The Government of India has approved the continuation of the fortified rice supply under all government food schemes, including the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), until December 2028. The decision aims to tackle nutritional deficiencies such as anaemia by ensuring the long-term availability of fortified rice, which contains essential micronutrients like iron, folic acid, and Vitamin B12.
“The fortified rice initiative will continue as a central sector scheme with 100% funding by the Centre under the PMGKAY food subsidy program, providing a unified mechanism for its implementation,” stated an official press release.
The initiative is intended to strengthen India’s efforts in addressing micronutrient deficiencies, which are a significant public health concern.
Initially approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) in April 2022, the rice fortification program was rolled out in three phases beginning in March 2024. The process of fortification involves blending Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK) with regular rice at a ratio of 1:100, making the final product nearly indistinguishable from traditional rice in taste, aroma, and texture.
Anaemia, linked to iron deficiency, remains a widespread issue in India, especially among women and children, as revealed by the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) conducted between 2019 and 2021. The survey also highlighted a lack of crucial vitamins like B12 and folic acid, further emphasizing the need for fortified foods to improve public health outcomes.
With rice being a staple food for around 65% of the Indian population, the Centre’s fortified rice initiative is seen as a crucial step in addressing the country’s malnutrition challenges.