Recently, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the continuation of the universal supply of fortified rice under all Union government schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), from July 2024 to December 2028. The primary goal of the scheme is to enhance the nutritional security for all citizens. However, concerns have been raised by the public health experts regarding the scheme.
What is rice fortification? What is the rice fortification scheme?
Rice fortification- It is the process of adding essential micronutrients like iron, folic acid, vitamin B-12, zinc, and vitamins A, B-1, B-2, B-3, and B-6, to rice to enhance its nutritional value. This process seeks to improve the nutritional quality of rice, and help address micronutrient deficiencies and public health concerns.
Rice Fortification Scheme
| Type of Scheme | It is a centrally funded initiative, with 100% of the costs covered by the central government. The initiative is part of PMGKAY and aims to provide a unified institutional mechanism for its implementation. |
| Aim of the Scheme | This initiative aims to combat anaemia and address micronutrient deficiencies across the population. |
| Distribution of Fortified rice | The fortified rice will be distributed free of charge through welfare schemes like the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), and PM POSHAN in all States and Union Territories. |
What are the advantages of Rice fortification in India?
1. Addressing nutritional deficiency- The process of rice fortification significantly helps in addressing the nutritional deficiencies of iron, zinc, and vitamins of Indian population, as rice constitutes a staple food for about 65% of the population.
2. Reduction of Anaemia- Iron fortification specifically targets anaemia, particularly among vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and children. The Improved iron status can lead to better maternal health and reduced risks during pregnancy.
3. Affordable Intervention- Rice fortification is considered a cost-effective strategy to combat malnutrition as the estimated annual cost for the scheme is around ₹2,700 crore, which is manageable given the potential health benefits.
4. Utilization of Existing Infrastructure- The fortification process can be integrated into existing rice production and distribution systems, minimizing additional costs and logistical challenges.
5. Cognitive Development and improved educational outcomes- Rice fortification can help in mitigation of cognitive impairments associated with iron deficiency. This will lead to improved educational outcomes.
6. Enhanced productivity of workforce- The rice fortification initiative aims to improve overall public health, reduce healthcare costs associated with malnutrition-related diseases, and enhance productivity in the workforce.
| Read More- Nutritional Security in India- Significance and Challenges- Explained Pointwise |
What are the concerns with food fortification in India?
1. Health Risk to Individuals suffering from haemoglobinopathies- Health experts have raised concerns about the indiscriminate distribution of fortified rice, particularly for individuals with haemoglobinopathies like thalassemia and sickle cell disease, as it could lead to serious health complications like organ failure.
2. Undermining of dietary diversity- The National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) recommends that no more than 40% of a healthy diet’s total calories should come from cereals, and only a fraction of that from rice. The promotion of consumption of 250-350 grams of fortified rice consumption per day, could discourage dietary diversity.
3. Concerns about women health safety- Experts warn that the lack of monitoring for iron fortification’s could be potentially harmful for women. For ex- Excessive iron intake in pregnant women can negatively affect fetal development and birth outcomes, which will increase the risk of chronic diseases in children.
4. Commercialisation- Experts have expressed concerns that fortification may benefit industries more than the people. There are concerns that it may be difficult to reverse fortification, even after micronutrient deficiencies are reduced, as commercial players may continue to use it for profiteering purposes.
4. Removal of Safety labels by FSSAI- The proposed amendment by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to remove the warning labels regarding thalassemia and sickle cell anaemia, has sparked concern among health experts.
What Should be the way Forward?
1. Dietary diversification- The focus must be on safer, long-term, community-based approaches that promote dietary diversification rather than focusing on fortification of a single food source like rice. The NIN, in its 2020 Nutrient Requirements of Indians report, emphasized the need for a diverse, natural diet to meet micronutrient needs, rather than relying on fortification.
2. Increasing the intake of animal-based foods- The focus must be on improving the diet quality by increasing the intake of animal-based foods and fruits.
3. FSSAI mandatory labelling and warning- FSSAI must make it mandatory for the suppliers to display warnings about the potential risks of fortified food to the patients suffering from thalassemia and sickle cell anaemia.
5. Improving health care services- Improvement of access and utilization of prenatal and postnatal health care services must be prioritized. It would play a significant role in curbing undernutrition among children through
comprehensive awareness programs and community participation.
| Read More- Down to Earth UPSC Syllabus- GS 2- Issues related to poverty and hunger |
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