Prime Minister Modi’s Cabinet Approves Fortified Rice Supply Until 2028
The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has decided to continue the universal supply of fortified rice under various government schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), from July 2024 to December 2028. This initiative aims to combat anaemia and micronutrient deficiencies in India.
Details of the Initiative
Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that the rice fortification initiative will be fully funded by the central government. It will be implemented through the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), Other Welfare Schemes, Integrated Child Development Service (ICDS), and PM POSHAN across all States and Union Territories.
The initiative aligns with Prime Minister Modi’s focus on nutritional security. The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs had previously decided to implement this initiative nationwide by March 2024, and the target was achieved successfully.
Addressing Nutritional Deficiencies
The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) highlighted widespread anaemia in India, affecting people of all ages and income levels. Fortified rice, enriched with iron, folic acid, and Vitamin B12, is seen as a solution to these deficiencies. Rice is a staple food for 65% of India’s population, making it an ideal vehicle for delivering these nutrients.
Financial and Operational Aspects
The initiative will cost Rs 17,082 crore from July 2024 to December 2028, benefiting 80 crore citizens. An investment of Rs 11,000 crore has been made to develop the supply chain. A total of 27 NABL labs will test Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK), and 11 labs will test vitamin-mineral pre-mixes.
Doubts Revealed
Fortified Rice -: Fortified rice is rice that has been enhanced with extra vitamins and minerals, like iron and vitamin A, to make it healthier. This helps people get the nutrients they might not get from their regular diet.
Union Cabinet -: The Union Cabinet is a group of top leaders in the Indian government, led by the Prime Minister. They make important decisions about how the country is run.
Anaemia -: Anaemia is a health condition where a person doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen around the body. It can make people feel tired and weak.
Micronutrient Deficiencies -: Micronutrient deficiencies occur when people don’t get enough essential vitamins and minerals in their diet. This can lead to health problems, especially in children and pregnant women.
Welfare Schemes -: Welfare schemes are programs run by the government to help people in need. They provide support like food, money, or healthcare to improve people’s lives.
States and Union Territories -: India is divided into States and Union Territories. States have their own governments, while Union Territories are governed directly by the central government.
Rs 17,082 crore -: Rs 17,082 crore is a large amount of money, where ‘Rs’ stands for Indian Rupees, the currency of India. This money will be used to fund the fortified rice initiative.
80 crore citizens -: 80 crore citizens means 800 million people. This is a huge number, showing that the initiative will help a lot of people in India.
