India to Distribute Only Fortified Rice Nationwide Until 2028
14 October 2024, New Delhi: The Government of India has taken a significant step towards combating malnutrition by extending the distribution of fortified rice under all welfare schemes until December 2028. The decision ensures that all rice provided through programs like the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) will be fortified with essential nutrients like iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12. The initiative, fully funded by the government, aims to address widespread issues like anemia and micronutrient deficiencies. The program is projected to improve nutrition for millions, reducing the risk of iron deficiency by 35%, and preventing an estimated 16.6 million Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) annually.
Fortification in India has been a successful method to improve the health of the population, with notable achievements in reducing iodine deficiencies through iodized salt. Rice fortification began as a pilot project in 15 states in 2020, and by March 2024, 100% coverage was achieved across the country. This initiative is in line with India’s larger nutritional goals, enhancing the quality of food for vulnerable populations, including children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.
To support the continued progress of the program, several other key nutrition schemes have been running in parallel. These include POSHAN Abhiyaan, which promotes holistic nourishment and healthy eating habits, and the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), offering financial support to improve nutrition for pregnant and lactating women. The government’s efforts also encompass supplementary nutrition through Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM POSHAN), a revamped version of the Mid-Day Meal Scheme that focuses on school children’s nutrition.
The focus on fortified rice as part of government schemes is a key component of India’s strategy to meet Sustainable Development Goal 2, which aims to end malnutrition in all its forms. This initiative not only improves health outcomes but also leads to significant economic savings by reducing healthcare costs associated with malnutrition. Through fortifying rice and integrating better nutrition into public distribution, India continues to move toward a healthier, stronger future for its population.
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