Days after the Prime Minister introduced fortification of rice distributed underneath varied authorities schemes, together with the Public Distribution System (PDS) and mid-day meals in faculties, by 2024, the Center on Monday introduced the identical standards for fortified rice kernels (FRKs) to grade issued. A’ and customary rice.
The specs of fortified rice have been issued by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.
“Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD) underneath Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution for the primary time issued uniform specs in case of procurement of Grade A for Fortified Rice Kernel (FRK) and Fortified Rice Stock for Mango Rice An official assertion mentioned that 1% of FRK (w/w) needs to be blended with regular rice inventory.
“The department issued uniform specification of food grains for central pool procurement for the upcoming Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2020-21,” based on the assertion.
“As per normal follow these specs have been issued in respect of paddy, rice and different coarse cereals like jowar, bajra, maize, ragi. These specs additionally embody norms of rice for KMS 2020-21 to be issued to States/UTs for distribution underneath TPDS and different welfare schemes on the idea of comparable specs of rice.
It additional mentioned, “State governments are requested to ensure that the uniform specifications are given wide publicity among the farmers to ensure that they get a fair price for their produce and are fully protected from any rejection of stock.” approach to be averted.”
“All States/UTs and Food Corporation of India have been advised that procurement during KMS 2020-21 may be strictly as per the same specifications,” it added.
In his Independence Day speech, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has introduced fortification of rice distributed underneath varied authorities schemes.
“Malnutrition and lack of essential nutrients are major hindrances in their development among poor women and poor children. In view of this, it has been decided that the government will fortify the rice given to the poor under its various schemes. Be it rice available at ration shops or rice provided to children in their mid-day meals, the rice available through every scheme will be strengthened by the year 2024,” Modi mentioned whereas addressing the nation from Red Fort on seventy fifth Independence Day . .
The announcement is important as there’s a excessive stage of malnutrition amongst ladies and youngsters within the nation. According to the Food Ministry, each second lady within the nation is anemic and each third youngster is stunted. India ranks 94th out of 107 nations and is within the ‘extreme starvation’ class on the Global Hunger Index (GHI).
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), which units requirements for meals within the nation, defines fortification as “the deliberate increase in the content of essential micronutrients in food so as to improve the nutritional quality of food and provide public health”. in order that the advantages with the minimal danger to well being”.
As per FSSAI norms, 1 kg of fortified rice will comprise iron (28 mg-42.5 mg), folic acid (75-125 microgram) and vitamin B-12 (0.75-1.25 microgram). In addition, rice could also be supplemented with micronutrients comparable to zinc (10 mg–15 mg), vitamin A (500–750 µg RE), vitamin B1 (1 mg–1.5 mg), vitamin B2 (1.25), alone or together. will also be strengthened. mg-1.75 mg), vitamin B3 (12.5 mg-20 mg) and vitamin B6 (1.5 mg-2.5 mg) per kg.
The authorities distributes greater than 300 lakh tonnes of rice underneath varied schemes lined underneath the National Food Security Act, 2013. The Center has allotted 328 lakh tonnes of rice underneath NFSA for schemes like Targeted PDS, MDM and Integrated Child. Development Plan (ICDS).
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With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS
