Fortification solution to rising malnutrition threat in Madhya Pradesh [ Transfreez mobile refrigeration - India's most effective cold plate reefers ]

Madhya Pradesh is a growing state aiming at multi-dimensional developments. Food and nutrition security has always been the prime concern, and has had a special focus in the state developmental agenda.

However, the data provided for the period 2004-2005 by the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) present a gloomy picture of health and nutrition in the state. According to the NFHS -3 data, malnutrition among children under five is very high.

About 60 per cent children are underweight, and 50 per cent are stunted. The prevalence of underweight in children under five year of age is 51.3 per cent in urban areas. It is much higher in rural.

Children between six to 59 months of age are anaemic, whereas 56 per cent of married women, 70 per cent adolescent girls and 84 per cent pregnant women are reportedly anaemic.

Even though the Madhya Pradesh government provides Vitamin A, iron and folic acid supplements to ensure sufficient nutrition, still the availability/consumption of a balanced nutrient diet is a must.

It should comprise green leafy vegetables and fruit for proper physical and mental growth.

Nutrients like iron, folic acid, Vitamin A and B12 help us prevent

• Birth defects;
• Safe delivery reducing the maternal/infant mortality rate;
• Improves the IQ level and mental retention in children;
• Improves the work potential in adults;
• Prevents anaemia leading to healthy and happy family.

Food fortification is one of the widely-acclaimed and accepted solution to this grave situation of malnutrition, hence the Roller Flour Millers Federation of India together with the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition have initiated fortification of widely-consumed staples like wheat flour and oil in the state of Madhya Pradesh. To educate the consumers and ensure the consumption of fortified foods, it is required that the media is invited to join hands and creates awareness and builds the acceptability of fortified foods among the consumers. 

Keeping in view the regular consumption of fortified foods, we can ensure at least one-third of the daily nutritional requirement. It is important that consumer is aware of the benefits of the fortified foods and is motivated to demand and consume fortified foods for which the media is to play a positive and active role. The media’s partnership is solicited to combat micro-nutrient malnutrition through fortified foods which provides a ready, safe and economically viable way out that has long-term and positive results.

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Source: fnbNews

The Farm to Table Concept

"Farm to table" is the concept of purchasing locally grown food directly from the source. The term comes from the idea that the less time and fewer hands it takes for the food to get from the farm to the table, the fresher, more environmentally sensitive and community minded it is. This can include growing your own garden for sustainable consumption at home or for your restaurant.

Benefits

You can greatly impact the economy of your community, health of your patrons and bottom line of your food cost budget as a result of buying from a local farm as your main food supplier.

Support the local economy. Money stays within your community, which in turn directly supports your business. Advertise the information about the farm that grows your food. Engage your customers with your locally-minded concept and inspire your neighbors to support local commerce as well.

Keep inventory longer. Food that is purchased directly from the farm will naturally last longer on your shelf. It hasn’t spent time in a processing plant or on a truck for shipment. It came straight from the ground to you, meaning you just bought yourself more time to think creatively.

Invest in value. Many local farmers will compete with nationally recognized grocery store chains, but at times may charge a bit more because the quality of product that is being sold may be greater. Local produce and meat is more likely to be organic which increases the value of your menu.

Create a local partnership. Building a business partnership between your business and local farmers, and other restaurants or business that support local business, can create a marketing network that promotes and sustains the local economy.

Challenges

Buying meat locally. Buying locally raised and processed meat, fish and poultry can be challenging. The U.S. Department of Agriculture restricts the number of birds a farmer can process on site and does not allow any red meat processing for small farm operations. Because of this, the meat may have been locally and organically raised with an emphasis on humane standards, but the slaughter and processing of the meat animals are probably (with the exception of poultry) handled off site.

Finding off-season produce. There will be periods between planting and harvesting when produce may not be as bountiful. However, many farmers do have greenhouses where produce can be grown during colder months. Discuss off-season options with your partnered farmer or farmers ahead of time to avoid lack luster deliveries.

Setting-up in the city. Maybe there isn’t a farm just down the road from your restaurant. This is the case for many businesses, but chances are there is a farm within a reasonable enough distance to your urban area. Visit your local farmer’s market and inquire about locations. Learn about delivery options for your establishment, or show up early and stock up weekly at the market.

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Source: Food Service Warehouse