Raipur: With the aim to eradicate malnutrition and anemia among women and children in Chhattisgarh, an important decision has been taken in the cabinet meeting chaired by chief minister Bhupesh Baghel today. Now fortified rice will be distributed in all the districts of the state.
As per the decision of the cabinet, fortified rice will be distributed to ration card holders from April 2023 through fair price shops. Ration card holders of Priority, Antyodaya, Single Destitute, Disability, category will be receiving fortified rice in place of the normal rice that is being provided at present.
Meanwhile, distribution of fortified rice was started in Kondagaon district from November 2020 to ensure food security as well as nutritional security under universal PDS and to remove anemia and other nutritional deficiencies in people. At present, fortified rice is being distributed in all the districts of the state under the Mid-Day Meal Scheme and Supplemental Nutrition Scheme. Moreover, fortified rice is also being distributed in 10 aspirational districts (Korba, Rajnandgaon, Mahasamund, Kanker, Narayanpur, Dantewada, Bijopur, Bastar, Kondagaon, Sukma) and 02 high burden districts (Kabirdham and Raigarh) under the public distribution system.
Fortified rice is rich in iron and vitamins
Fortified rice is nutritious and healthy. It is rich in iron, folic acid, vitamin B-12, and other micronutrients that prevent anemia in adults and children and help in blood formation and proper functioning of the nervous system. Beneficiaries are being made aware of the benefits of fortified rice, and are also being informed about the method of cooking and use of fortified rice through banners, posters in Anganwadis and fair price shops.
