The Hindu Business Line : Double fortified salt to hit markets soon

Two-in-one advantage
The double fortified salt provides consumers the benefits of both iron and iodine.
Its use will help reduce malnutrition disorders, including anaemia, says NIN.

G. Naga Sridhar

Hyderabad June 20 The Hyderabad-based National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) will transfer its technology on Double Fortified Common Salt (DFS) to salt manufacturers in the country soon.

The premier nutrition research body will soon be signing Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with leading players, including Tata Chemicals and Hindustan Salts Ltd, Dr B. Sesikeran, Director, NIN, told Business Line here.

"We are transferring our DFS technology (salt with iodine and iron) to all major and minor salt manufacturers in the country. Many companies have expressed interest and we will be entering into MoUs with them soon" he said.

Companies that have sought technology from NIN include Tata Chemicals, Dabur India, Prince International Healthcare Ltd, Ankur Chemfood Products, Sahaya Matha Saltem Private Ltd, Century Chemicals and Ganesh Benzo Plant.

20% through PDS

While the institute would not charge anything for technology transfer, the companies producing DFS should agree to supply at least 20 per cent of the produce to the Government to be distributed through the Public Distribution System (PDS).

"As per the MoUs to be signed, the companies should also agree to the price to be determined by the Government from time to time on the produce to be given for PDS," Dr Sesikeran said.

Successful tech transfer

The NIN had been involved in the double fortified salt programme for the last decade as part of its research on micronutrients. "Now we are in a position to transfer the technology to the industry," Dr R. Ranganathan, Head, Isotope Division of NIN, said.