Centre temporarily discontinues fortification of rice under PMGKAY
New Delhi, Feb 28
The government has decided to temporarily discontinue fortification of rice until a more robust and effective nutrient delivery mechanism is developed and operationalised.
According to Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, the government reviewed the implementation of rice fortification under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) and other welfare schemes.
This decision of temporary discontinuation of fortification process does not entail any reduction in food-grain entitlements and will not affect operations under the PDS, Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), or the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, it said.
Based on this review, it has been decided to temporarily discontinue the process of rice fortification under PMGKAY and allied schemes until a more effective mechanism for delivery of nutrients to beneficiaries is identified.
According to an official statement, a study was assigned by the government to IIT Kharagpur to assess the shelf life of Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK) and Fortified Rice (FR) under actual storage conditions in diverse agro climatic zones in the country.
The report concluded that factors such as moisture content, storage conditions, temperature, relative humidity and packaging material critically influence the stability and shelf life of FRK and FR.
"They are susceptible to micronutrient reduction and shortening of shelf life during prolonged storage and routine handling. This reduction is rendering the effective shelf life shorter than expected and, in turn, limiting the intended nutritional outcomes," said the government.
Considering procurement volumes and annual offtake, rice remains in storage for two to three years.
Against an annual allocation of 372 LMT under PMGKAY and other welfare scheme, the total availability in the central pool is projected at 674 LMT, including receipts due from KMS 2025-26.
For KMS 2025-26 (Kharif Crop), as well as pending receipts from KMS 2024-25, States/UTs have been given flexibility, as a transitional measure, to supply either fortified rice or non-fortified rice, at their discretion, keeping in view operational and logistical considerations.
— IANS
Reader Comments
This is concerning. The fortified rice scheme was meant to tackle malnutrition, especially in children and pregnant women. A temporary halt is okay, but the government must ensure the new mechanism is rolled out quickly. Nutrition can't wait.
Good that they did a study with IIT Kharagpur and are acting on the findings. Shows a scientific approach. Our diverse climate from Kashmir to Kanyakumari makes storage a real challenge. Hope the new tech is indigenous and cost-effective. 🇮🇳
While I appreciate the transparency about the shelf-life issue, this feels like a step back. Was there not enough pilot testing before a nationwide rollout? This is a basic supply chain problem that should have been anticipated.
At least the food grain entitlement isn't reduced. That's the most important thing for crores of families depending on PDS. The flexibility given to states is also sensible—one size doesn't fit all in a country this big.
The intention was good, but execution seems flawed. Instead of just fortifying rice, can we also look at promoting local, naturally nutritious foods through these schemes? Millets, for example? A more holistic approach is needed.
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