(a) the details of the programme of rice fortification being implemented to improve
the nutritional deficiency among the school children under Mid Day Meal
Scheme in Gajapati District of Odisha;
(b) whether the Government is considering to take forward the said programme to
the other parts of the country and if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the time by which the final decision is likely to be taken in this regard and
programme is likely to be introduced?
MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
(SMT. SMRITI ZUBIN IRANI)
(a): Government of Odisha in collaboration with World Food Programme (WFP)
implemented a pilot project on fortification of rice with iron for Mid Day Meal (MDM) scheme
in Gajapati district of Odisha from 2012-13. The project covered 97790 children in the age
group of 6-14 years. The State Government has intimated that the rice fortification project in
Gajapati district has been beneficial from the nutrition and anemia point of view. Based on the
impact evaluation of the project, Government of Odisha has sustained the rice fortification
project in Gajapati out of State budget and cooperated with WFP for upscaling multi micro
nutrient fortification in Dhenkanal district and central kitchen of Cuttack.
(b) & (c): At present, there is no proposal for introduction of fortification under Mid Day Meal
Scheme in the Ministry. However, the MDM Guidelines provide for serving a wholesome and
nutritious meal which should have 450 calories and 12 gram of protein for children of primary
schools and 700 calories and 20 gram of protein for upper primary schools. Further, the States
have been advised to use double fortified salt (i.e. containing iodine and iron) in preparing mid
day meal.
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