The Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Union Cabinet on Wednesday (October 9, 2024) approved the continuation of supply of free fortified rice under various welfare programmes from July 2024 to December 2028. Also Read | Fortified rice key to address malnutrition: ExpertsThe free fortified rice will be provided under programmes such as Targeted Public Distribution System, Integrated Child Development Service, PM POSHAN, in all the States and Union Territories. “All three phases have been successfully completed and the target of universal coverage to supply fortified rice in all schemes of the government was achieved by March 2024. “Rice is an ideal vehicle for supplying micronutrients in the Indian context as 65% of India’s population consumes rice as a staple food. Rice fortification involves the addition of fortified rice kernels enriched with micronutrients (Iron, Folic Acid, Vitamin B 12) as per standards prescribed by FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) to regular rice (custom milled rice),” it said.

Source: The Hindu October 09, 2024 18:04 UTC