Karnataka Minister Urges Fortified Rice Use to Fight Hidden Hunger and Lifestyle Diseases
मुख्य बातें
- •Karnataka’s Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao advocates increased use of fortified rice to address nutrient deficiencies and rising lifestyle diseases.
- •India fortifies 35–40 million tonnes of rice annually (out of 115 million tonnes total), reaching over 800 million people via the Public Distribution System.
- •About 60% of Indians suffer from hidden hunger, with polished white rice contributing to deficiencies in iron, vitamin A, and vitamin B12.
- •Industry leaders highlight significant market potential for fortified rice in open markets, with Goa leading in consumption and other states showing growing awareness.
Karnataka’s Health and Family Welfare Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has urged families in the state to opt for fortified rice wherever possible, emphasizing its role in delivering essential nutrients, strengthening immunity, and promoting overall health. Speaking at a workshop titled “Unlocking market potential: advancing fortified rice in Karnataka,” Rao acknowledged the cultural significance of rice and wheat in Indian diets while highlighting the benefits of rice fortification. “It is good to see the inculcation of fortified rice, as it ensures that we get all the required nutrients,” he said. He stressed that integrating beneficial nutrients into staple foods like rice could help counter rising lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.
