NIFTEM-T, Gates Foundation to set up fortified salt centre to fight micronutrient deficiency
The National Institute of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management, Thanjavur (NIFTEM-T), will establish a Centre of Excellence for Double Fortified and Multiple Fortified Salt with a grant of about ₹6.72 crore from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, United States. The institute functions under the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India.
The 36-month grant-in-aid programme will be used for advanced research and product development in Double Fortified Salt (DFS) and Multiple Fortified Salt (MFS), according to NIFTEM-T Director V. Planimuthu. The focus will be on scaling these technologies to address widespread micronutrient deficiencies and to align with science-driven nutrition solutions.
DFS typically contains iron and iodine, while MFS may include additional micronutrients such as zinc, folic acid, and vitamin B12. Deficiencies in these micronutrients can cause anaemia, thyroid disorders, and impaired cognitive development. Food fortification is globally recognised as a cost-effective public health intervention, as it delivers essential nutrients through commonly consumed foods without requiring changes in dietary behaviour.
India continues to face a high burden of micronutrient malnutrition. The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) found that anaemia affects more than half of women and children in the country. Since salt is consumed universally, fortified salt offers a practical solution for reaching large populations, including those in remote areas.
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has long supported nutrition and public health initiatives in India. This new project is expected to strengthen the ongoing efforts to reduce malnutrition through innovation in food fortification. It will also facilitate collaboration between research institutions, industry, and policymakers to ensure that fortified salt reaches the market and the people who need it most.
Apart from the Gates Foundation project, NIFTEM-T has secured 15 grant-in-aid research projects worth ₹6.25 crore and undertaken 15 industry-sponsored research projects worth ₹1.30 crore this year. The institute has developed 113 technologies, of which 66 have been transferred to industries. It has also been granted 34 patents in the last two years.
NIFTEM-T has signed 29 Memorandums of Understanding and Memorandums of Association with industries, academic institutions, and research bodies, strengthening its research and industry linkages. In recognition of its contributions, the institute received the National Award for Outstanding Support to the MSME Sector and the CII Institute Innovation Award. It has been named one of the top five innovative research institutes in India in 2025.
This year, NIFTEM-T conducted 113 training programmes, benefiting 2,672 participants, including farmers' producer organisations, self-help groups, entrepreneurs, startups, and community stakeholders. These initiatives reinforce the institute's role as a national hub for education, research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and industry collaboration.
The new Centre of Excellence is expected to catalyse the development and deployment of fortified salt technologies, contributing to India's broader public health goals and the fight against malnutrition.
