Why in News?
The Central government has decided to “temporarily” discontinue rice fortification under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) and allied schemes after a comprehensive review based on a study from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur.
What are the Recent Developments Regarding Rice Fortification?
- Nutrient Degradation:
- A study by IIT Kharagpur examined how long Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK) and Fortified Rice (FR) can retain their nutrients in different agro-climatic regions. The study found that factors like moisture levels, storage conditions, temperature, humidity, and the type of packaging play a major role in maintaining nutrient stability. Over time, poor storage conditions can cause important micronutrients to gradually decline.
- Storage Cycle and Operational Realities:
- The issue becomes more serious because rice in the central pool is often stored for 2–3 years before distribution. Under PMGKAY, about 37.2 million tonnes of rice are allocated annually, while total projected availability is around 67.4 million tonnes. This large stock means rice remains in storage for longer periods, increasing the chances of nutrient loss during the extended storage cycle.
- Impact on Welfare Schemes and Continuity:
- The government has clarified that this temporary pause in fortified rice distribution will not reduce foodgrain entitlements for beneficiaries. Key welfare schemes such as the Public Distribution System (PDS), Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), and PM Poshan (formerly the Mid-Day Meal Scheme) will continue to operate without disruption.
- Industry Distress:
- The sudden policy decision has created financial stress for rice millers and related industries. Many stakeholders have reported heavy losses on raw materials such as folic acid, broken rice, and premixes that were purchased in advance. Industry representatives have suggested that the policy change should have been implemented in alignment with the next crop season (2026–27) to reduce economic losses.
What is Rice Fortification?
- About:
- Rice fortification means adding important vitamins and minerals to rice after it is harvested and processed. The aim is to improve its nutritional value and help fight hidden hunger, which refers to micronutrient deficiencies. This process does not change the rice’s taste, colour, appearance, or cooking quality.
- Rationale for Fortification:
- Most people consume polished white rice. During milling and polishing, about 75–90% of the rice’s natural vitamins — such as thiamine, niacin, vitamin B6, and vitamin E — are lost. Fortification helps restore these lost nutrients and also adds other essential nutrients that rice does not naturally contain.
- Common Micronutrients Added:
- The main nutrients added to fortified rice usually include iron (to reduce anaemia), folic acid or vitamin B9 (to prevent birth defects like neural tube defects), vitamin B12, zinc, vitamin A, and other B-complex vitamins such as B1, B3, and B6.
- India’s Policy Rollout:
- The nationwide rice fortification initiative was announced by the Prime Minister during the 75th Independence Day celebrations to tackle malnutrition. The first phase began in October 2021, supplying fortified rice through government schemes like the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and the PM Poshan scheme (earlier known as the Mid-Day Meal Scheme).
- Regulatory Standards:
- In India, fortified rice is made by mixing normal rice with specially prepared Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK). The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has set standards for this process. As per these guidelines, rice must be blended with three essential micronutrients: iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12.
Components of Rice Fortification
- Iron:
- A trace mineral key to hemoglobin for oxygen transport. Deficiency causes iron-deficiency anemia, prevalent in women, children, and pregnant women.
- Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin):
- Essential for DNA synthesis and maintaining the myelin sheath (fatty, insulating layer wrapped around nerve fibers). Deficiency causes megaloblastic anemia and neurological symptoms (numbness, memory issues), which can be irreversible. Found primarily in animal products, posing risks for vegetarians.
- Folic Acid (Vitamin B9):
- Crucial for cell growth and preventing neural tube defects in fetuses. Deficiency also causes megaloblastic anemia. Naturally, it is found in green leafy vegetables.
FAQ’s
- What is rice fortification?
Rice fortification is the process of adding important micronutrients such as iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12 to rice during processing. The goal is to improve the nutritional quality of rice and help reduce “hidden hunger” (micronutrient deficiencies) without changing the rice’s taste, appearance, or cooking properties. - Why has the government temporarily discontinued rice fortification?
The government has temporarily stopped rice fortification after a study by IIT Kharagpur showed that micronutrients in fortified rice may gradually degrade when the rice is stored for long periods, especially under different climatic and storage conditions. - What are the key micronutrients required in fortified rice according to FSSAI?
According to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), fortified rice should contain three main micronutrients: iron, folic acid (vitamin B9), and vitamin B12. These nutrients are added by blending regular rice with fortified rice kernels.
