Fortified Rice Scheme: Recommendations by Parliamentary Panel

  • March 13, 2025
  • Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
  • Category: DPN Topics
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Fortified Rice Scheme: Recommendations by Parliamentary Panel

Sub: Schemes

Sec: Agri

Context:

  • The Standing Committee on Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution has recommended the meticulous implementation of the fortified rice distribution scheme across India.
  • The initiative aims to eradicate malnutrition and improve the overall health and well-being of vulnerable populations.

Key Recommendations of the Committee

Implementation of Fortified Rice Distribution

  • The panel emphasized the need for proper implementation, particularly in States where rice is a staple food.
  • It aims to ensure the effective reach of fortified rice to combat malnutrition.

Budget Estimates and Financial Management

  • The report noted discrepancies between revised estimates and actual expenditure under the capital section of the Budget for 2024-25.
  • It recommended the Ministry adopt a more accurate and informed approach while preparing future budget estimates.

Management of Food Subsidy Funds

  • The panel urged the Union Food Ministry to carefully manage and monitor funds allocated for food subsidy.
  • It emphasized ensuring free food grains reach the intended beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) with minimal wastage.

Storage Infrastructure Issues

  • Concern was expressed over the Food Corporation of India (FCI) failing to achieve its physical and financial targets for setting up storage godowns over the past three years.
  • The committee recommended the Centre formulate a strategy to achieve targets and resolve these issues effectively and timely.

Strengthening of Consumer Commissions

  • In a separate report, the committee called for immediate action to fill vacancies in consumer commissions at the State and district levels.
  • Addressing staffing gaps is essential to improve the functioning of the Strengthening of Consumer Commissions (SCC) Scheme.

Food Fortification Program in India

  • Food fortification is the process of adding essential micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals to food items to improve their nutritional quality.
  • In India, fortification is seen as a cost-effective and scalable strategy to combat malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies, particularly among vulnerable populations.

Need for Food Fortification in India

  • India faces a high burden of malnutrition, including deficiencies of iron, vitamin A, iodine, and folic acid.
  • Anemia, stunting, and other health issues related to poor nutrition affect a significant portion of the population, especially children and pregnant women.
  • Fortification helps address hidden hunger, where people consume enough calories but lack essential nutrients.

Major Food Fortification Initiatives in India

Rice Fortification Program

  • The Government of India has launched a fortified rice distribution program under the Public Distribution System (PDS), Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), and Mid-Day Meal (MDM) schemes.
  • Fortified rice contains added iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12 to combat anemia and micronutrient deficiencies.
  • The program was expanded in phases, with a target to provide fortified rice across India by 2024.

Fortification of Edible Oil

  • Edible oil is fortified with vitamins A and D to address deficiencies related to vision and bone health.

Fortification of Salt

  • India has been promoting iodized salt since the 1960s to prevent iodine deficiency disorders (IDD).
  • Double-fortified salt (DFS) with iodine and iron is also promoted to combat anemia and goiter.

Fortification of Milk

  • Milk is fortified with vitamins A and D to tackle deficiencies, particularly in children and lactating mothers.
  • FSSAI has made it mandatory for all major dairy companies to fortify packaged milk.

Wheat Flour (Atta) Fortification

  • Wheat flour (atta) is fortified with iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12 under various government programs.
  • Fortified wheat flour is distributed through PDS and other welfare schemes.

Regulatory Framework for Food Fortification

  • FSSAI has established Food Safety and Standards (Fortification of Foods) Regulations, 2018, which set standards for fortified food products.
  • The +F logo is used to indicate fortified foods in the market.
  • The Food Fortification Resource Centre (FFRC) under FSSAI provides technical support for fortification efforts.
Fortified Rice Scheme: Recommendations by Parliamentary Panel Schemes