional value to the Indian consumer.

1. Universalisation
Ensuring fortification across our entire edible-oil portfolio so that nutrition is not a premium feature but a standard.

2. Accessibility
Taking fortified oils deeper into:
• rural markets
• value packs
• institutional channels

3. Nutrition leadership
• Continuous improvement in micronutrient stability
• Collaboration with policymakers and industry bodies
• Consumer education at scale

Our long-term vision is clear:
Every Kaleesuwari pack should not only deliver purity and performance, but also measurable nutritional value to the Indian consumer.

Fortification in Action: Advancing Nutrition through Innovation

A significant milestone in India’s journey to combat hidden hunger was marked with the launch of Sona Bharat by BMF Agri Pvt Ltd at its fully automated rice milling plant in Dubrajpur. The state-of-the-art facility, equipped with an advanced blending system, was inaugurated on the same day—demonstrating how technology and nutrition can come together to deliver impact at scale.

The launch and accompanying plant visit offered a closer look at how fortified rice, enriched with essential micronutrients, can be seamlessly integrated into large-scale production processes while maintaining high standards of quality, safety, and consistency. The facility stands as a strong example of how modern milling infrastructure can support national nutrition goals without disrupting efficiency or commercial viability.

Speaking at the occasion, Abhishek Shukla, Country Program Manager, Millers for Nutrition India, emphasized the transformative potential of fortification: by enriching everyday staple foods like rice with vital nutrients, millers can play a pivotal role in addressing micronutrient deficiencies while contributing to healthier communities and long-term economic progress.

Initiatives such as this underscore the growing leadership of progressive millers in advancing nutrition security. They also reflect the broader vision of Millers for Nutrition—leveraging food fortification as a sustainable, market-led solution to improve public health outcomes across India.

As fortified staples move from mills to millions of plates, actions like these bring us closer to a future where better nutrition is built into everyday diets.