Source: PIB
Context: The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of universal supply of fortified rice under all government schemes till December 2028 with 100% central funding of ₹17,082 crore.
About Fortified Rice Scheme:
What it is
- A nutrition intervention programme to supply rice fortified with Iron, Folic Acid, and Vitamin B12 through government food safety nets.
- Aims to combat anaemia, malnutrition, and hidden hunger in India.
Started in
- Pilot phase launched in 2019.
- National scale-up approved in 2022 for universal coverage.
Nodal Ministry & Agency
- Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD) under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.
- Technical standards framed by FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India).
- Public Distribution System (PDS) – fortified rice distributed through ration shops.
- PM POSHAN (Mid-Day Meal) – fortified staples in school meals to address child anaemia.
- Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) – supply for children and women beneficiaries.
- Special Nutrition Initiatives – distribution under Wheat-Based Nutrition Programme (WBNP) and Scheme for Adolescent Girls (SAG).
- Universal Coverage: By March 2024, fortified rice replaced normal rice in all central schemes.
- Nutritional Focus: Added Iron, Folic Acid, and Vitamin B12 to address anaemia, neurological, and cognitive deficiencies.
- Cost Coverage: Entire fortification cost borne by Government of India.
- Complementary Fortified Foods: Guidelines promote use of Double Fortified Salt (DFS) and fortified edible oil in PM POSHAN.
- Multi-Sectoral Convergence: Linked with Anemia Mukt Bharat (2018) and nutrition awareness drives.
- Monitoring: States and UTs to ensure quality, compliance, and proper distribution.
- Partnerships: Supported by NDDB Foundation for Nutrition (Gift Milk Programme) to enhance complementary nutrition in schools.
