Dispelling the misgivings that plastic rice was mixed with the rice distributed through the PDS (Public Distribution System), the Department of Food and Civil Supplies, in collaboration with its technical partner PATH (Program for Appropriate Technology in Health), dispelled the misconceptions and clarified that it was, in fact, fortified rice and not plastic rice. The department also informed that fortification of rice was done to help people tackle malnutrition and anemia and promoted its health benefits.
In an awareness and sensitization program held on 5 August at Townhall, Mokokchung, Shanpanthung Ezung, State Technical Officer on Fortified Rice from PATH, explained through a presentation that food fortification involves deliberately increasing the micronutrients in food to enhance its nutritional quality and provide public health benefits with minimal health risks.
Elaborating on the fortified rice, Ezung emphasized that food fortification, particularly in rice, is a strategic approach to combat malnutrition and anemia. He explained that fortification was necessary because of the alarming statistics from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) that revealed a high prevalence of anemia and undernutrition in the country.
According to the survey, 58.4% of children between 6 to 59 months were anemic, while 35.7% of children under the age of 5 were underweight. Additionally, 53.1% of reproductive-age women and 22.7% of men were also found to be anemic.
Anemia is a condition where the body lacks sufficient healthy red blood cells, which are responsible for providing oxygen to body tissues. Ezung highlighted the various symptoms of anemia, such as weakness, fatigue, headaches, and difficulties in concentrating or thinking, which can hinder children’s learning abilities at school.
Elaborating on the process of rice fortification, Ezung explained that kernels containing vitamin B12, folic acid, and iron are added to rice in a ratio of 1:100. This fortified rice is then distributed through food safety nets such as ICDS (Integrated Child Development Services), MDM (Mid-day Meal), and PDS (Public Distribution System). He mentioned that fortification is also implemented in other essential food products like wheat flour, liquid milk, oil, and salt.
The event brought together various stakeholders, including FPS (Fair Price Shop) dealers, VC (Village Council) Chairmen, Ward Chairmen, GBS (Gaon Burah System), CSOs (Civil Society Organizations), and other concerned parties.
The attendees were warmly welcomed by Jamonger Ao, Assistant Director of Food and Civil Supplies, Mokokchung. In his address, Ao emphasized the importance of dispelling misconceptions, stating that misinformation had turned the positive intentions behind fortified rice into something negative.
The awareness and sensitization program saw active participation from All Ward Union Mokokchung Town, Ward Chairmen, Fair Price Shop owners, and ICDS teams and workers.
The session was followed by an interactive discussion where attendees raised various concerns and issues related to fortification with the resource person.