Government of India Introduced fortified rice to poor under various schemes

 Fortified rice to poor under various schemes

While addressing the nation on 75^th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced to provide fortified rice to poor under various schemes.

• This decision was taken in order to address the problem of malnutrition in India.

• Providing nutrition to every poor person India is a priority of the government.

• This decision was taken in the view that, malnutrition and lack of essential nutrients among poor women and poor children is a major hurdle in their development. This, government will provide fortified rice with nutrition them.

• Child Malnutrition is a major threat to the growth and development of children.

• Micronutrient deficiencies or ‘hidden hunger’ also continue to pose significant public health problems in Indian populations.

Significance of the announcement:

• This announcement is significant because, government distributes more than 300 lakh tonnes of rice under schemes covered under National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013.

Food Fortification:

• Food fortification is the simplest and sustainable public health strategies that address the challenge of micronutrient deficiencies. It is a cost-effective, scientifically proven, and globally recognised approach. It also helps in easily reaching to wider & vulnerable populations by means of existing food delivery systems.

Because, rice has highest uptake in government food safety net programmes like public distribution system, integrated child development services, mid-day meal schemes etc. Further, rice has potential to reach more than a million people, especially women and children.

According to National Family Health Survey report, India has the largest burden of iron-deficiency and anaemia worldwide. About 59% of children and 50% of pregnant women are anaemic in India. Child and maternal malnutrition accounts for 15% of India’s total disease burden.