NASHIK: To address anaemia and micro-nutrient deficiency, the central government will distribute fortified rice to all the districts of the state by 2022. Minister for Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Protection Chhagan Bhujbal directed the administrative bodies to complete the process at their level for the distribution of this rice.
What is Fortified Rice?
Fortified rice is being provided to make up for the lack of micronutrients in the diet. It contains iron, folic acid, and Vitamin B12 as well as Zinc Vitamin A, Vitamin 49, 32, B5. Fortified rice is made by incorporating micronutrients like B6. Rice is very useful in terms of getting nutrients.
Regarding increasing the distribution of quality rice through the public distribution system and other measures, instructions were given by the Minister of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection, Bhujbal in this meeting. The meeting was attended by Vijay Waghmare, Secretary, Department of Food and Civil Supplies, Kanhuraj Bagate, Controller of Ration; Ravindra Singhal and Sudhir Tungar, Joint Secretary.
The states of Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh have started the distribution of 100 per cent fortified rice. Gadchiroli district in Maharashtra has been selected on an experimental basis for distribution of fortified rice by the Central Government. Distribution of Fortified Rice from the Public Distribution System is being carried out on an experimental basis in the entire Gadchiroli district. Administrative bodies in the state should take action as per the instructions of the Central Government, Bhujbal instructed.
