FCI urges people to use fortified rice

 KAKINADA: Food Corporation of India (FCI) officials are running a campaign to educate people about eating fortified rice, which the central government has introduced to keep the people healthy.

Speaking to reporters here on Saturday, FCI Kakinada depot manager N.V.S. Muthyala Rao told reporters that initially, distribution of fortified rice had started as a pilot project in Vizianagaram. After its success, it is being implemented throughout Andhra Pradesh and also in the country.

He pointed out that many children and pregnant and lactating women are suffering from anaemia. To help them, union government fortified the rice with minerals, which invigorate needy children and mothers.

The FCI officer acknowledged that people have misgivings about the rice, as it floats in water, leading to suspicions that it may be plastic rice. “Such suspicions are totally wrong. Beneficiaries must consume such rice without keeping them aside,” he underlined.

Muthyala Rao pointed out that more than 1.40 lakh metric tonnes of fortified rice is being transported from AP to other states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, West Bengal, Assam, Jharkhand, Bihar and other northern states.

FCI quality control manager B. Sirisha said pregnant women and children below five years are vulnerable to micronutrient deficiencies. Rice is the staple food for 65 per cent of the population in India. Rice fortification is an approach to tackle anaemia, and malnutrition in India.

Sirisha explained that rice grains are fortified with micronutrient ingredients like iron, folic acid and Vitamin B 12. These grains are mixed with rice supplied through mills under the supervision of State Civil Supplies Department. FCI thoroughly checks the quality of such rice before its supply through the ration shops, she underlined.

FCI quality manager V. Naresh Kumar said brown rice is more nutritious than fortified rice. But it attracts pests within days, whereas fortified rice does not. It is safe for people to consume it without any fears, he added.