12 Nov 2024        10:29:24 am

Government Schemes

Fortified Rice

Tags : Fortified Rice

Topic: Nutrition

Why in the news?

• The Union Cabinet approved the continuation of fortified rice distribution under the food security law and other welfare schemes until December 2028, which may cumulatively cost the government over ₹17,000 crore since the fortification programme began in 2022.

Source: The Hindu Business Line

About Fortified Rice:

• Fortification is the process of adding nutrients to food products that are not naturally present or are present in insufficient amounts.
• Fortification of rice can be done by coating the rice grains with a premix of micronutrients, or by producing extruded rice kernels that are enriched with micronutrients and then blended with regular rice.
• According to Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) norms, 1 kg fortified rice shall contain iron (28 mg-42.5 mg), folic acid (75-125 microgram) and Vitamin B-12 (0.75-1.25 microgram).
• Benefits:
  • According to the World Health Organization (WHO), fortification of rice with micronutrients can be an effective, simple and inexpensive strategy to improve the nutritional status and health outcomes of populations that consume rice regularly. Some of the benefits of iron fortification of rice are:
  • Improved Cognitive Development: Iron plays a crucial role in brain development and function.
  • Adequate iron intake during early childhood is essential for optimal cognitive development and learning abilities.
  • By fortifying rice with iron, particularly in regions where rice is a primary dietary staple, the potential for cognitive impairment due to iron deficiency can be reduced, leading to improved cognitive performance and better educational outcomes.
  • Enhanced Maternal and Infant Health: Anemia is prevalent among pregnant women and can increase the risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
  • Iron fortification of rice can help improve the iron status of pregnant women, reducing the occurrence of maternal anemia and the associated risks. Additionally, adequate iron intake during pregnancy is essential for fetal development and can contribute to healthy birth outcomes.

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