The distribution of fortified rice under various government schemes including Public Distribution System (PDS) and Mid-Day-Meal scheme by 2024 is announced to fight against the malnutrition and for the development of the country.
Context
The distribution of fortified rice under various government schemes including Public Distribution System (PDS) and Mid-Day-Meal scheme by 2024 is announced to fight against the malnutrition and for the development of the country.
About the fortified Rice
- Fortified foods are deliberately increasing the content of essential micronutrients to improve the nutritional quality of food and to provide public health benefit with minimal risk to health.
- According to the FSSAI norms, 1 kg fortified rice shall contain:
- iron (28mg-42.5mg)
- folic acid (75-125 microgram)
- Vitamin B-12 (0.75-1.25 microgram)
- Micronutrients: In addition, rice may also be fortified with micronutrients, singly or in combination, at the level– zinc (10mg-15mg), Vitamin A (500-750 microgram RE), Vitamin B1 (1mg-1.5mg), Vitamin B2 (1.25mg-1.75mg), Vitamin B3 (12.5mg-20mg) and Vitamin B6 (1.5mg-2.5mg) per Kg.
Agency
- The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), sets standards for food items in the country for the fortification of food.
Fortification of Rice and its Distribution under Public Distribution System (PDS)
- The centrally sponsored pilot scheme was launched by Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.
- The pilot scheme focuses on 15 districts in 15 states– Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Punjab, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand and Madhya Pradesh.
- Under the scheme, the blending of rice is done at the milling stage.
- The Scheme is funded by the Government of India in the ratio of 90:10 in respect of North Eastern, hilly and island states and 75:25 in respect of the rest.
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