Government of Tajikistan and WFP Launch Fortified Wheat Flour Production in Kulob to Improve Nutrition and Food Security

The initiative, launched at the enterprise in Kulob town with a production capacity of 90 metric tons per day, includes the installation of modern wheat flour fortification equipment and the start of local production of fortified wheat flour, helping increase access to essential vitamins and minerals through one of the country's most widely consumed staple foods.

With WFP support, the facility has been equipped with an industrial microfeeder, laboratory equipment and quality-control systems, while local specialists received technical training to ensure compliance with national standards. WFP also provided packaging materials bearing the official “Fortified Flour” logo.

This milestone was made possible through a catalytic product donation of 2.5 metric tons of high-quality vitamin and mineral premix from dsm-firmenich. This critical contribution served as the operational spark for the entire initiative, enabling the facility to produce approximately 12,000 metric tons of fortified wheat flour. Enriched with iron, zinc, folic acid (vitamin B9), and vitamin B12, the flour acts as a front-line defense against hidden hunger, preventing debilitating micronutrient deficiencies among vulnerable groups, particularly women of reproductive age and growing children.

“We deeply value and appreciate our strategic partnership with dsm-firmenich,” said Siemon Hollema, WFP Representative and Country Director in Tajikistan. “Their timely and critical contribution has been instrumental in operationalizing local fortification capacity. By transforming a private sector donation into a sustainable, nationally owned food-systems solution, we are collectively ensuring that thousands of vulnerable families across the country have immediate access to life-saving nutrition.

”Demonstrating the rapid impact of this partnership, the enterprise is already utilizing its on-site bakery to transform the newly fortified flour into fresh bread and flatbreads. These ready-to-eat baked goods are actively being delivered to 12 youth summer camps across Kulob schools (reaching 720 pupils), 5 city boarding schools, and a specialized regional psychiatric dispensary in Vose.

Micronutrient deficiencies, often referred to as “hidden hunger,” can cause anemia, stunting and developmental delays in children. Fortified wheat flour is globally recognized as one of the most effective and cost-efficient ways to address these challenges.

The initiative reflects the strong partnership between WFP and the Government of Tajikistan and contributes to the development of a sustainable, nationally led wheat flour fortification programme. During the launch, stakeholders emphasized the importance of complementary measures, including public awareness campaigns to promote the consumption of fortified foods and investments in modern storage facilities to extend product life and improve distribution.

The enterprise is also working with local authorities to expand the use of fortified flour in schools across Kulob and neighbouring districts, including Baljuvon, Vose and Farkhor, supporting healthier diets for schoolchildren from the 2026–2027 academic year.

This achievement demonstrates how government leadership, technical innovation and strategic partnerships can improve nutrition and create healthier futures for communities across Tajikistan.