Government of Tamil Nadu and Tata Trusts inaugurates iodized salt refinery for production of Double Fortified Salt (DFS) to tackle anemia concerns in the state

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed with Tamil Nadu Salt Corporation (TNSC), a Government of Tamil Nadu Public Sector undertaking on Mar 3, 2016 seeks to address iron and iodine deficiencies prevalent amongst the local population, where 50.7% of children, 55.1% of all women and 20.4% of men are diagnosed anemics.

It is heartening to note that the anaemia level has come down in children between 6-59 months and in pregnant women, but at the same time it is disturbing is the increase in the anaemia level in non-pregnant women, all women and in men.

The inauguration of the salt refinery for the manufacture of Double Fortified Salt (DFS), is one aspect of Tata Trusts’ multi-pronged approach to address the issue of malnutrition in India.

This DFS produced thru this new refinery shall be of high quality and shall deliver the promise of improving the iron level of the masses thru distribution in PDS, meals across all Aanganwadis, Primary Health Centers (PHC), and in Mid-Day Meals provided at schools in the region.

Commenting at the inauguration, MD, Tamilnadu Salt Corporation, Government of TN Har Sahay Meena said, “Iron Fortified Iodized Salt will help the people of TN specifically Women and Children in physical and cognitive development. I also appreciate Shri Ratan Tataji and Tata Trusts in helping the state government implement this project. I will continue to seek Tata Trusts support in programs that will benefit the people of TN.”

R Venkataramanan , Managing Trustee, Tata Trusts said, “Our partnership with the Government of Tamil Nadu is a very important step in talking Iron Deficiency Anaemia (IDA) and  progressive step towards addressing growing concerns of iron deficiency, specifically in children  and women. Tata Trusts appreciates the proactive work by the Govt. of Tamil Nadu in the MDM program, as we see a much needed drop in the anaemia from 64.2% to 50.7 % between NFHS 3 & NFHS 4. The Tata Trusts aim is to work with Government on various programs to bring down the overall IDA to serve for the betterment of people of Tamil Nadu. With this salt refinery of 50-60,000 MT, per annum our aim is to spread the use of DFS across the Tamil Nadu."
 
Tata Trusts considers the Govt of Tamil Nadu and TNSC as an important partner in its nationwide effort of lowering the cases of Iron Deficiency Anaemia (IDA).

The Tata Trusts has partnered with the government of Tamil Nadu and provided financial and technical assistance and monitored the progress in erecting and commissioning an Iodized salt refinery, primarily for the production of DFS.

The Tata Trusts has the expertise and capability in operation, maintenance, marketing, sales, and logistics, we propose to assist TNSC in manufacturing and making the DFS available to the Fair Price store/cooperatives. It is the ultimate vision of the Tata Trusts to support TNSC to be self-sustainable in addition to addressing Iron Deficiency Anaemia (IDA) in the state of Tamil Nadu.

As a next step the Tata Trusts extends the partnership for helping TNSC in day to day ‘Operation and Management’ of the plant.

This would help to optimize production at 100% plus efficiency, thereby bringing in additional revenue and profits into TNSC. The proposal is under consideration with TNSC and the Ministry.