Union Cabinet approves extension of distribution of fortified rice till Dec 2028

According to an official statement, "The rice fortification initiative will continue as a central sector initiative, fully funded by the Centre under PMGKAY's food subsidy scheme, creating a unified institutional mechanism for its implementation."

The initiative aims to bolster India’s nutritional security, specifically targeting anaemia and micronutrient deficiencies.

Initially approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) in April 2022, the rice fortification plan was rolled out in three phases starting in March 2024.

The Centre confirmed that the phased implementation has been successfully completed.

Rice fortification involves enriching rice with Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK), which are packed with essential micronutrients like iron, folic acid, and Vitamin B12.

These kernels are blended with regular rice in a ratio of 1:100, resulting in a final product that is almost indistinguishable from traditional rice in terms of aroma, taste, and texture.

Anaemia, primarily caused by iron deficiency, is a significant public health concern in India, affecting children, women, and men alike, as revealed by the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) conducted between 2019 and 2021.

The survey also highlighted widespread deficiencies in crucial nutrients such as Vitamin B12 and folic acid, which negatively affect the country's health and productivity.

To combat these deficiencies, the government emphasized food fortification as a globally recognized safe and effective method.

With approximately 65 percent of the Indian population relying on rice as a staple, the initiative has the potential to play a vital role in addressing widespread malnutrition.