What is rice fortification?

• Rice fortification is the deliberate addition of essential micronutrients like iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12 to rice.
• This is done to improve the nutritional quality of rice and address micronutrient deficiencies in the population.

Why is rice fortification needed?

• India has high levels of malnutrition, especially among women and children.
• Rice is a staple food in India, consumed by two-thirds of the population.
• Fortifying rice can help supplement the diet of the poor and reduce micronutrient deficiencies.

How is rice fortified?

• There are different technologies for fortifying rice, such as coating, dusting, and extrusion.
• Extrusion is considered the most suitable technology for India.
• In extrusion, rice flour is mixed with micronutrients and passed through an extruder machine to produce fortified rice kernels.

Government’s role in rice fortification:

• The government has been implementing the rice fortification initiative in a phased manner.
• The initiative has been extended until 2028.
• The government has provided financial support for the development of the fortified rice supply chain.

Impact of rice fortification:

• The initiative has been successful in reducing micronutrient deficiencies.
• It has improved health outcomes, especially among vulnerable populations.
• It has contributed to women’s empowerment and child development.

Challenges and solutions:

• The cost of rice fortification is relatively low compared to the overall food subsidy bill.
• The government has been working on increasing awareness and acceptance of fortified rice.

Investments have been made to strengthen the fortified rice supply chain.