India Extends $1 Mn Grant To Lao PDR For Rice Fortification Project

The Indian government has granted approximately USD 1 million to the Government of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) under the India-UN Development Partnership Fund. The grant will support a key project titled ‘Strengthening Large-scale Food Fortification: The Case of Investing in Rice Fortification.’

The initiative seeks to promote food fortification in Lao PDR, with a particular focus on rice, to combat micronutrient deficiencies. The project will enhance long-term nutrition-specific strategies, bolster food systems, and improve the nutritional diversity of the country’s food supply. It aims to address persistent malnutrition challenges by fortifying a staple food, rice, which is widely consumed across the nation.

According to a statement from the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations, New York, this support demonstrates India’s deep-rooted diplomatic and developmental ties with Lao PDR, reflecting the broad scope of cooperation between the two countries.

The India-UN Development Partnership Fund, established in June 2017, provides financial assistance to developing countries, particularly for projects that contribute to achieving the United Nations’ sustainable development goals (SDGs). This grant marks another significant step in India’s commitment to supporting global development and nutrition initiatives.

This article has been republished from The BusinessWorld.