Cabinet Approves Extension of Fortified Rice Supply Under All Government Schemes Until 2028

The rice fortification initiative will be funded 100% by the Government of India as part of PMGKAY under the Food Subsidy scheme, maintaining a unified framework for implementation.

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the continued universal supply of fortified rice under all government welfare schemes, including Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) and Other Welfare Schemes, from July 2024 to December 2028. This initiative aligns with the government's mission to improve nutritional security and tackle widespread micronutrient deficiencies, especially anaemia, which remains a pressing public health issue in India.

The rice fortification initiative will be funded 100% by the Government of India as part of PMGKAY under the Food Subsidy scheme, maintaining a unified framework for implementation. This decision echoes the Prime Minister’s Independence Day address on the importance of ensuring nutritional security for the nation, furthering the government's efforts to address deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals.

Universal Coverage Achieved by March 2024

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) initially approved the rice fortification program in April 2022, aiming for universal coverage by March 2024 through a phased approach. Fortified rice, enriched with micronutrients such as Iron, Folic Acid, and Vitamin B12, was gradually introduced across the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), and PM POSHAN (formerly the Mid-Day Meal scheme). By the deadline, the government achieved its target of ensuring fortified rice supply in all states and Union Territories (UTs) under these schemes.

Addressing Widespread Anaemia and Nutrient Deficiency

According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) conducted between 2019 and 2021, anaemia remains highly prevalent across India, affecting children, women, and men across various age groups and income levels. Iron deficiency, along with vitamin and mineral deficiencies such as Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid, has impacted the overall health and productivity of the population.

India has been grappling with the long-term consequences of micronutrient malnutrition, leading to impaired cognitive development, weakened immunity, and reduced work capacity. To counter these challenges, the government has chosen food fortification as a practical and scalable solution.

Why Fortified Rice?

Rice, consumed by about 65% of India’s population, is a staple food, making it an effective vehicle for delivering essential micronutrients to vulnerable populations. Fortified Rice Kernels (FRKs), enriched with essential nutrients, are blended with Custom Milled Rice to provide the nutritional boost necessary to reduce widespread deficiencies. The process of fortifying rice has been globally recognized as safe and effective, with standards for nutrient addition set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

Global and Domestic Relevance

Fortified rice distribution is part of a broader, global trend of food fortification, recognized by experts as one of the safest, most effective, and least expensive methods to improve public health. Countries around the world have successfully used this approach to combat hidden hunger, or micronutrient malnutrition, especially among low-income and vulnerable populations.

India’s leadership in adopting fortified rice nationwide underlines its commitment to addressing anaemia and micronutrient deficiencies, which continue to hinder the growth and well-being of millions. Prime Minister Modi’s vision of ensuring access to nutritional food for all goes hand-in-hand with other welfare initiatives aimed at improving healthcare and raising the standard of living for the poorest sections of society.

Future Focus and National Impact

By extending the fortified rice initiative until December 2028, the government aims to create a lasting impact on the country’s public health landscape. The continuation of fortified rice in welfare schemes will support the fight against malnutrition while ensuring that vulnerable populations have consistent access to essential nutrients. This long-term commitment will help India achieve better health outcomes, reduce healthcare costs related to deficiency diseases, and improve the quality of life for millions of its citizens.

The fortified rice initiative reflects the government’s broader efforts to build a healthier, more productive society through sustainable nutrition solutions integrated into existing welfare programs, reaffirming India’s dedication to its nutritional security goals.