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Fortified Rice Distribution Paused Over Storage Stability

2 March 20261 min read
AGRICULTURE & RURALFortified RiceDistributionPaused OverStorage Stability2 March 2026safalsetu.com

Why in the news

The Centre halted fortified rice distribution in its major food schemes, fearing the added nutrients may not hold up in prolonged storage.

Key facts

  • Distribution of fortified rice is on hold for now.
  • Problem: nutrient stability over long storage.
  • Added micronutrients: iron, folic acid, vitamin B12; aim is to tackle hidden hunger and anaemia.
  • Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK) are blended with ordinary rice, usually 1:100.

Schemes involved

PMGKAY, TPDS under the NFSA, PM-POSHAN (Mid-Day Meal) and ICDS.

About the initiative

  • Original target: nationwide coverage by 2024.
  • Funded wholly by the Government of India via the food subsidy system.
  • Rollout in phases from 2021, with World Food Programme technical support.

Exam angle

  • Blend ratio: 1:100.
  • Technical partner: World Food Programme.

Test yourself

1. In the 1:100 blend used for fortified rice, what is mixed with regular rice?

FRK, made from rice flour plus micronutrients, are blended with regular rice usually at 1:100.

2. Which vitamin is among the micronutrients typically added to fortified rice in India's programme?

The typical additions are iron, folic acid and vitamin B12.

3. Which international body gave technical support to India's fortified rice rollout that began in 2021?

The initiative received technical support from the World Food Programme.

This topic is part of Daily Current Affairs 1 & 2 March 2026 (23 topics).

All topics of the dayDay quizMarch 2026

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