A big debate has started in Andhra Pradesh about the rice given to families through the public distribution system. The previous government, led by Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy had introduced rice kernels mixed with ration rice to help fix nutrition problems among low-income families.
However news is coming out that the fortified rice kernel system might be stopped. Some people are worried that poor households might only get rice instead of nutritious fortified rice.
End of FRK in Ration Rice?
Until now fortified rice kernels were mixed with ration rice as part of a plan to improve nutrition. The main goal was to give nutrients like vitamins, folic acid and iron to people who need them.
The fortified rice plan was meant to reduce health issues like anemia and malnutrition among women and children who depend on ration supplies.
If the fortified rice kernel supply is stopped the entire ration rice system could change a lot. People are worried that those who get ration rice might only get rice without extra nutrients.
Will Illegal Diversion of Ration Rice Increase?
Earlier the fortified rice kernels made ration rice easy to identify. This made it hard for people who illegally collect rice and sell it in the market.
Since fortified rice kernels are different removing them required processing. Some people now say that if only regular rice is given illegal diversion could become easier.
There are allegations that ration rice might again be polished, mixed with premium rice and sold illegally in markets without being detected.
What About 1.47 Crore Rice Card Holders?
Andhra Pradesh has 1.47 crore people who get rice through the ration system. 25 Lakh tonnes of ration rice are given out every year to poor families across the state.
The Central Government gives rice, which is then distributed through the state ration system.
However health experts and opposition voices say that stopping rice could hurt the health of poor families who rely on ration supplies.
Criticism Over Tur Dal and Wheat Flour Decisions
The government is facing criticism over stopping subsidized tur dal that was earlier sold at around ₹67 per kilogram.
Critics say that market prices of tur dal have crossed ₹150 per kilogram making it hard for poor families to afford protein- food.
Similarly fortified wheat flour that was earlier sold at ₹16 per kilogram is now being replaced with wheat flour at a higher price of ₹20 per kilogram.
There are also allegations that the distribution of millets like ragi and jowar has been completely stopped.
Nutrition Promises vs Policy Decisions
Opposition parties say that while the government talks about nutrition and health reducing rice, fortified wheat flour and millets sends a mixed message.
There is growing criticism that support for food for poor families is being weakened, while chances for illegal ration rice diversion might increase again.
The debate is now about whether a scheme meant to improve nutrition could unintentionally lead to problems like black-market ration trade and reduced nutritional support.
What Is Fortified Rice?
Fortified rice is rice that has nutrients like vitamins, folic acid and iron to improve nutrition.
What Is FRK?
FRK stands for Fortified Rice Kernels. These are nutrient-rich rice kernels mixed with regular rice, before distribution.
Why Was FRK Used in Ration Rice?
FRK was used for two reasons:
- To reduce malnutrition and nutrition problems among families.
- To help identify ration rice. Prevent illegal diversion into markets.
