Context:
Union Cabinet (Aug 2025) approved universal supply of fortified rice under all government schemes till December 2028.
Outlay: ₹17,082 crore (100% central funding).
About the Scheme
- Objective: Address anaemia, malnutrition, and hidden hunger by adding Iron, Folic Acid, and Vitamin B12 to rice.
- Pilot Launch: 2019
- National Rollout: 2022 for universal coverage.
- Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution (Dept. of Food & Public Distribution – DFPD).
- Standards: Framed by FSSAI.
Coverage & Components
- Public Distribution System (PDS): Fortified rice via ration shops.
- PM POSHAN (Mid-Day Meal): For schoolchildren to curb child anaemia.
- ICDS: For women and children under nutrition programmes.
- Special Nutrition Schemes: Wheat-Based Nutrition Programme (WBNP), Scheme for Adolescent Girls (SAG).
Key Features
- Universal Coverage: Normal rice replaced by fortified rice in all central schemes by March 2024.
- Nutrition Focus: Tackles iron-deficiency anaemia, neurological & cognitive deficiencies.
- Cost: Fully funded by GoI, including fortification expenses.
- Integration: Linked with Anemia Mukt Bharat (2018), DFS (Double Fortified Salt), and fortified edible oils.
- Monitoring: State/UT-level quality checks and compliance mechanisms.
- Partnerships: NDDB Foundation for Nutrition supports complementary nutrition (e.g., Gift Milk Programme).
