FORTIFIED RICE INITIATIVE
On October 9, 2024, the Union Cabinet of India extended the universal supply of fortified rice in all central government schemes providing free food grain under the National Food Security Act, 2021, until December 2028. This decision aims to combat anaemia and micronutrient deficiencies among the population.
WHAT IS FORTIFIED RICE?
Fortified rice refers to rice that has been enriched with essential micronutrients—such as iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12—to enhance its nutritional value and provide health benefits, particularly to vulnerable populations.
Importance of Rice Fortification
- High Malnutrition Rates: India faces significant malnutrition challenges, particularly among women and children. According to government data:
- Every 2nd woman in India is anaemic.
- 1 in 3 children is stunted.
- National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) indicates widespread anaemia across age groups and income levels, exacerbated by deficiencies in vitamins and minerals.
Rice is a staple food for about two-thirds of the Indian population (with per capita consumption of 6.8 kg/month), fortifying rice provides a feasible method to supplement diets and combat malnutrition.
RICE FORTIFICATION PROCESS
The process of fortifying rice can be achieved through several technologies, with extrusion being the most effective. Here’s how it works:
- Mixing Ingredients: Dry rice flour is blended with a premix of micronutrients and water.
- Extrusion: This mixture is processed in a twin-screw extruder, producing Fortified Rice Kernels (FRKs) that closely resemble regular rice.
- Drying and Packaging: The kernels are dried, cooled, and packaged, with a shelf life of at least 12 months.
- Blending: FRKs are mixed with regular rice at a ratio of 10 g of FRK per kg of rice.
NUTRITIONAL COMPOSITION
According to FSSAI norms, fortified rice typically contains:
- Iron: 28 mg – 42.5 mg
- Folic Acid: 75 – 125 micrograms
- Vitamin B12: 0.75 – 1.25 micrograms
Additional nutrients that may be included are zinc, vitamin A, various B vitamins, and more.
COOKING & CONSUMPTION
Fortified rice can be cooked and consumed just like regular rice. It should be washed and prepared in the usual manner. After cooking, it retains its micronutrient content and physical properties.
- Packaging includes a ‘+F’ logo and the statement “Fortified with Iron, Folic Acid, and Vitamin B12,” indicating its enriched status.
PROGRESS ON FORTIFICATION INITIATIVE
- Announcement: The fortification initiative was first highlighted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his 2015 Independence Day speech, with a target to fortify rice distributed under various government schemes by 2024.
- Implementation Phases:
- Phase 1 (Completed by March 2022): Covered Integrated Child Development Services and PM POSHAN.
- Phase 2 (Completed by March 2023): Extended to the Public Distribution System (PDS) and welfare schemes in 112 Aspirational Districts.
- Phase 3 (Target by March 2024): Aims for universal coverage across all districts.
FINANCIAL ASPECTS
- The estimated cost for rice fortification is around ₹2,700 crore per annum, which is less than 2% of India’s total food subsidy bill.
- Since 2019-20, approximately 406 lakh metric tonnes of fortified rice have been distributed through the PDS.
- There are 925 fortified rice manufacturers in India, capable of producing 111 LMT per annum, with the blending capacity across mills reaching 223 LMT
- The government has invested ₹11,000 crore in developing the fortified rice supply chain.
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