THE CONTEXT: The Indian government has extended the universal supply of fortified rice in central schemes until December 2028, aiming to address widespread malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies. This initiative, which has already achieved universal coverage, involves adding essential micronutrients to rice, a staple food two-thirds of India’s population consumes.
RICE FORTIFICATION: Rice fortification is deliberately increasing the content of essential micronutrients in rice to improve its nutritional quality and provide public health benefits with minimal health risks.
PURPOSE AND NEED:
- To address high levels of malnutrition among women and children in India.
- To combat anemia, which affects every second woman in the country.
- To reduce stunting, which affects every third child.
- To supplement the diets of the poor with micronutrients, as rice is a staple food consumed by about two-thirds of India’s population.
PROCESS OF RICE FORTIFICATION: The preferred technology for rice fortification in India is extrusion, which involves producing fortified rice kernels (FRKs) using an extruder machine.
STEPS:
- Dry rice flour is mixed with a premix of micronutrients.
- Water is added to this mixture.
- The mixture is passed through a twin-screw extruder with heating zones.
- Kernels similar in shape and size to rice are produced.
- These kernels are dried, cooled, and packaged.
- FRKs are blended with regular rice (10g of FRK per 1kg).
MICRONUTRIENTS ADDED: According to FSSAI norms, 1 kg of fortified rice contains:
- Iron (28 mg-42.5 mg)
- Folic acid (75-125 microgram)
- Vitamin B-12 (0.75-1.25 microgram)
Additionally, rice may be fortified with:
- Zinc (10 mg-15 mg)
- Vitamin A (500-750 microgram RE)
- Vitamin B-1 (1 mg-1.5 mg)
- Vitamin B-2 (1.25 mg-1.75 mg)
- Vitamin B-3 (12.5 mg-20 mg)
- Vitamin B-6 (1.5 mg-2.5 mg) per kg
IMPLEMENTATION AND PROGRESS: The rice fortification initiative has been implemented in three phases:
- Phase 1 (completed by March 2022): Covered Integrated Child Development Services and PM POSHAN programs.
- Phase 2 (completed by March 2023): Extended fortified rice supply to PDS and other welfare schemes in 112 Aspirational Districts across 27 states and 291 high-stunting burden districts.
- Phase 3 (completed by March 2024): Covered all remaining districts in India.
As initially planned, the government successfully achieved universal coverage of fortified rice distribution through all central government schemes by March 2024. From the 2019-20 fiscal year through March 31, 2024, approximately 406 lakh metric tonnes (LMT) of fortified rice have been distributed through the Public Distribution System (PDS).
INFRASTRUCTURE:
- 925 fortified rice manufacturers with a capacity of 111 LMT per annum.
- 21,000-odd rice mills equipped with blenders for mixing fortified rice kernels (FRK) with regular rice.
- Installed blenders in these mills have a monthly capacity to produce 223 LMT of fortified rice.
GOVERNMENT INVESTMENT:
- The total cost of rice fortification is approximately Rs 2,700 crore per annum, which is less than 2% of India’s annual total food subsidy bill.
- According to Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Centre has invested Rs 11,000 crore to develop India’s fortified rice supply chain.
- The Union Cabinet has approved a financial allocation of Rs 17,082 crore for the supply of fortified rice under various government schemes from July 2024 to December 2028.
- The Government of India has borne the entire cost of rice fortification as part of the food subsidy until its full implementation.
THE ISSUES:
- Lack of Scientific Evidence: A meta-analysis published in 2019 showed that fortifying rice with iron does not increase the risk of developing anemia or iron deficiency.
- Health Risks: The Director General of the Indian Council for Medical Research mentioned concerns about adverse effects on children’s health.
- Implementation Issues: The pilot scheme launched in 2019 to test fortified rice’s effectiveness was unsuccessful, and many states did not even start the project.
- Ethical Concerns: There is a lack of transparency, with the government not responding to queries about the scheme’s implementation and effectiveness.
- Alternative Approaches Ignored: The government is actively restricting nutrient-dense foods from people’s diets while pushing fortified rice.
- Lack of Proper Consultation and Study: As suggested by NITI Aayog, a baseline study and proper medical evaluation of the target population were not conducted before implementation.
THE WAY FORWARD:
- Conduct Rigorous Scientific Studies: Evaluate the impact on hemoglobin levels, anemia prevalence, and potential side effects over at least 2-3 years. Regular biomarker tests and health surveys should be conducted in areas receiving fortified rice.
- Targeted Fortification Approach: Conduct region-specific nutritional surveys to identify areas with high anemia prevalence. Implement fortified rice distribution only in identified high-risk areas.
- Diversified Nutrition Strategies: Subsidize diverse, nutrient-rich foods like pulses, vegetables, and fruits in the Public Distribution System. Scale up successful nutrition interventions like egg supplementation in mid-day meal schemes.
THE CONCLUSION:
The rice fortification program represents a significant investment in public health, potentially improving nutrition for millions of Indians. As the initiative continues, its impact on reducing anemia and micronutrient deficiencies will be closely monitored to assess its effectiveness in combating malnutrition nationwide.
UPSC PAST YEAR QUESTIONS:
Q.1 There is a growing divergence in the relationship between poverty and hunger in India. The shrinking of social expenditure by the government is forcing the poor to spend more on non-food essential items, squeezing their food – budget. – Elucidate. 2019
Q.2 How far do you agree that focusing on lack or availability of food as the leading cause of hunger takes the attention away from ineffective human development policies in India? 2018
MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:
Q.1 Evaluate the implementation and potential impact of the rice fortification initiative in addressing malnutrition in India. What challenges might this program face?
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