As part of its commitment to achieving the goal of ‘Anaemia Mukt Bharat’ (AMB), the Indian government has successfully scaled up its rice fortification initiative across the country. By March 2024, all custom-milled rice supplied under government schemes has been replaced with fortified rice enriched with essential micronutrients. This ambitious effort aims to tackle the widespread issue of micronutrient deficiencies and reduce the prevalence of anaemia, particularly among children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.
Fortified rice, enriched with vital nutrients such as iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12, is now distributed through multiple welfare schemes, including the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM POSHAN) scheme, Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), and other state welfare programs. The initiative is designed to address anaemia using a life-cycle approach, targeting vulnerable populations across all age groups.
Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Anupriya Patel, in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, provided an update on the implementation of the initiative. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has notified a network of laboratories to ensure quality and compliance, with 57 laboratories focusing on fortified rice, 35 on fortified rice kernels, and 15 on premixes for fortified rice kernels.
Under the National Health Mission (NHM), Rs 805.91 crore has been allocated to states and Union Territories for the fiscal year 2024-25 to fund various activities under the AMB program. States receive financial support based on proposals included in their Annual Programme Implementation Plans.
Health experts warn that anaemia, which is primarily caused by iron deficiency, is being exacerbated by additional factors such as air pollution and vitamin B12 deficiencies. Anaemia occurs when the body lacks sufficient haemoglobin to carry oxygen to organs and tissues, leading to symptoms such as fatigue and weakness. In severe cases, it can impair cognitive and motor development in children, highlighting the critical importance of early intervention.
The government’s fortified rice initiative represents a multi-pronged approach to addressing these challenges. By leveraging fortified food products, the program aims to enhance the overall nutritional intake of the population and reduce dependency on supplements or external interventions. Furthermore, the initiative underscores the government’s commitment to improving public health outcomes through targeted, sustainable strategies.
With fortified rice now reaching beneficiaries through state-wide distribution channels, the government is optimistic about accelerating progress toward an anaemia-free India. Health experts view this initiative as a promising step in mitigating the social and economic consequences of anaemia, paving the way for a healthier and more resilient population.
