A section of the participants attending the awareness programme on fortified rice held at IMC Hall, Dimapur on August 29.
Awareness on fortified rice in Dimapur, Peren
Dimapur, August 30 (MExN): An awareness programme aimed at promoting and understanding of fortified rice under Public Distribution System (PDS) for FPS Dealers, VC Chairmen, Ward Chairmen, GBs, CSOs and other stakeholders to disseminate the message to all on fortified rice was organised by the Department of Food & Civil Supplies for Dimapur, Niuland and Chümoukedima districts in collaboration with PATH (Department’s Technical Partner on Fortified Rice) at IMC Hall, Dimapur on August 29.
The resource person Shanpanthung Ezung, State Technical Officer, PATH who has been tirelessly spreading this awareness in the State of Nagaland clarified to all that fortified rice is not plastic rice but it is the normal rice in combination with micro nutrient contents which includes Iron, Folic Acid and Vitamin B12. This is an initiative by the Government of India to combat the prevalence of anemia in the State as well as the Nation at large.
He also stated that there are six items in food fortification which are salt, milk, atta, oil, rice and fruit Juice. Fortification on fruit juices was recently launched in the country.
The programme was chaired by S Kavito Aomi, Assistant Director, Food & Civil Supplies, Dimapur who also welcomed all the attendees. I Anungba Sanglir Joint Director, Food & Civil Supplies, and Dr Kapenlo Thong Deputy Director, Food & Civil Supplies also addressed the attendees with short speeches.
Peren: A one-day awareness programme on fortified rice was conducted by the Department of Food & Civil Supplies at Peren town on August 30.
As per the DIPR report, during the programme, Assistant Director, Food & Civil Supplies Peren, Neisazo Nomeh, delivered the keynote address followed by short speech from ADC Peren, Keyirangding Hegui.
State Technical Officer from PATH, Shanpantung Ezung speaking as the resource person explained the challenges of anaemia and malnutrition in India. On the significance of fortified rice, he highlighted its micro nutrient content including Iron, Folic Acid and Vitamin B12.
Common misconception and doubts surrounding fortified rice being mistaken for plastic rice were clarified. It also informed that fortified rice kernel was perfectly safe and suitable for human consumptions as it was enriched with essentials Micro nutrients to supplement overall health. The resource person also explained on how to identify fortified rice and its quality.
Around 200 attendees including Fair Price Shops dealers, village council leaders, GB, Civil society and beneficiaries attended the programme. It was chaired by Senior Inspector F& CS Peren.
