The CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) has launched a six-month pilot Nutrition Intervention Programme in Anganawadi Mysuru district, targeting 500

children aged 2–5 years to combat malnutrition.

This initiative is being implemented with CSR funding from Bank Note Paper Mill India Pvt Ltd (BNPM), in collaboration with the Departments of Health and Family Welfare and Women and Child Development, Government of Karnataka.

According to Dr Mohammed Shiraz Ahmed, Reproductive and Child Health Officer (RCHO), children’s micronutrient levels — including haemoglobin, ferritin, vitamin B12, folic acid, albumin, and zinc — were assessed before the programme’s launch. Their nutritional status is being monitored regularly to evaluate the intervention’s impact.

Supplementary Nutrition Plan (Weekly Schedule):

  • Monday & Thursday:
    Energy and protein-rich burfi
    (8.1g protein, 4mg iron, 100mg calcium)
  • Tuesday:
    High protein and iron biscuits
    (5g protein, 4mg iron)
  • Wednesday:
    Mango bar (carotenoids & 3.8mg zinc)
    Spirulina chikki (4g protein, 1.3g iron)
  • Friday:
    Mango bar and Glucose Amla beverage
    (40mg vitamin C, 3mg iron)
  • Saturday:
    Spirulina chikki

Deputy Director B Basavaraju (DWCD) emphasized the need for scaling up such initiatives, especially to reach adolescent girls in tribal areas. Dr Shiraz added that maternal malnutrition is a key cause of child undernutrition, and thus expanding the programme to pregnant women would be impactful.

CFTRI Director Dr Sridevi Annapurna Singh stated that the success of earlier programmes in Nanjangud (Karnataka) and Purulia (West Bengal) motivated this expansion. She stressed that tackling malnutrition requires multi-agency coordination, involving government departments and CSR-backed partnerships.

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