Rice Kernels: Government suspends fortified rice rollout in welfare schemes citing shelf-life concerns | India News
The decision was taken following a study conducted by IIT-Kharagpur on Friday, which evaluated the shelf life of Fortified Rice Kernel (FRK) and Fortified Rice (FR) under actual storage conditions across different agro-climatic zones of the country. The study found that key factors such as moisture content, temperature, relative humidity, storage conditions and packaging materials “critically” affect the shelf life of protected rice.According to an official release, the study concluded that FRK and FR “are susceptible to micronutrient depletion and shortened shelf life during prolonged storage and routine handling. This depletion is rendering effective shelf life shorter than expected and, consequently, limiting objective nutritional outcomes”.The food ministry notes that rice procured for distribution often remains in storage for 2-3 years due to high buffer stocks. Against the annual allocation of 372 lakh tonnes under PMGKAY and other welfare schemes, the total availability in the central pool is estimated at 674 lakh tonnes, including expected receipts from Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2025-26. Extended storage periods have emerged as a key challenge in maintaining micronutrient stability.“In view of these findings, it has been decided to temporarily close rice fortification until a more robust and effective nutrition supply system is developed and implemented,” the ministry said.It also said that the move by the government would not result in any reduction in foodgrain entitlements for the beneficiaries.In his speech from the Red Fort on August 15, 2021, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi PDS and PM announced to make distribution of rice mandatory through government schemes including POSHAN by 2024 to tackle malnutrition. The initiative aimed to provide rice enriched with iron, folic acid and vitamin B12 to vulnerable populations across the country.
