Rice Fortification and Extrusion Technology: A Vital Initiative
Rice fortification is a crucial strategy to enhance the nutritional content of this staple food item. In India, the predominant method involves using extrusion technology. This process begins with milling rice, followed by pulverization and mixing with a premix containing essential vitamins and minerals. The resulting fortified rice kernels (FRK) bear a resemblance to traditional rice grains and are produced using extruder machines.
Standardizing the Ratio: A Key Consideration
One of the primary objectives of BIS is to standardize the ratio of pre-mix used in developing fortified rice kernels. This ratio plays a pivotal role in maintaining the similarity in taste, aroma, and texture between fortified and traditional rice. Discussions are underway to establish standards for these machines, addressing the diverse varieties of rice grown across different regions of the country.
Ensuring Homogeneity in Blending
Officials emphasize the importance of fixing 4-5 shapes in these machines to align with the various sizes of rice varieties. This approach aims to ensure that when fortified rice kernels are blended with traditional rice, the resulting mix is homogenous. Achieving homogeneity is crucial for widespread acceptance and integration into daily diets.
FSAI’s Role and Existing Standards for Fortified Rice
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSAI) has already set standards for fortified rice in the country. These standards dictate the permissible levels of micronutrients such as iron, folic acid, vitamin B12, zinc, vitamin A, vitamin B1, and vitamin B2 per kilogram of fortified rice. BIS’s initiative complements these standards, focusing on the machinery aspect to guarantee the consistency of fortified rice quality across the nation.
Expanding Capacity for Fortified Rice Kernels
Simultaneously, efforts are underway to enhance the production capacity of fortified rice kernels in the country. The current capacity stands at around 60,000 tonnes, and an additional 30,000 tonnes are in the pipeline. This expansion is a testament to the government’s commitment to ensuring the availability of fortified rice under various schemes, including the public distribution system (PDS) and the mid-day meal scheme in schools by 2024.
Prime Minister Modi’s Announcement and Current Distribution Status
On August 15, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that fortified rice would be made available through various government schemes, underscoring the commitment to combat malnutrition. Presently, the State-run Food Corporation of India (FCI) has procured about 7.59 lakh tonnes of fortified rice, ready for distribution through Integrated Child Development Services and mid-day meal schemes.
Conclusion: Nurturing a Healthier Nation
The BIS’s initiative to set standards for fortified rice kernel machines aligns with India’s broader goal of creating a healthier nation. By focusing on machinery standards, the government aims to ensure that fortified rice becomes an integral part of the daily diet, contributing significantly to the fight against malnutrition. As the standards evolve, fortified rice is poised to play a pivotal role in enhancing the nutritional well-being of millions across the country.
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