Govt identifies 15 states for distribution of fortified rice through PDS
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution has come out with a pilot scheme with a budget outlay of Rs 1746 crore for the supply of fortified rice in 15 states with a special focus on 112 aspirational districts identified by it. Out of these five states including Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Chhatisgarh, and Tamil Nadu, have already started the distribution of fortified rice in the identified districts across these states.
The centrally sponsored pilot scheme is approved for three years period starting 2019-20 and it’s aimed at making efforts towards ensuring nutritional security. Piyush Goyal, Union Minister for Food, Consumer Affairs, Railways, Commerce and Industry had earlier emphasized scaling up fortified rice distribution in all districts across the country. Further, FCI has been directed to bring out a comprehensive plan for this purpose under Mid-Day Meal and Integrated Child Development Services scheme from 2021-2022.
NITI Aayog CEO together with Secretary of the Department of Food and Public Distribution and CEO of FSSAI along with various stakeholders like World Food Programme, PATH, Tata Trust, and Nutrition International, among others discussed among themselves the way ahead and the progress of rice fortification scheme.
The meeting also highlighted that there are currently 28,000 (approx) rice mills in India which require being equipped with instruments like blending machines for mixing FRK with rice. Therefore, FCI has been instructed to associate with rice mills in different regions for the essential investments.
