Nuffoods Spectrum - NUFFOODS Spectrum March 2025

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Rationale Vs Hurdles: India's Fortified Rice Initiative In October 2024, PM Narendra Modi chaired a cabinet meeting approving the continuation of free fortified rice distribution under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) from July 2024 to December 2028. India's rice fortification (which comprises essential micronutrients like iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12) programme, aims to combat malnutrition by providing fortified rice to 80 crore beneficiaries. However, the initiative faces quality-related challenges. A regional analysis has revealed significant disparities in the distribution of testing laboratories, with some states having limited or no access to these facilities. Moreover, there's a crucial lack of standardised testing protocols, capacity building, and continuous training for laboratory personnel. At the same time, the root causes of malnutrition should be addressed, including poverty, inadequate maternal nutrition, and poor access to healthcare. Experts recommend a holistic, region-specific approach to effectively tackle malnutrition, rather than relying solely on fortification.