Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) has been selected as a nodal agency for implementation of the Malnutrition Eradication Scheme mooted by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) with the pilot project to commence from the district.

This was disclosed by CFTRI Director Prof. Ram Rajasekharan to the media today after presiding over the programme to mark CSIR Foundation Day-2013 and Open Days at CFTRI premises here.

Deliberating on the subject, Prof. Rajasekharan said: “the new CSIR project will focus mainly on malnutrition prevalent among the under-privileged children and mothers in post-natal stage in rural areas and city. CFTRI has already begun visiting Anganawadi Kendras and government schools to take stock of the situation and assess the nutrition level of mid-day meals being served to the children. Fortified food in multiple combinations would be provided to the malnourished children and changes observed. About 40 laboratories across the country will support CFTRI in the mission.”

Continuing, Prof. Rajasekharan said that the project would be funded by the Centre to a tune of Rs. 9 crore and added that the District Administration has been requested to provide all the needed support for the project.

He further said that the Department of Women and Child Welfare would also assist CFTRI to implement the project.

Foundation Day: The CSIR Foundation Day-2013 and Open Days were inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner C. Shikha, who lauded CFTRI in opening the doors to the public to get awareness on new products.

Delivering the keynote address, CFTRI Chief Scientist Dr. B.R. Lokesh said that the programme would provide good knowledge about projects and products brought out by the institute.

Four employees of CFTRI, who have put in over 25 years of service, 28 retired employees and 10 children of employees with meritorious record were felicitated on the occasion.

Scientist A.S.K.V.S. Sharma welcomed. Controller of Administration K.R. Balakrishna proposed a vote of thanks.

The public can visit the Institute from 11 am onwards on Sept. 26 and from 10 am onwards on Sept. 27 upto 4 pm on both days. The entry is only from the north gate opposite to All India Radio on KRS Road. CFTRI is nodal agency for malnutrition eradication scheme

Courtesy : Star Of Mysore