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The recent decision of the Indian government to distribute fortified rice to enhance nutrition among the country’s vulnerable population groups has evoked mixed responses. The process of fortification involves adding micronutrients such as iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12. For this purpose, the government has allocated INR 17,082 crore over the next few years. According to the government, the programme will help reduce iron deficiency by 35%, resulting in healthcare savings equivalent to INR 49,800 crore in GDP terms. Based on these predicted benefits, these measures have been hailed as a valuable investment in improving the health of the marginalised sections of the country. These measures mark a shift in the overarching policy framework, which has primarily focused on distributing food to the most vulnerable, without much concern for the quality of food grains. These measures come at a time when the issue of malnutrition and hidden hunger has become a source of global embarrassment for the nation. For a country that is expected to play a key role in both the economic and diplomatic arenas, malnutrition, especially amongst children, remains a grave matter of concern. In this context, the approach adopted by the government represents a fresh and innovative step in combating an old foe.
Concurrently, it needs to be kept in mind that fortification of food grains is a new measure, and its effectiveness and side effects remain unknown. To mitigate this uncertainty, the government first decided to launch a pilot project in selected districts, based on which they have decided to proceed with the scheme. Despite this measure, many remain uncertain regarding the effects of this new policy. Multiple experts have pointed out that the consumption of these fortified grains may have an adverse effect on the health of individuals already suffering from sickle cell disease and TB. To mitigate this, the government has assured that warnings will be printed on the packaging of the rice grains, but this measure seems inefficient in a country where most of the grain is sold loose without any packaging. Because of this, many might not become aware of the adverse effects posed by these grains.
Many have also expressed concern regarding the involvement of the private sector in implementing these schemes, which would be required as the government will depend on their help to produce the fortified grains. As the private sector is guided by profit, the proposed scheme will cost the government a significant amount. Many have questioned the enormous outlay on this scheme, as they feel numerous structural factors need to be addressed first before steps like these are taken. Overall, the government’s decision to focus on malnutrition and hidden hunger is a refreshing step in addressing an age-old issue that has haunted our nation for decades. Unfortunately, the efficacy of these measures may be limited by multiple structural shortcomings within the system. Therefore, while this step by the government represents a positive step, we, as a nation, have a long road ahead towards attaining the dream of a hunger-free India.