Why in the news?

  • The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of universal supply of fortified rice under all government schemes till December 2028 with 100% central funding.

Fortified Rice Scheme

  • What is it?
    • 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
    • 2019: Pilot phase in 15 districts.
    • 2022: National scale-up approved for universal coverage.
  • Ministry: Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD), Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution.
  • Components
    • Public Distribution System (PDS): Fortified rice via ration shops.
    • PM POSHAN (Mid-Day Meal): Fortified staples in school meals to fight child anaemia.
    • ICDS (Anganwadi services): Supply for children, pregnant & lactating women.
    • Special Nutrition Initiatives: Wheat-Based Nutrition Programme (WBNP) and Scheme for Adolescent Girls (SAG).
  • Features
    • Universal Coverage: By March 2024, fortified rice replaced normal rice in all central schemes.
    • Nutritional Focus: Added Iron, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 to address anaemia, neurological & cognitive deficiencies.
    • Cost Coverage: Entire fortification cost borne by Government of India.
    • Complementary Foods: Encourages use of Double Fortified Salt (DFS) and fortified edible oil in PM POSHAN.
    • Convergence: Linked with Anaemia Mukt Bharat (2018) and Poshan Abhiyaan.
    • Monitoring: Quality control & compliance ensured by States/UTs with central oversight.
    • Partnerships: Supported by NDDB Foundation for Nutrition (Gift Milk Programme) for complementary school nutrition.