Union Cabinet approves continuation of free fortified rice supply

Government extends rice fortification initiative across welfare schemes until 2028 to combat anaemia and nutritional deficiencies

The Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Union Cabinet on Wednesday (October 9, 2024) approved the continuation of supply of free fortified rice under various welfare programmes from July 2024 to December 2028.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the rice fortification initiative would continue as a central sector initiative with 100% funding by the Centre in order to ensure inclusive nutritional security in the country. The move is aimed at addressing anaemia and micronutrients deficiency.

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The free fortified rice will be provided under programmes such as Targeted Public Distribution System, Integrated Child Development Service, PM POSHAN, in all the States and Union Territories. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs had in April 2022 decided to implement the scheme in a phased manner by March 2024.

“All three phases have been successfully completed and the target of universal coverage to supply fortified rice in all schemes of the government was achieved by March 2024. According to the National Family Health Survey conducted between 2019 and 2021, anaemia remains a widespread issue in India, affecting children, women, and men across various age groups and income levels. Besides iron deficiency, other vitamin and mineral deficiencies, such as Vitamin B12 and folic acid, also persist, impacting the overall health and productivity of the population,” said the government.

“Rice is an ideal vehicle for supplying micronutrients in the Indian context as 65% of India’s population consumes rice as a staple food. Rice fortification involves the addition of fortified rice kernels enriched with micronutrients (Iron, Folic Acid, Vitamin B 12) as per standards prescribed by FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) to regular rice (custom milled rice),” it said.

Published - October 09, 2024 04:01 pm IST