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THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Fortified Rice Kernels (FRKs) have emerged as a crucial tool in the fight against malnutrition and anaemia, offering a scientifically proven, nutritious, cost-effective, scalable, and sustainable solution, according to experts at a stakeholders’ meeting organised by CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (CSIR-NIIST).
The meeting, held on the CSIR-NIIST campus at Pappanamcode, brought together experts to discuss the potential of FRKs in addressing nutritional deficiencies. H N Mishra, Emeritus Professor of Food Technology at IIT Kharagpur, highlighted the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of fortification in eradicating micronutrient malnutrition.
“To address anaemia and micro-nutrient deficiency, the Government of India allocated a total budget outlay of Rs 174.64 crore for a period of three years from 2019-20 under a pilot scheme under PM’s POSHAN Abhiyaan. It envisages distribution of fortified rice through the public distribution system,” he said.
Mishra stressed the urgency of intervention, citing WHO data that reveals significant iron deficiency among pregnant women and young children globally. He referred to the National Family Health Survey 2021, indicating high levels of anaemia in India.
The Centre’s pilot scheme under PM’s POSHAN Abhiyaan allocates a significant budget to address anaemia and micronutrient deficiency, envisioning the distribution of fortified rice through the public distribution system. Mishra reported that the initiative has reached millions of beneficiaries, with a target to reach 50 crore beneficiaries by 2024.
C Anandharamakrishnan, Director of CSIR-NIIST, highlighted the widespread capacity for producing fortified rice, with over 18,000 rice mills equipped for rice-nutrient blending. He emphasised the potential of fortified rice to reduce anaemia and improve iron and vitamin levels.
Addressing concerns of overnutrition and undernutrition, Anandharamakrishnan viewed FRK as a lucrative business opportunity, noting the expected market growth.
Milli Asrani, Programme Policy Officer at the United Nations World Food Programme, emphasised the opportunity provided by rice fortification to add micronutrients lost during milling and polishing. She debunked the myths surrounding fortified rice, addressing concerns about plastic rice and changes in taste and smell.
The meeting featured various technical sessions, with experts discussing production, quality control at rice mills, and the global impact of food fortification to combat micronutrient deficiencies.
