In News:

The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of the universal supply of fortified rice under all government food safety net schemes till December 2028, with 100% central funding of ?17,082 crore. This initiative is part of India’s broader strategy to combat anaemia, malnutrition, and hidden hunger, which remain major public health challenges.

Evolution of the Scheme

• 2018: Launch of Anemia Mukt Bharat (AMB) initiative by MoHFW, emphasising fortified foods.
• 2019: Pilot project for rice fortification introduced in select districts.
• 2022: Government approved national scale-up of fortified rice across welfare schemes.
• March 2024: Fortified rice fully replaced normal rice in all central schemes.
• 2025: Cabinet approved extension till 2028, ensuring continuity with dedicated funding.

Nodal Ministries & Agencies

• Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD) under Ministry of Consumer Affairs → implementing agency.
• FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) → sets fortification standards.
• Convergence with Ministry of Education, MoHFW, Ministry of Women and Child Development, and NDDB Foundation for Nutrition.

Components of the Programme

1. Public Distribution System (PDS): Fortified rice supplied through ration shops.
2. PM POSHAN (Mid-Day Meal): Fortified rice used in school meals; guidelines also promote Double Fortified Salt (DFS) and fortified edible oil.
3. Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS): Supplies fortified staples to children and women.
4. Special Schemes: Distribution under Wheat-Based Nutrition Programme (WBNP) and Scheme for Adolescent Girls (SAG).
5. Complementary Nutrition Initiatives:NDDB’s Gift Milk Programme has provided 7.1 lakh litres of fortified milk, benefitting 41,700 children in 257 schools across 11 states.

Nutritional Focus

• Micronutrients in Fortified Rice: Iron, Folic Acid, and Vitamin B12 → combat iron-deficiency anaemia, support neurological and cognitive health.
• Double Fortified Salt (DFS): Prevents anaemia and goitre.
• Fortified Edible Oil: Provides Vitamins A & D, preventing deficiencies.

Key Features

• Universal Coverage: Fortified rice supplied across all central schemes.
• Cost Coverage: Entire fortification cost borne by the Government of India.
• Monitoring & Accountability: States/UTs tasked with ensuring quality and compliance.
• Multi-Sectoral Approach: Linked with nutrition awareness campaigns and Anemia Mukt Bharat.
• Private & CSR Partnerships: NFN mobilises funds and awareness through CSR and donations.

Wider Context – Food Processing Linkages

The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) supports complementary schemes like:

• PM Kisan SAMPADA Yojana (PMKSY)
• PLI Scheme for Food Processing Industry (PLISFPI)
• PM Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME)

These aim to improve supply chains, reduce wastage, and enhance processing levels – strengthening nutrition outcomes alongside fortification.