Strengthening India’s Nutrition Drive
Fortified Rice Scheme Extended Till 2028 for Nutrition Security: The Union Cabinet has cleared the extension of the Fortified Rice Scheme up to December 2028, backed by an allocation of ₹17,082 crore. The initiative focuses on tackling anaemia and malnutrition, with primary beneficiaries being school children, adolescent girls, and women who depend on public food security schemes.
Static GK fact: Anaemia affects over 50% of Indian women of reproductive age, making food fortification a key intervention in national health policy.
Evolution from Pilot to Nationwide Coverage
India’s food fortification journey began with the Anemia Mukt Bharat (AMB) campaign in 2018. A limited trial for fortified rice was introduced in 2019, showing encouraging health outcomes. Based on this success, the government rolled out fortified rice nationwide in 2022. By March 2024, the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) had completely switched to fortified rice. The new extension ensures uninterrupted distribution until 2028.
Fortified Meals in PM POSHAN
The PM POSHAN Scheme (earlier Mid-Day Meal) integrates fortified rice into daily meals provided in schools. The rice is enriched with Iron, Folic Acid, and Vitamin B12, which are critical for reducing learning difficulties and developmental challenges caused by micronutrient deficiencies.
Other fortified food items supported by the government include:
- Double Fortified Salt (DFS) with Iron and Iodine
- Edible Oil fortified with Vitamins A and D
The central government covers the entire fortification cost, ensuring affordability for states and smooth program execution.
Static GK Tip: India made school mid-day meals a constitutional entitlement under the Supreme Court order of 2001.
Dairy-Based Nutrition Support
The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) runs the Gift Milk initiative through its foundation to provide fortified milk in schools. Since its launch:
- More than 7 lakh litres of fortified milk have been supplied
- Nearly 42,000 children across 11 states benefited
- Over 35 lakh “child milk days” have been delivered
This programme boosts both dairy consumption and nutritional intake for children.
Focus on Women and Adolescents
Special nutrition schemes such as the Wheat-Based Nutrition Programme (WBNP) and the Scheme for Adolescent Girls (SAG) incorporated fortified rice from 2021–22. These programs are designed to improve the health of women and young girls by addressing iron and vitamin deficiencies that lead to tiredness, weak immunity, and growth-related problems.
Static GK fact: The Scheme for Adolescent Girls targets girls between 11 and 18 years, focusing on nutrition, life skills, and health education.
Food Processing Sector as a Support System
The Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) plays a key role in strengthening the fortification ecosystem through infrastructure and production support. Major initiatives include:
- Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana (PMKSY)
- Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Food Processing Industry (PLISFPI)
- PM Formalization of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME)
These schemes do not directly fortify food but ensure modern processing units, strong supply chains, and sustainable production of nutrient-rich staples.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Fortified Rice Scheme Extended Till 2028 for Nutrition Security:
| Topic | Detail |
| Scheme extended till | December 2028 |
| Government funding | ₹17,082 crore |
| Key aim | Combat anaemia and malnutrition |
| Pilot launch | 2019 |
| Nationwide rollout | 2022 |
| Full TPDS coverage achieved | March 2024 |
| PM POSHAN fortification nutrients | Iron, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 |
| Additional fortified staples | Salt with Iron & Iodine, Oil with Vitamins A & D |
| NDDB Gift Milk coverage | 41,700 children, 11 states |
| Adolescent women schemes | WBNP and SAG since 2021–22 |
