Temporary suspension of distribution of fortified rice; Major decision under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Food Yojana

Prime Minister Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana: The government has temporarily stopped fortification of rice provided under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKY) and other schemes. According to a government statement, the decision was taken as the nutritional value of rice was reduced due to prolonged storage in godowns. This decision was taken after the report of IIT Kharagpur. IIT Kharagpur was commissioned by the government to study the shelf life and deterioration of this special rice (fortified rice) during storage in different climatic and climatic regions of the country.

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Storage location, temperature, humidity, and packaging materials all significantly affect the quality and shelf life of rice, according to a study. These factors affected the quality of fortified rice. The report found that prolonged storage and frequent transportation depletes the nutrients in this specialty rice, making it spoil more quickly.

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As a result the quality of rice is less than expected. People may not take full advantage of the nutritional benefits it is designed to provide. Given the procurement and annual consumption of rice, ration rice often stays in government warehouses for two to three years. The Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana and other government schemes require 37.2 million tonnes of rice every year. However, the total availability in government stocks is estimated at 67.4 million tonnes, including the Kharif season harvest of 2025-26 financial year.