Advisor Ladakh Dr Pawan Kotwal launched the Fortified Wheat Flour in Public Distribution System (PDS) at Kangri Mill, Chuchot Gongma, Leh on December 17.

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

Advisor Dr. Kotwal while addressing the gathering said that Govt. of India is providing fortified rice to the entire country including UT Ladakh through Public Distribution System (PDS) this year onwards. Additionally in UT Ladakh, Fortified wheat flour will be available to the whole populace, like in a few other states such as Himachal Pradesh, etc.

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

Further, he stated that to supplement the micronutrient needs, especially of pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children, the administration is distributing Iron and folic acid supplements free of cost in the form of tablets however, the compliance level of taking these medicines is low. With the launching of fortified wheat flour in UT Ladakh, he expresses hope anaemia, which is caused due to micronutrient deficiency, would improve in Ladakh.

The Advisor emphasised the importance of promoting fitness and health, adding that a country can grow and progress only when people of the country are physically fit and strong. He also added that in harsh weathered places like Ladakh people do not get sufficient levels of Vitamin A and D due to clothing and coverage of the body etc., therefore, to supplement micronutrients, he advised the shopkeepers to make available fortified oil and milk at their shops for sale, so that consumers can benefits of these items.

Experts from the Food Fortification Division, KHPT, and GAIN also spoke about the need and importance of food fortification, particularly 'Wheat Flour Fortification and UT Administration’s role and support in acquiring the Machinery and Premix.