India’s fight against anaemia has gained a new thrust with the promotion of DFS under the AMB programme. While the country already enjoys near‑universal USI, the addition of iron to salt offers a cost‑effective way to tackle iron deficiency at scale.
Key Developments
- DFS is already reaching an estimated 76 million people in four states through safety‑net schemes.
- Global reviews show DFS can cut anaemia prevalence by up to 21%.
- The FSSAI has issued a standard for DFS and mandates its inclusion in PM POSHAN and the ICDS scheme.
- Cost per beneficiary is estimated at ₹14‑₹20 per year, delivering a benefit‑cost ratio of 4.2:1.
Important Facts
- More than 50% of Indian women and ≈75% of children are anaemic.
- Anaemia contributes to maternal mortality, impaired cognition, reduced productivity and large economic losses.
- India’s PDS can reach the remaining population if DFS is integrated.
- Manufacturing capacity for high‑quality DFS exists, leveraging centralized salt production and established fortification technology.
Exam Relevance
Understanding DFS links directly to GS‑3 topics such as nutrition security, public‑health interventions, and cost‑effectiveness analysis. The policy illustrates how existing infrastructure (USI, PDS) can be repurposed for new health goals, a pattern often asked in essay and case‑study questions. It also touches on inter‑sectoral coordination between ministries of health, food processing, and finance, relevant for governance‑related questions.
Way Forward
- Strengthen policy commitment at the centre and ensure dedicated financing for DFS rollout.
- Integrate DFS into the PDS across all states, making it a flagship component of AMB.
- Enhance quality‑assurance mechanisms and expand commercial availability to improve last‑mile access.
- Run consumer‑awareness campaigns to boost acceptance and sustain compliance.
- Maintain alignment with sodium‑reduction goals and continue screening for haemoglobinopathies such as thalassaemia and sickle‑cell disease.
Scaling DFS nationally can accelerate India’s progress toward an anaemia‑free nation and provide a replicable model for other low‑ and middle‑income countries.