Government Suspends Rice Fortification in Welfare Programs Following Storage Study
The Central government has announced a temporary discontinuation of rice fortification under the free foodgrain scheme, known as the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), and other welfare initiatives. This decision follows a comprehensive review of the program's implementation and effectiveness, prompted by concerns over the stability of fortified rice during prolonged storage.
IIT-Kharagpur Study Reveals Critical Shelf-Life Issues
The move was triggered by a detailed study conducted by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, which assessed the shelf life of Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK) and Fortified Rice (FR) under real-world storage conditions across various agro-climatic zones in India. The research highlighted that key environmental factors, including moisture content, temperature, relative humidity, storage conditions, and packaging materials, critically affect the stability of the fortified products.
According to an official release from the food ministry, the study concluded that FRK and FR are susceptible to micronutrient reduction and a shortened shelf life during extended storage and routine handling. This reduction renders the effective shelf life shorter than anticipated, thereby limiting the intended nutritional outcomes aimed at combating malnutrition.
Storage Challenges and Buffer Stock Impact
The food ministry noted that rice procured for distribution often remains in storage for two to three years due to high buffer stocks. With an annual allocation of 372 lakh tonnes under PMGKAY and other welfare schemes, the total availability in the central pool is projected at 674 lakh tonnes, including expected receipts from the Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2025–26. This extended storage duration has emerged as a significant challenge in maintaining micronutrient stability, undermining the program's goals.
In response to these findings, the ministry stated, "It has been decided to temporarily discontinue fortification of rice until a more robust and effective nutrient delivery mechanism is developed and operationalised." The government assured that this suspension will not lead to any reduction in foodgrain entitlements for beneficiaries, ensuring continued access to essential supplies.
Background on the Fortification Initiative
This decision marks a pause in a major initiative announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his Independence Day address from the Red Fort on August 15, 2021. He had mandated the fortification of rice distributed through government schemes, including the Public Distribution System (PDS) and PM POSHAN, by 2024 to address malnutrition nationwide. The program aimed to provide iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12-enriched rice to vulnerable populations, enhancing nutritional intake across India.
The temporary halt underscores the complexities involved in large-scale food fortification efforts, particularly in a country with diverse storage conditions. Authorities are now focused on developing improved methods to ensure that fortified rice retains its nutritional value over time, aligning with public health objectives.
