Context:

Recently, the Union Cabinet has approved the extension of free fortified rice distribution under various welfare schemes until December 2028 to combat anaemia and nutritional deficiencies.

More on the News: 

• The initiative, which was previously set to conclude in March 2024, will continue as a Central sector scheme with complete funding from the Central Government. 
• The extension aims to strengthen nutritional security through the distribution of fortified rice across multiple welfare programs.

Key Features of Rice Fortification Program:

• Implementation Strategy: The fortified rice distribution covers major welfare schemes including the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), Integrated Child Development Service (ICDS), and Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM POSHAN) across all States and Union Territories, ensuring widespread accessibility to nutritionally enhanced staples.

                   The three flagship schemes have been able to reach 800 million vulnerable people in India, especially women and children.

• Nutritional Impact: According to the National Family Health Survey (2019-2021), anaemia remains a significant health challenge in India, affecting various demographic groups. 

                  The fortification program specifically targets deficiencies in Iron, Folic Acid, and Vitamin B12.

• Technical Specifications: The fortification process involves adding fortified rice kernels (FRKs) to regular custom-milled rice. The process follows strict standards set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), ensuring consistent nutritional enhancement.

Significance of the Program: 

• The program's extension recognizes that rice, being the staple food for 65% of India's population, serves as an ideal vehicle for delivering essential micronutrients. 
• India integrated staple food fortification into the POSHAN Abhiyan, emphasizing mandatory iron and folic acid fortification in public health programs alongside other interventions under the Anemia Mukt Bharat (AMB) initiative.
• According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) -5 (2019-2021), 67.1% of children aged 6-59 months, 59.1% of adolescent girls (15- 19 years), and 57.2% of women of reproductive age (15-49 years) are still anaemic.

Conclusion: 

The continuation of this program until 2028 represents a significant step toward achieving comprehensive nutritional security in India. The initiative's success will depend on effective implementation, monitoring, and public awareness about the benefits of consuming fortified rice.