India, Sept. 1 -- What does it take for India to realise its ambition of becoming a global leader? A thriving, healthy and productive population. Yet today, a silent crisis is undermining our progress: Micronutrient deficiencies, often called hidden hunger.

An estimated 76% of Indians do not consume the minimum required levels of essential vitamins and minerals such as iron, folic acid, vitamin A, vitamin B12, magnesium, and zinc. These invisible deficiencies impair cognitive development, increase maternal and infant mortality, weaken immunity, reduce learning ability, and lower productivity.

The impacts go beyond health. Malnutrition accounts for around 11% of India's total disease burden. The economic cost is staggering, productivity ...