During India’s 75th Independence Day celebrations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the critical need to combat malnutrition and ensure that every citizen, particularly the underprivileged, has access to nutritious food. This vision is central to building a healthier and stronger India. In line with this goal, the Government of India has taken significant steps to improve the nation’s nutritional well-being. A recent decision by the Cabinet to distribute fortified rice under all government welfare schemes is a major milestone in advancing this mission.
The Cabinet has approved the continuation of the rice fortification initiative under government welfare programs until December 2028. This decision involves extending the universal supply of fortified rice to vulnerable populations under programs like the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), which aims to provide enhanced nutrition. Fortified rice is enriched with essential micronutrients such as iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12, following standards set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). The initiative, which began in 2020 as a pilot project in 15 states, has already made substantial progress, with over 406 lakh metric tonnes of fortified rice distributed through the Public Distribution System (PDS) by March 2024.
Since the launch of the rice fortification pilot scheme in 15 states in 2020, the program has seen significant progress
Government of India
The approval extends the rice fortification initiative beyond June 2024, with full funding provided by the Government of India. The cost will be covered under the existing allocation of ₹11,79,859 crore from the PMGKAY Scheme, demonstrating the government’s commitment to improving the health of the population. With an estimated annual budget of ₹2,565 crore, the initiative aims to avert 16.6 million Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) per year, potentially saving the economy ₹49,800 crore annually in healthcare costs.
The universal supply of fortified rice is expected to have a significant impact on reducing micronutrient deficiencies in the population. According to a meta-analysis conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO), rice fortification can reduce the risk of iron deficiency by up to 35%. This is especially important in India, where rice is a staple for around 65% of the population, making it an ideal medium for delivering essential nutrients. The fortification process involves adding Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK) to regular rice, helping improve the nutritional intake of millions, particularly those most vulnerable to malnutrition.
Since 2016, the government has been working toward the goal of mandating rice fortification across all welfare programs. The Ministry of Women and Child Development (MoWCD) initiated efforts to address malnutrition and anemia, particularly among children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. This led to a task force recommending mandatory fortification of rice in government schemes, and phased implementation began in 2016.
According to the World Health Organization's meta-analysis, rice fortification can reduce the risk of iron deficiency by 35%
World Health Organization, meta-analysis report
By 2022, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved a phased national rollout of fortified rice under the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) and other welfare schemes. This national rollout has been a key part of the government’s efforts to combat malnutrition. As of March 2024, 100% coverage of fortified rice distribution has been achieved, replacing custom-milled rice in all government welfare programs.
The journey toward universal rice fortification has involved multiple stages of expansion. In 2018, the NITI Aayog, the Food Corporation of India (FCI), and the Department of Food & Public Distribution advocated for fortifying rice and wheat flour in government programs like the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and the Mid-Day Meal (MDM) scheme. This recommendation eventually led to the inclusion of fortified staples in programs such as ICDS, PM POSHAN, and the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS).
In Phase I (2021-2022), fortified rice was introduced in ICDS and PM POSHAN, followed by its inclusion in TPDS and Other Welfare Schemes (OWS) in 291 districts in Phase II (2022-2023). The final phase, completed by March 2024, saw the extension of fortified rice distribution to the remaining districts in the country.
Food fortification has been a widely used tool globally to address micronutrient deficiencies and combat malnutrition. According to the 2008 Copenhagen Consensus, food fortification ranks among the top three priorities for developing nations. In India, the success of food fortification is exemplified by iodized salt, which has played a significant role in reducing iodine deficiency and related diseases like goiter.
Despite these successes, micronutrient deficiencies remain a prevalent issue in India. The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), conducted between 2019 and 2021, highlighted the persistence of anemia and other deficiencies such as Vitamin B12 and folic acid, which continue to affect the health and productivity of large segments of the population. Fortified rice, enriched with essential vitamins and minerals, is a key intervention in addressing these deficiencies and improving overall public health.
The distribution of fortified rice is just one component of India’s broader efforts to enhance nutrition. The government has launched various programs to address malnutrition and promote healthy living, particularly for vulnerable populations.
One such program is the POSHAN Abhiyaan, launched in 2018 to improve nutritional outcomes for children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. The initiative includes Poshan Maah and Poshan Pakhwada, which aim to raise awareness about nutrition and healthy eating practices. The 2024 Poshan Maah focused on promoting dietary diversity and educating communities about locally available nutritious foods.
Another key initiative is the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), which provides financial assistance to pregnant women and lactating mothers. This scheme helps ensure that women can access proper nutrition and rest during pregnancy, thereby reducing the risk of malnutrition for both mothers and infants.
The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), launched in 1975, is an umbrella scheme that provides supplementary nutrition to children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. This program has been instrumental in improving the health and nutritional status of millions across the country.
India’s continued efforts to combat malnutrition and enhance nutritional well-being have taken a significant step forward with the approval of the fortified rice initiative. By expanding the distribution of fortified rice under all government welfare programs, the government is ensuring that millions of vulnerable citizens receive the essential nutrients they need to lead healthier lives. As India strives to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 2—ending malnutrition in all its forms—the rice fortification program represents a critical intervention in the fight against nutritional anemia and micronutrient deficiencies.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Yash Kamble/MSM)
