Extension of Free Fortified Rice Supply

Source: This post on Extension of Free Fortified Rice Supply has been created based on the article “Fortified Rice under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) “ published in PIB on 9^th October 2024.

Why in news?

The Union Cabinet has recently approved the continuation of free fortified rice distribution under various government schemes from July 2024 until December 2028. This includes the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) and other welfare programs.

About the initiative

1. The initiative will operate as a central sector scheme, fully funded by the Government of India. It will ensure a streamlined institutional framework to distribute fortified rice through all relevant schemes.

2. Alignment with Nutritional Security Goals: The fortified rice initiative supports the government’s Anaemia Mukt Bharat strategy. This step contributes towards achieving nutritional security nationwide by addressing anaemia and micronutrient deficiencies.

3. Nationwide Coverage: The initiative includes supply of fortified rice under the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), Integrated Child Development Service (ICDS), and PM POSHAN in all States and Union Territories. This broad coverage aims to improve nutrition for vulnerable populations across India.

4. Completion of Phases and Universal Coverage: As of March 2024, the three-phase implementation plan of fortified rice distribution was completed, achieving universal coverage across all targeted government schemes.

5. The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) from 2019-2021 underscores the widespread prevalence of anaemia and other nutrient deficiencies in India. Fortified rice, enriched with iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12, helps tackle these issues.

6. Significance of Rice Fortification: Fortified rice serves as an effective method for delivering essential nutrients, particularly in India, where 65% of the population consumes rice as a staple.

The process involves blending Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK) with standard rice, meeting standards set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

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