REGULATORY · MARKET STRUCTURE · INDIA
India temporarily discontinues rice fortification under PMGKAY and allied welfare schemes
Change
On February 27, 2026, India’s Union Food Ministry decided to temporarily discontinue rice fortification under PMGKAY and allied welfare schemes until a more effective nutrient-delivery mechanism is identified.
Why Now
The Union Food Ministry announced it had reviewed rice fortification implementation under PMGKAY and other welfare schemes. Following the review, it decided to temporarily discontinue the rice fortification process under PMGKAY and allied schemes. The ministry cited an IIT Kharagpur study that assessed shelf life of fortified rice kernels and fortified rice under actual storage conditions across diverse agro-climatic zones. The discontinuation is framed as in effect until an alternative, more effective nutrient-delivery mechanism is identified. The ministry stated that foodgrain entitlements and operations under PDS, ICDS, and the Mid-Day Meal Scheme will not be affected.
Impact
- • Rice provided through PMGKAY and allied schemes will no longer be fortified during the temporary discontinuation period.
- • Foodgrain entitlements remain unchanged per the ministry’s statement.
- • PDS, ICDS, and Mid-Day Meal Scheme operations continue without stated operational changes beyond the fortification process being discontinued.
Who Recalculates
- • Food subsidy and distribution administrators (PDS/PMGKAY implementers)
- • ICDS program operators
- • Mid-Day Meal Scheme administrators
- • Fortified rice kernel (FRK) suppliers and rice fortification service providers
Source
Topics
World & Politics Policy & Regulation Business & Markets Agriculture Health & Medicine Public Health Food & Beverages