Parliament Question: Fortified Rice Programme

GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRYOFHEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE LOK SABHA UNSTARREDQUESTION NO. 2163 TOBE ANSWERED ON31th JULY,2026 FORTIFIED RICE PROGRAMME 2163. SHRIAPPALANAIDUKALISETTI: Will the Ministerof HEALTHANDFAMILYWELFAREbe pleasedtostate: (a) whether the Government has introduced the fortified rice programme underGovernment nutrition schemes in the country and if so, the details thereof, including the schemes covered, target beneficiaries and the extent of coverage across States/UTs, State/UTs-wise; (b) whether the Government relied on any scientific studies, pilot projects or expert committee recommendations prior to the introduction of the fortified rice programme in the country and if so, the key findings thereof; (c) whether the Government has undertaken any post-implementation assessment of the health and nutritional outcomes of fortified rice among different beneficiary groups, including individuals with haemoglobinopathies such as sickle cell disease and thalassaemia in high-prevalence areas and ifso, the key findings thereof; and (d) whether the Government has issued any guidelines, advisories or protocols for monitoring the quality, safety and distribution of fortified rice in the country, particularly in areas with a high prevalence of haemoglobinopathies and if so, the details thereof? ANSWER THE MINISTEROFSTATE IN THE MINISTRYOFHEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRIPRATAPRAO JADHAV) (a) to (d): The Department of Food and Public Distribution has informed that introduction of fortifiedrice hadbeeninitiatedonthe basis ofstudies availableinIndiaandabroad.However, they have also informed that the Government has decided to temporarily discontinue the universal supply of fortified rice under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojna (PMGKAY) andOther Welfare Scheme(OWS)of the Government of India inviewof factors including concerns regarding the stability and shelf life of fortified rice under actual storage conditions. Distribution of fortified rice under PMGKY and OWS continues until existing stocks are exhausted. *****