With the Union Cabinet approving the continuation of the initiative to provide fortified rice under all schemes of Government, including Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) and Other Welfare Schemes etc. in its present form, from July 2024 and up to December 2028, the Centre is continuing the ambitious initiative as a complementary strategy to combat micronutrient deficiencies in the country. It’s important to note that scientific evidence supports the safety of fortified rice for all, including individuals suffering from haemoglobinopathies such as Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anaemia, providing reassurance and confidence in the initiative.
India’s rice fortification program, which began in 2019 as a pilot program and was subsequently scaled up in a 3-phased manner, has gained global recognition. It is a practice aligned with the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO), and according to WHO’s 2018 recommendations, rice fortification with iron is essential in countries where rice is a staple food. With 65% of its population consuming rice daily, India’s iron-fortified rice program is relevant and a source of pride.
The rice fortification ecosystem in India has expanded significantly. Of 30,000 operational rice mills, more than 21,000 have installed blending equipment, with a total capacity of 223 LMT of fortified rice per month. Testing infrastructure has also grown, with numerous NABL-accredited labs across India conducting rigorous quality checks on fortified rice.
Rice fortification is a well-established global practice. According to the Global Fortification Data Exchange, 18 countries actively allow rice fortification, 147 support salt fortification, 105 have adopted wheat flour fortification, 43 endorse oil fortification, and 21 promote the fortification of maize flour.
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