Q: What is the goal of rice fortification in India?
A: The goal is to achieve rice fortification (enrichment with essential vitamins and minerals) in all districts of the country by the end of the current fiscal year. This initiative aims to address nutritional deficiencies and improve the overall health of the population.
Q: How does rice fortification work?
A: Rice fortification involves adding essential vitamins and minerals such as iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12 to rice during the processing stage. This enhances the nutritional content of rice without altering its taste or appearance.
Q: Why is rice fortification important?
A: Rice is a staple food for a significant portion of the Indian population. Fortifying rice ensures that people, particularly those in vulnerable communities, receive essential nutrients that may be lacking in their diets.
Q: What are the benefits of consuming fortified rice?
A: Consuming fortified rice can help address common nutritional deficiencies, such as iron deficiency anemia and vitamin deficiencies. It can contribute to better overall health, particularly among women, children, and pregnant mothers.
Q: How is the implementation of rice fortification progressing?
A: The government is actively working to achieve 100% distribution of fortified rice in all rice-consuming districts. Out of the total rice stock held by the Food Corporation of India, only a small portion remains non-fortified.
Q: How will rice fortification impact public health and well-being?
A: By enhancing the nutritional value of rice, fortified rice can contribute to the reduction of nutritional deficiencies and related health issues. This, in turn, can lead to improved public health and well-being.
Q: Will rice fortification have any economic implications?
A: While the implementation of rice fortification may involve costs, the long-term benefits in terms of improved public health and reduced healthcare expenses could potentially outweigh these initial costs.
