GUWAHATI: The Union Cabinet recently approved the continuation of the distribution of ‘fortified rice’ under schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) and other welfare schemes. This extension was issued from July 2024 until December 2028.
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This effort comes as part of a broader strategy to address nutritional deficiencies, particularly iron deficiency, which affects millions across the country. As scientific evidence confirms that iron-fortified rice is safe for all individuals, the initiative involves the distribution of rice fortified with iron and other essential nutrients.
Previously, as per the Food Safety and Standards (Fortification of Foods) Regulations, 2018, packaging of fortified rice in India carried a health advisory for individuals with Thalassemia and Sickle Cell Anaemia. However, a working group established in 2023 by the Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD) reassessed this advisory and found it unnecessary based on extensive research.
Following this report, a committee chaired by the Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) conducted a thorough review of global labelling practices and iron metabolism studies. They found no evidence to suggest that iron-fortified rice poses health risks to individuals with hemoglobinopathies.
India's rice fortification initiative began in 2019 as a pilot project and has since scaled up significantly. States like Jharkhand and Maharashtra distribute fortified rice to over 2,64,000 beneficiaries each.
The government has set an annual target of procuring 520 Lakh Metric Tons (LMT) of fortified rice under PMGKAY.