Large-scale Fortification of Rice in India and Its Distribution in Public Distribution System

Abstract

Rice fortification with micronutrients is getting popularity in supplementation programmes as it provides cost-effective, easy and public-health-solution to treat anaemia and protein-energy-malnutrition. In India, A pilot scheme for rice- fortification and its distribution under Public Distribution System in fifteen districts was started for a period of 3 years (2019–2022). To examine effect of fortified rice on nutritional status of population, its supplementation studies in Indian government’s social safety programmes were reviewed. The reviewed studies showed that supplementation of fortified rice was significantly effective in reducing prevalence of anaemia, increase in haemoglobin level, and improvement in cognitive scores. However, all the reviewed studies were limited only to supplementation of fortified rice at mid-day meal programme. Thus, it can be inferred that fortification of rice can be a cost-effective tool to combat anaemia at community level but more conclusive evidences are still required.