30 metric tonnes of food airlifted for cyclone afflicted Myanmar

Bangalore, June 10 : As part of the humanitarian assistance to Cyclone Nargis ravaged areas of Myanmar under the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) 30 metric tonnes of food has been airlifted yesterday from Bangalore to save thousands of malnutritioned children in Myanmar.

While talking to ANI, Shyam S Dubey, Head Procurement and Logistics of WFP has said that this would help thousands of children affected by cyclone in Myanmar. The WFP in collaboration with Indian manufacturers developed an innovative Ready to Use Food for Children (RUFC) by MTR Foods, which is energy-dense, protein-enriched, and is fortified with an array of micronutrients that will help children maintain optimal growth.

One daily ration will provide most of the required nutrients needs of these children.

The RUFC is in the form of a paste and does not require cooking or addition of water. It is to be consumed directly from the pouch.

30 metric tonnes of the RUFC were airlifted from Bangalore International Airport and sent directly to Yangon for dispatch to the delta region.

WFP estimates that its food assistance has reached over 5,00,000 beneficiaries in the cyclone affected areas of Myanmar.

The food items including rice, oil, high-energy biscuits, ready to eat meals, cereals, etc. has been airlifted.

WFP hopes to supply food for over 7,50,000 people in a period of six months with an estimated cost of 70 million dollars. By K. G. Vasuki

ANI