“Mandatory Fortification of Food” Conference
India suffers from a heavy malnutrition burden. It is a government priority to address the issue and Food fortification is being looked at as a solution. Recently the Hon’ Prime Minister announced that fortified rice will be supplied through all major government schemes like PDS and the mid-day meals programs by the year 2024.The government also recently initiated a 3-year pilot scheme on rice fortification and supply via PDS in 15 districts across the country. Since April, it has been distributing fortified rice through the mid-day meal scheme and ICDS programs. A debate has emerged on various aspects of the policy on mandatory food fortification. In this backdrop of strong opinions, both for and against mandatory fortification, Bharat Krishak Samaj has organized a dialogue that brings together diverse opinions from government, industry, nutritionists, consumers, producers, multilateral agencies, and civil society to set a holistic perspective on the issue.
Welcome remarks and Opening address:
Mr. T Nand Kumar, Former Secretary GOI
Keynote address:
Mr. Sudhanshu Pandey, Secretary, Department of Food & Public distribution
Session 1: Nutrition/Micronutrient Malnutrition; Fortification in that Context
Moderator: Dr. Dipa Sinha, Asst. Professor, Ambedkar University Delhi
Panelists:
- Dr. Purnima Menon, Senior research fellow, IFPRI
- Dr. Shariqua Yunus, Nutrition Specialist, World Food Programme India
- Prof. HPS Sachdeva, Senior Consultant in Pediatrics and Clinical Epidemiology, Sitaram Bhartia Institute of Science & Research
- Dr. Vandana Prasad, Community paediatrician & Public health professional, (Ex-member of National Commission for Protection of Child Right), Public Health Resource Network
Session 2: Nutrition/Conflict of Interest/Decentralized Alternatives & Business
Moderator: Mr. T Nand Kumar, Former Secretary GOI
Panelists:
- Dr. Debal Deb, Ecologist and Biologist, Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies
- Dr. Ashwani Mahajan, National Co-Convener of Swadeshi Jagran Manch
- Mr. Tarun Vij, India Country Director, Cluster Lead, Drivers of Food System Change, GAIN
Keynote address:
Mr. Arun Singhal, CEO, FSSAI
Dr. Ramesh Chand, Member, Niti Ayog
Moderator:
Mr. T Nand Kumar, Former Secretary GOI
Session 3: Production, Processing and Themes Around It
Moderator: Mr. Biraj Patnaik, Executive Director, National Foundation for India
Panelists:
- Mr. Subodh Jindal, President, All India Food Processors’ Association
- Dr. Arun Gupta, Central Coordinator, Breastfeeding Promotion Network of India and Convener, Nutrition Advocacy for Public Interest
- Ms. Deepika Sahani, Human Rights Law Network
- Mr. Sameer Saxena, Asst. General Manager (QA & NPD), GCMMF
Followed by Q & A round with the audience
Closing address:
Mr. T Nand Kumar, Former Secretary GOI
Thank you note:
Mr. Ajay Vir Jakhar, Chairman, Bharat Krishak Samaj