New Delhi: The Government ordered a rice fortification halt under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) and allied schemes after a review flagged concerns over nutrient stability and shelf life.
Officials decided to stop the process temporarily. They will resume it only after identifying a stronger nutrient delivery system. However, the decision will not reduce foodgrain entitlements under any welfare scheme.
The Government tasked IIT Kharagpur with studying the shelf life of Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK) and Fortified Rice (FR). Researchers examined stocks under real storage conditions across diverse agro climatic zones. The study found that moisture, temperature and humidity affect stability. It also cited storage practices and packaging material as critical factors.
Moreover, prolonged storage and routine handling reduced micronutrient levels. As a result, the effective shelf life became shorter than expected. Consequently, the intended nutritional benefits declined.
Storage findings lead to rice fortification halt
Officials noted that rice often stays in storage for two to three years. Procurement volumes and annual offtake patterns drive this trend. The annual allocation under PMGKAY and other schemes stands at 372 LMT. In contrast, the central pool availability is projected at 674 LMT, including receipts from KMS 2025-26.
In view of these findings, the Government enforced the rice fortification halt. It will develop and operationalise a more robust mechanism before restarting the process.
Importantly, the move will not disrupt the Public Distribution System, Integrated Child Development Services or the Mid-Day Meal Scheme. Beneficiaries will continue to receive their entitled foodgrains without change.
For KMS 2025–26 and pending receipts from KMS 2024–25, the Centre granted flexibility to States and Union Territories. They may supply fortified or non-fortified rice as a transitional measure. Authorities will consider operational and logistical factors while taking decisions.
Overall, the rice fortification halt signals a corrective step to protect nutritional outcomes while ensuring uninterrupted food security coverage.
