In a significant move towards addressing nutritional deficiencies, Advisor Ladakh Dr. Pawan Kotwal launched Fortified Wheat Flour in the Public Distribution System (PDS) of the Union Territory of Ladakh. The launch took place during a program organized by the Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs department at Kangri Mill, Chuchot Gongma, Leh.
Accompanied by Secretary of Health and Food Safety Dr. Vasantha Kumar, Director FCS&CA Tahir Hussain, and other officials, Dr. Pawan Kotwal inspected the milling process and received detailed briefings from the technical team regarding the fortification of wheat flour.
Addressing the gathering, Advisor Dr. Kotwal highlighted that the Government of India is now providing fortified rice to the entire country, including UT Ladakh, through the Public Distribution System. Additionally, Ladakh will now have Fortified Wheat Flour available to the entire population, following the example of other states such as Himachal Pradesh.
Dr. Kotwal emphasized that the primary goal of fortifying wheat flour is to combat the high levels of Iron, folic acid, and Vitamin B12 deficiencies prevalent in Ladakh, as indicated by NFHS data, with over 95% of the population, including children and adults, being found anemic.
In a bid to supplement micronutrient needs, especially for pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children, the administration has been distributing Iron and folic acid supplements free of cost.
