Fortified wheat to be part of ration in 2 dists

Geetanjali Gayatri

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 21

Haryana will introduce fortified wheat through the Public Distribution System (PDS) in Karnal and Ambala districts from February 1 after running a successful pilot project in Barara and Naraingarh blocks of Ambala district.

The idea is to provide nutrient-rich wheat to combat deficiencies, as Haryana has the fourth highest percentage of anaemic children in the country and the fifth highest percentage of anaemic women and expectant mothers.

Sources said that the fortified wheat, rich in iron, folic acid and Vitamin B12, would reach nearly 14 lakh beneficiaries in the two districts. This initiative would be scaled up to cover the entire state by June this year to cater to 12 million people.

Before introducing fortified wheat in the two blocks of Ambala, a baseline survey conducted by the PGIMER threw up shocking results. While 53.3 per cent deficiency of haemoglobin was seen, iron was insufficient to the extent of 71.7 per cent while there was 60.4 per cent severe to moderate deficiency of Vitamin B12.

Rich in vitamins 

• Fortified wheat, rich in iron, folic acid and Vitamin B12, will reach nearly 14 lakh beneficiaries in Karnal and Ambala districts.