Supplyco soon to roll out fortified rice

The direction by the Centre is to introduce fortified rice in at least one district in the state by December.

Thiruvananthapuram: To combat nutrition deficiency among children, the SupplyCo is all set to roll out micronutrient-fortified rice in the state for the first time.

The initiative is being launched on a pilot basis with the technical support of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and Kerala Commissionerate of Food Safety. Iron, folic acid and Vitamin B12 would be used for fortifying rice in the state.

According to officials fortifying rice, which is the staple food of Kerala population, would help combat nutrition deficiency among children and adults alike.

The initiative is being launched in the wake of an order issued by the Government of India directing every state in the country to introduce fortified rice at Anganwadis.

In Kerala, there are around 33,115 Anganwadis. The direction by the Centre is to introduce fortified rice in at least one district in the state by December. Sources say that the project will take off by June.

According to a survey, in Kerala, around 19.7 per cent children under five years of age are stunted, while 15.7 per cent do not have the weight for their height, and 35.6 per cent children are anaemic.

A top official of the Commissionerate of Civil Supplies told DC that the Supplyco is planning to introduce fortified rice, oil and salt in the state very soon.

“We have initiated steps and talks are on to take the proposals to the next level. As a first step, we will be supplying fortified rice for Anganwadis under Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS). A micronutrient rice blender has been installed at our Taliparamba Depot, which would be supplied to Anganwadis for the midday meal,” said the official.

The Supplyco is also planning to expand the production of fortified wheat flour, which is supplied through ration shops and Maveli stores across the state.

“We are currently producing around 6,500 tonnes of fortified Atta every month. The demand is more, and we are planning to expand production,” the official said.

The initiative is being launched as part of the Poshan Abhiyan – the Centre scheme which aims at bringing down stunting of children in the 0-6 age group.