The Government of India has decided to continue giving fortified rice in all food security schemes until December 2028. For this, the government will spend ₹17,082 crore. Fortified rice means rice that has been enriched with iron, folic acid and vitamin B12. These nutrients help fight anaemia and other health problems caused by lack of micronutrients. The project started as a pilot in 2019 and by March 2024, all rice distributed under government schemes was replaced with fortified rice.
PM POSHAN Scheme Provides Nutritious Meals to Children
Under the PM POSHAN scheme, schools across India are now using fortified rice to prepare mid-day meals. The government pays the entire cost of fortification. Along with fortified rice, schools are advised to use double fortified salt, which helps prevent anaemia and goitre, and fortified edible oil, which prevents vitamin A and D deficiencies. These efforts ensure that children receive healthier meals, which support their overall physical and mental growth.
NDDB Gift Milk Programme for Students
The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) is also helping in the fight against malnutrition through its Gift Milk Programme. This programme provides fortified milk to school children with the support of donations and CSR funding. Recently, about 7.10 lakh litres of milk were given to nearly 41,700 children in 257 schools across 11 states. The programme not only supplies nutrition but also spreads awareness about the importance of milk in a healthy diet.
Fortified Rice for Women and Girls
The Ministry of Women and Child Development has also adopted fortified rice in its nutrition programmes. Since 2021–22, fortified rice has been distributed under the Wheat Based Nutrition Programme (WBNP) and the Scheme for Adolescent Girls (SAG). These measures, announced after the Prime Minister’s Independence Day address in 2021, aim to fight malnutrition and anaemia among women and children by addressing deficiencies of key micronutrients such as iron, folic acid and vitamin B12.
Role of Food Processing Sector
The Ministry of Food Processing Industries is also supporting the nutrition mission by improving the food processing system in India. Through schemes like PM Kisan SAMPADA Yojana, the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Food Processing Industry, and the PM Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises scheme, the ministry is building modern food infrastructure, reducing wastage, creating jobs and helping farmers get better returns.
By extending the fortified rice scheme till 2028, the government has shown its strong commitment to reducing malnutrition and anaemia. With fortified food in schools, women’s programmes and milk initiatives, India is moving towards a healthier future. These efforts are expected to improve the nutrition and well-being of millions of people, especially children and women.
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