Government suspends fortified rice rollout in welfare schemes citing shelf-life concerns

NEW DELHI: The Centre has decided to “temporarily discontinue” the fortification of rice distributed under the free foodgrain scheme (PMGKAY) and other welfare schemes, following a comprehensive review of its implementation and effectiveness.

The decision was taken on Friday after a study conducted by IIT-Kharagpur, which assessed the shelf life of Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK) and Fortified Rice (FR) under real storage conditions across diverse agro-climatic zones in the country. The study found that key factors such as moisture content, temperature, relative humidity, storage conditions and packaging materials “critically” affect the stability of fortified rice.

As per an official release, the study concluded that FRK and FR are “susceptible to micronutrient reduction and shortening of shelf life during prolonged storage and routine handling. This reduction is rendering the effective shelf life shorter than expected and, in turn, limiting the intended nutritional outcomes”.

The food ministry took note that rice procured for distribution often remains in storage for 2-3 years due to high buffer stocks. Against an annual allocation of 372 lakh tonnes under PMGKAY and other welfare schemes, total availability in the central pool is projected at 674 lakh tonnes, including expected receipts from the Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2025–26. The extended storage duration has emerged as a key challenge in maintaining micronutrient stability.

“In view of these findings, it has been decided to temporarily discontinue fortification of rice until a more robust and effective nutrient delivery mechanism is developed and operationalised,” the ministry said.

It also said govt that the move will not lead to any reduction in foodgrain entitlements for beneficiaries.

In his address from Red Fort on Aug 15, 2021, PM Narendra Modi had announced the mandatory fortification of rice distributed through govt schemes, including PDS and PM POSHAN, by 2024 to combat malnutrition. This initiative was aimed to supply iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12-enriched rice to vulnerable populations nationwide.
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