Centre temporarily discontinues rice fortification under PMGKAY and allied schemes
The Department of Food and Public Distribution announced on 27 February 2026 that rice fortification under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) and allied schemes will be temporarily discontinued until a more effective nutrient delivery mechanism is found.
Summary
The Department of Food and Public Distribution announced on 27 February 2026 that rice fortification under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) and allied welfare schemes will be temporarily discontinued until a more effective nutrient delivery mechanism is identified. A study by IIT Kharagpur found that moisture, temperature, humidity, storage conditions and packaging reduce the micronutrients and shelf life of fortified rice kernels and fortified rice, while rice stays in storage for two to three years. The decision does not reduce foodgrain entitlements or affect PDS, ICDS or the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, and States/UTs may supply either fortified or non-fortified rice from KMS 2025-26 stocks as a transition. The initiative had been announced by the Prime Minister on 15 August 2021, rolled out in phases from April 2022 to reach universal coverage by March 2024, and extended by the Cabinet in October 2024 up to December 2028.
Key facts
- Date
- 27 February 2026
- Decision
- Rice fortification under PMGKAY and allied schemes temporarily discontinued
- Basis
- IIT Kharagpur shelf-life study of fortified rice kernels (FRK) and fortified rice
- Not affected
- Foodgrain entitlements, PDS, ICDS, Mid-Day Meal
- Transition
- States/UTs may supply fortified or non-fortified rice
- Background
- Announced 15 Aug 2021; CCEA phased rollout April 2022; universal by March 2024; extended to Dec 2028 (Oct 2024)
Practice MCQs 4 questions
Which institute's study led the Centre to temporarily discontinue rice fortification in February 2026?
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Correct answer: D — IIT Kharagpur
The Government assigned IIT Kharagpur a study on the shelf life of fortified rice kernels and fortified rice under actual storage conditions.
Which of the following was cited as the main problem with fortified rice in the February 2026 decision?
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Correct answer: A — Micronutrient loss and shorter shelf life during prolonged storage
The study found fortified rice kernels and fortified rice lose micronutrients and shelf life during prolonged storage and handling, while rice stays in storage for two to three years.
Under the February 2026 decision on rice fortification, which of the following is correct?
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Correct answer: B — States/UTs may supply either fortified or non-fortified rice as a transitional measure
Entitlements are not reduced and PDS, ICDS and Mid-Day Meal are unaffected; States/UTs get flexibility to supply fortified or non-fortified rice.
Consider the following statements about India's rice fortification initiative: 1. It was announced by the Prime Minister in his Independence Day address on 15 August 2021. 2. Universal coverage of fortified rice in all government schemes was achieved by March 2024. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. PIB (October 2024) says the initiative followed the PM's 75th Independence Day address, the CCEA approved a phased rollout in April 2022, and universal coverage was achieved by March 2024.