Fortified rice is being given to priority, Antyodaya, single destitute, disabled category ration card holders
Fortified rice is rich in micronutrients vitamin B-12, folic acid and iron
Raipur, 13 April 2023
In order to remove the condition of malnutrition and anemia among women and children in Chhattisgarh, on the initiative of Chief Minister Mr. Bhupesh Baghel, priority, Antyodaya, single destitute, disabled, category ration card holders families through government fair price shops in all the districts of the state. Fortified rice is being distributed in place of normal rice from April.
It is worth noting that the state government had started distribution of fortified rice on pilot basis in Kondagaon district from November 2020 to ensure food security as well as nutritional security under universal PDS and to remove anemia and other nutritional deficiencies. After this, fortified rice was also distributed in 10 aspirational districts (Korba, Rajnandgaon, Mahasamund, Kanker, Narayanpur, Dantewada, Bijopur, Bastar, Kondagaon, Sukma) and 02 high burden districts (Kabirdham and Raigad) of the state. At present, fortified rice is being distributed in all the districts of the state on priority ration cards under the Public Distribution System along with the Mid-Day Meal Scheme and Supplementary Nutrition Diet Scheme.
Fortified rice is rich in iron and vitamins
Fortified rice is nutritious and healthy. It is rich in iron, folic acid, vitamin B-12. Nutrients such as iron, folic acid, vitamin B-12 present in it prevent anemia in adults and children and help in blood formation and proper functioning of the nervous system. Confusion about fortified rice being plastic rice has also come to the fore at many places in the state. Actually fortified rice looks smoother and different than normal rice, but it is not plastic. But there is better quality rice. To remove the confusion among the people by the Food Department, the ration card holders are being made aware from time to time regarding the method of cooking and use of fortified rice through banners, posters etc. in Anganwadi workers, Mitanin, and fair price shops. .
What is meant by fortification of food?
According to the World Health Organization, food fortification means increasing the level of vitamins and minerals in food through technology. This is done so that the lack of nutrients in the diet can be removed and it will also benefit the health of the people. Generally, the bran layers rich in fat and micronutrients are removed during milling and polishing of rice. Polishing of rice also removes 75-90 percent of vitamins, due to which rice’s own nutrients are lost. Therefore, by fortifying rice, micronutrients are not only re-added to them, but also added in more quantity, which makes rice more nutritious.
To fortify rice, powder of normal rice is first made and micronutrients like vitamin B-12, folic acid and iron are added to it as per the standards of FSSAI. The mixture of rice powder and vitamins/minerals is kneaded by machines and through a machine called extrusion, the rice kernels Fortified Rice Kernels FRK (aka) are extruded. One grain (gram) of this FRK is mixed in proportion to 100 grains (gram) of normal rice, which is called fortified rice.
This is how fortified rice is cooked-
For maximum nutritional benefits, fortified rice should be cooked in enough water and the excess water should not be thrown away. If the rice has been soaked in water before cooking, then the rice should be cooked in the same water. Fortified rice retains its nutrients even after washing and cooking in excessive water. Fortified rice should be stored in a clean and dry air-tight container after each use.
