Nutrition Sri Lanka a programme to end malnutrition was launched recently, to provide undernourished children and pregnant women with the essential nutrients fortified through the consumption of rice.
The programme is spearheaded by Akshata, which is the first brand in Sri Lanka to acquire and master the technology to produce fortified rice kernels efficiently and cost-effectively.
Fortifying staple foods such as rice with essential micronutrients like vitamin A, B vitamins, iron and zinc is among the most economical evidence-based interventions to help combat widespread micronutrient deficiencies.
Nutrition Sri Lanka is an initiative by Grains ‘n’ Green’ (Pvt) Ltd Managing Director Roshan Perera that produces Akshata products. Experimentation on fortified kernels in Sri Lanka using extrusion technology began in January 2024 by a research team led by Senior Professor K.K.D.S. Ranaweera with technical support from PATH.
Past President of Lions International, Mahendra Amarasuriya was also an important part of the programme and contributed in many ways.
“We have already commenced production of fortified rice kernels to be supplied for the rice fortification initiative under the school meal programme. The company is hopeful of more orders from sub-saharan African countries,” said Roshan Perera.
“We are the only company in Sri Lanka with the capability and technical know-how to implement this project and provide the necessary fortified kernels at 50% of the cost currently incurred by importing,” said Perera. The kernels are enriched with folic acid and iron through an extrusion process creating nutrient-rich grains that will be blended with regular rice to produce fortified rice.
Malnutrition is a serious problem in Sri Lanka. At present, over 2.3 million children, suffer from its dire consequences. Sri Lanka has one of the highest rates of acute malnutrition among children under the age of five in South Asia and many suffer from chronic wasting.
Akshata is a pioneer in the cultivation and manufacture of food products that cater to health-conscious consumers in Sri Lanka. It was the first brand to introduce heirloom rice varieties with proven health benefits such as pachcha perumal, suwandel, black rice and kuruluthuda to Sri Lankan supermarkets.
It is also the first brand in the world to introduce breakfast cereals made of heirloom rice. These products include moringa, jackfruit and lotus flower seeds along with an innovative honey spoon. Akshata products are high in nutrients and have earned an enviable reputation among health-conscious consumers.
