A sensitisation program on fortified rice was held at White Hall, Noklak village on Friday where Deputy Commissioner of Noklak, Arikumba emphasized the importance of fortified rice for health benefits and urged attendees to disseminate accurate information about fortified rice to beneficiaries, DIPR informed.

The program was organised by Department of Food and Civil Supplies, Nagaland in collaboration with PATH.

Shanpanthung Ezung, State Technical Officer (Nagaland) from PATH, delivered a session on rice fortification. He explained the significance of fortified rice, and its micronutrient content including Iron, Vitamins B12, and Folic Acid. Ezung clarified that fortified rice is not plastic rice but kernels enriched with micronutrients. The fortified rice kernels (FRK) are created through extrusion technology and are blended with normal rice in a 1:100 ratio. This initiative aims to combat malnutrition and anemia.

Ezung also detailed the use of fortified items such as rice, milk, oil, wheat, and salt distributed through programs like Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), Mid-Day Meal/ Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (MDM/PM-Poshan), and Public Distribution System PDS.

Fortified items are labeled with the Plus F logo. He reassured that fortified rice when consumed by children during the Mid-Day Meal, looks, smells, tastes, and cooks like regular rice. Ezung urged attendees not to be misinformed about fortified rice and to spread awareness that it is not plastic rice, but a nutrient-enriched food. He encouraged sensitizing co-workers and beneficiaries and suggested contacting Food Safety Officers for more information. The session was followed by interactions.

The welcome address was delivered by Metsisieto Zhasa, Assistant Director of Food & Civil Supplies, Noklak. The Vote of Thanks was given by K. Okey Khiam, Inspector of Food & Civil Supply, Noklak.

The event was attended by FPS Dealers, Village Council Chairmen, Ward Chairmen, GBs, CSO members, and other stakeholders.