New range of Fortified Rice, Basmati, and Wheat Atta launched in Chandigarh aims to improve everyday nutrition and support India’s national health goals

Chandigarh, June 9, 2025 –  In a significant stride toward India’s nutritional transformation, Jindal Rice Mills announced the official launch of Nourifyme, a new consumer brand offering a range of Fortified Rice, Fortified Basmati Rice, and Fortified Wheat Atta. The launch took place at the Taj Chandigarh during a high-profile industry event titled “Unlocking Market Potential: Advancing Fortified Rice in Punjab.”

Gracing the occasion as Chief Guest, Shri Tarunpreet Singh Sond, Hon’ble Minister, Industry & Commerce, Rural Development & Panchayats,  Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Investment Promotion, Hospitality, and Labour, Government of Punjab, delivered the keynote address. In his remarks, the Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to food fortification as a national priority.

“Rice fortification is a crucial component of India’s battle against hidden hunger. As we scale up fortified rice distribution across government schemes, initiatives like this are essential to extend these benefits to retail consumers. I commend Jindal Rice Mills for taking this forward-looking step toward public health,” said Shri Tarunpreet Singh Sond.

Nourifyme is a response to India’s growing need for nutrient-rich, affordable staple foods, aimed at addressing widespread micronutrient deficiencies. The brand draws on decades of milling expertise, now aligned with national nutrition goals.

“By combining our legacy in rice milling with science-backed fortification, Nourifyme brings together quality, taste, and health in one plate,” added Vishal Gupta, Co-Founder at Jindal Rice Mills.

“With Nourifyme, we are not just launching a product line—we are launching a mission to put better nutrition in every Indian kitchen,” said Ankit Jindal, Co-Founder at Jindal Rice Mills.

The Nourifyme range is enriched with a scientifically chosen blend of essential micronutrients aimed at addressing widespread nutritional deficiencies in India. Each product is fortified with Iron to combat anemia and support cognitive development, Folic Acid to aid in cell growth and maternal health, and Vitamin B12 for nerve function and red blood cell formation. In addition, Zinc is included to strengthen immunity and aid healing, while Vitamin A supports vision and overall immune health. Together, these nutrients play a vital role in promoting better health outcomes for individuals and families across age groups.

“Malnutrition affects 37% of children under 6 yrs of age and these children in particularly girls grow into adolescence with protein and micronutrient deficiency, contributing to the problem of anemia in reproductive ages.  Anemia affects 57% of women in reproductive ages and 52% women suffer anemia during pregnancy (NFHS-6). Malnutrition and deficiency of micronutrients in particularly iron, folic acid, and Vitamin B12 – are major concerns among women of reproductive age.  These contribute to rising anemia among women in reproductive age during pregnancy,” Dr. Neena Malhotra, Prof. & Head, Deptt. of Obstetrics & Gynecology, AIIMS, New Delhi.

Despite National programmes on Anemia Prevention, the prevalence of anemia has not shown a decline. There is therefore a strong need to go beyond supplementation with iron and Folic acid tablets. Staple food fortification with micronutrients is a good option with proven benefits improving anemia on a large scale. Fortifying staple foods, wheat flour, rice or edible oils with essential micronutrient will improve nutrition and well – being of women in India.  I strongly advocate the inclusion of fortified foods in everyday diets to reduce risks of anemia and support healthy pregnancies,” added Dr. Neena Malhotra.

The event also showcased Nourifyme’s strong collaboration with global nonprofit TechnoServe, which leads the Millers for Nutrition – Asia program. This program supports rice millers across South Asia in adopting fortification best practices to improve public health outcomes.

Opening the event, Mr. Abhishek Shukla, Country Program Manager, Millers for Nutrition – India, outlined the importance of private sector innovation in solving national nutrition challenges.

“Millers are at the heart of India’s food system. When they step forward to fortify, they don’t just shift business—they shift lives. We are proud to support millers like Jindal Rice Mills in expanding the reach of fortified staples,” said Abhishek Shukla.

The Nourifyme range will be made available through key retail and distribution channels, with plans to expand across northern and eastern India in the coming quarters. A launch video showcasing the vision and product portfolio was screened during the event, followed by a product showcase where guests could experience the look, feel, and packaging of the full Nourifyme lineup.

White Spoon Fortified Basmati Rice, developed by Anand Agro Industries, was also launched today alongside Nourifyme. Fortified with Iron, Zinc, Folic Acid, B3 and B12 Vitamins, White Spoon is crafted to support better nutrition outcomes across communities. With a focus on both consumer markets and welfare distribution, it reinforces the commitment to combating hidden hunger through everyday staples.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Mr. Shubham Mishra, Food Fortification Manager, Millers for Nutrition India, who reiterated the importance of joint action.

“India’s fight against malnutrition needs both scale and innovation. It’s partnerships like this—between committed entrepreneurs and enabling institutions—that make change possible,” said Shubham Mishra.

The event was attended by leading millers from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir, along with members of the food processing industry, nutrition advocates, and development sector professionals.

With Nourifyme, Jindal Rice Mills aims to position itself as a trusted household brand for fortified staples, contributing to the national goal of a malnutrition-free India.

About Jindal Rice Mills

Jindal Rice Mills is a trusted name in India’s rice milling industry, known for its commitment to quality, innovation, and nutrition. With decades of experience in sourcing, processing, and supplying premium grains, the company is now leading the charge in fortified food solutions through its new brand, Nourifyme. Rooted in Punjab and serving markets across India, Jindal Rice Mills is dedicated to building a healthier, well-nourished nation.

About Millers for Nutrition

Millers for Nutrition is supported by Strategic Fortification Partners: BASF, BioAnalyt, Bühler, dsm-firmenich, Mühlenchemie, SternVitamin; Regional Strategic Fortification Partners: Hexagon Nutrition, Piramal, Sanku; and a growing group of local technical partners that share a common vision of improving food processing practices and fortification excellence to benefit society and enhance business sustainability. Millers for Nutrition is powered by TechnoServe with funding support from the Gates Foundation. Millers, food fortification stakeholders, and others interested in joining the coalition can learn more at http://www.millersfornutrition.com/

(L to R) Vishal Gupta, Shubham Mishra, Punjab Cabinet Minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond, Ankit Jindal, Abhishek Shukla.

(L to R) Bharat Bhushan Bansal, Ankit Jindal, Dr. Neena Malhotra, Vishal Gupta, and Deepti Gulati

Jindal Rice Mills Launches Nourifyme – A Fortified Nutrition Brand To Fight Malnutrition In India