Pilot scheme on fortification of rice and distribution through PDS approved by govt: WCD Ministry

A centrally-sponsored pilot scheme on fortification of rice and its dispersal through Public Distribution System (PDS) has been approved by the government, the Women and Child Development Ministry said on Thursday.

Fortification is a complementary strategy to fight malnutrition under which the addition of key vitamins and minerals such as iron, iodine, zinc, vitamins A & D to staple foods such as rice, wheat, oil, milk and salt are done to improve their nutritional content.

Replying to a Rajya Sabha question, WCD Minister Smriti Irani said, according to information received from the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, the Department of Food and Public Distribution has approved the "Centrally Sponsored Pilot Scheme on fortification of rice and its distribution through Public Distribution System."