)
The Central government has extended the free distribution of fortified rice until 2028, with a budget allocation of Rs 17,082 crore. This initiative aims to combat anaemia and micronutrient deficiencies in various segments of the population, particularly focusing on children, women, and men across different age groups and income levels.
Nutritional Benefits of Fortified Rice
Fortified rice is enriched with essential nutrients, including:
- Iron
- Folic Acid
- Vitamin B12
These nutrients are crucial as they are often deficient in the diets of many Indians.
Government Decisions
The decision to extend the program was made during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The process of rice fortification involves the addition of Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK) enriched with micronutrients as per the standards set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).
Funding and Implementation
- Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Information & Broadcasting Minister, stated that the total financial implication for supplying free fortified rice will be fully funded by the Centre.
- The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of the universal supply of fortified rice under all government schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), from July 2024 to December 2028.
- The initiative will be implemented as a central sector initiative with 100% funding from the central government, ensuring a unified institutional mechanism for its execution.
Alignment with National Goals
This initiative aligns with the Prime Minister’s address on the 75th Independence Day, highlighting the need for Nutritional Security in the country. The government aims to supply fortified rice throughout:
- The Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS)
- Other welfare schemes
- Integrated Child Development Service (ICDS)
- PM POSHAN (formerly known as MDM)
Phased Implementation
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), in April 2022, decided to implement the rice fortification initiative in a phased manner by March 2024. All three phases have been successfully completed, achieving the target of universal coverage for fortified rice in all government schemes.
Addressing Anaemia in India
According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) conducted between 2019 and 2021, anaemia remains a significant health issue in India, affecting children, women, and men across various demographics. The survey indicated:
- Widespread iron deficiency
- Other vitamin and mineral deficiencies, particularly Vitamin B12 and folic acid, which adversely affect the health and productivity of the population.
Importance of Rice Fortification
Food fortification is a globally recognized safe and effective method to tackle anaemia and micronutrient malnutrition, especially among vulnerable populations. Given that 65% of India’s population consumes rice as a staple food, rice is deemed an ideal vehicle for delivering micronutrients.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
1. Until what year has the Central government extended the free distribution of fortified rice?
a) 2025
b) 2026
c) 2028
d) 2030
Answer: c) 2028
2. What is the total budget allocated for the fortified rice initiative?
a) Rs 10,000 crore
b) Rs 15,000 crore
c) Rs 17,082 crore
d) Rs 20,000 crore
Answer: c) Rs 17,082 crore
3. Which essential nutrients are added to fortified rice?
a) Calcium and Magnesium
b) Iron, Folic Acid, and Vitamin B12
c) Protein and Fiber
d) Carbohydrates and Sugars
Answer: b) Iron, Folic Acid, and Vitamin B12
4. Which minister announced that the total financial implication for supplying free fortified rice will be fully funded by the Centre?
a) Nirmala Sitharaman
b) Ashwini Vaishnaw
c) Smriti Irani
d) Piyush Goyal
Answer: b) Ashwini Vaishnaw
5. According to the NFHS-5, anaemia affects which demographics in India?
a) Only children
b) Only women
c) Children, women, and men across various age groups
d) Only the elderly
Answer: c) Children, women, and men across various age groups