Food Corporation of India Returns 26,000 Tons of Fortified Rice to Punjab in Three Years

12-Feb-2026 07:56 PM

New Delhi. The Food Corporation of India (FCI) returned 25,979 tons of fortified rice purchased from Punjab during the last three marketing seasons because its quality exceeded the rejection limit.

It is worth noting that fortified rice is essentially regular rice, but certain micronutrients are added to it, making it not only more suitable for human health but also protecting the body from many diseases. Fortified rice is fortified by adding micronutrients such as iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12, which helps address problems such as malnutrition and sun-deficient rice.

It is noteworthy that the Central Government is implementing a mandatory national-level supply of fortified rice through the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS),

PM Poshan, and other welfare schemes to address micronutrient deficiencies such as iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12. Universal distribution of this fortified rice through all government schemes will continue until December 2028.

According to government data, 15,660 tonnes of fortified rice was declared beyond the permissible limit in Punjab during the 2022-23 marketing season, 5,940 tonnes in 2023-24, and 4,379 tonnes in the 2024-25 marketing season. Under the current rule, if fortified rice stock is rejected, the miller or the procurement agency is required to provide new stock in its place.