Food Fortification's Role in Combating Malnutrition in India

Food fortification is the process of enriching everyday foods with essential micronutrients, such as vitamins and minerals, to enhance their nutritional value. This practice has been used worldwide as a safe and effective method to address micronutrient deficiencies, especially in vulnerable populations.

The 2008 Copenhagen Consensus recognized food fortification as one of the top three priorities for developing nations due to its effectiveness in improving health outcomes and reducing malnutrition. In India, food fortification has been successful in addressing deficiencies, with iodized salt significantly reducing iodine deficiency disorders, such as goitre.

Tackling Malnutrition in India

Despite India’s progress in food fortification, malnutrition remains a significant public health issue. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), conducted between 2019 and 2021, anaemia continues to be prevalent across the country. In addition to iron deficiency, the population also faces shortages of other crucial nutrients like Vitamin B12 and Folic acid, which can severely impact health and productivity.

To combat these challenges, the Indian government has implemented various initiatives, one of the most notable being the fortification of rice. Given that rice is a staple food for 65% of India’s population, fortifying it with essential nutrients is an ideal way to deliver vital micronutrients to a large portion of the population. The process involves blending Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK) with regular rice, ensuring it meets the standards set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Through this initiative, the government aims to improve the nutritional intake of millions, particularly in undernourished communities.

Government-Led Nutrition Schemes

In addition to rice fortification, the Indian government has launched various schemes and programs to enhance nutrition and promote healthy living. These initiatives target vulnerable groups, ensuring they receive adequate nutrition to lead healthier lives.

POSHAN Abhiyaan

Launched in 2018, POSHAN Abhiyaan (Prime Minister's Overarching Scheme for Holistic Nourishment) aims to improve nutrition outcomes for children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. Annual events like Poshan Maah and Poshan Pakhwada are organized to raise awareness about healthy eating practices and the importance of dietary diversity. In 2024, nearly 97.69 lakh activities were conducted under Poshan Maah to educate communities on nutrition and promote locally available nutritious foods.

Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY)

The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana is a centrally sponsored scheme that provides financial assistance to pregnant and lactating mothers. By offering monetary support, the scheme encourages proper nutrition and rest during pregnancy, ensuring better health outcomes for mothers and infants.

Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS)

Launched in 1975, the ICDS scheme provides supplementary nutrition through programs like Anganwadi Services and the Scheme for Adolescent Girls. It ensures that children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers receive adequate nutrition, playing a crucial role in combating malnutrition at the grassroots level.

Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM POSHAN)

Formerly known as the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, PM POSHAN focuses on enhancing the nutritional status of schoolchildren. By providing nutritious meals in schools, the program supports the physical and cognitive development of children. The scheme has been extended from 2021-22 to 2025-26, with a significant financial commitment from both central and state governments, amounting to Rs 130,794.90 crores.

Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY)

Introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, PMGKAY aimed to alleviate the economic hardships faced by vulnerable populations by providing free food grains to over 81 crore beneficiaries. This initiative helped ensure food security for millions during a challenging time.

Nutrition is a critical foundation for a healthier nation, and India’s commitment to addressing malnutrition through food fortification and various government schemes is a significant step forward. As the country strives to meet Sustainable Development Goal 2, ending all forms of malnutrition, rice fortification remains a key intervention in tackling nutritional deficiencies like anaemia. By fortifying rice distributed through government programs, India is making steady progress toward building a healthier and more nourished population.