Government says 269 districts in 27 states are distributing fortified rice

Addressing a press conference, he said that about 105 lakh tonnes of fortified rice was lifted in the second phase, focusing on 27 states for PDS rice distribution.

In addition, about 29 lakh tonnes were lifted by states, as well as for the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and PM Poshan program in the second phase, taking the total quantity of fortified rice lifted in 2022-23 to 134 lakh. Tons, he said.

Now, under the third phase, the department is all set to complete the coverage of all remaining districts except wheat consuming districts before the target date of March 2024.

ICDS and PM Poshan were covered in the first phase. It was implemented during 2021-22 and around 17.51 ​​lakh tonnes was distributed to the states.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement in his 75th Independence Day (August 25, 2021) address to supply fortified rice to every social safety net scheme of the government across the country by 2024 in a phased manner has resulted in steady progress. made during the last two years.

Meanwhile, the number of rice mills with blending infrastructure has increased from 2,690 to 18,227 from August 2021 to March 2023, with a cumulative blending capacity increase of over 11 times from 13.67 LMT to 156 LMT.

The cumulative annual fortified rice kernel manufacturing capacity has increased by more than 18 times from 0.9 lakh tonnes to 17 lakh tonnes in August 2021.