DIMAPUR — An awareness on fortified rice was held at White hall in Noklak village Friday.
Speaking on the occasion, the deputy commissioner (DC) of Noklak, Arikumba, has emphasised on the importance of fortified rice for health benefit and urged the participants to disseminate information about the health befit of fortified rice.
The DC also urged all the village councils within the district to set up a village disaster management committees. He has emphasised on the importance of proper verification and reporting to the relevant authorities for necessary assistance in case of any disasters or emergencies.
The DC also highlighted on the importance of indigenous inhabitant certificates, backward certificates, schedule tribe certificates and permanent resident certificates (PRC). He has advised to conduct thorough verifications before certifying.
The DC also expressed appreciation for the successful conduct of the Independence Day celebrations by village councils and village authorities.
Shanpanthung Ezung, state technical officer from PATH, delivered a session on rice fortification. He explained the significance of fortified rice and its micronutrient content including Iron, Vitamins B12, and Folic Acid.
Ezung clarified that fortified rice is not plastic rice but kernels enriched with micronutrients. The fortified rice kernels (FRK) are created through extrusion technology and are blended with normal rice in a 1:100 ratio.
This initiative aims to combat malnutrition and anemia.
Ezung also detailed the use of fortified items such as rice, milk, oil, wheat, and salt distributed through programs like ICDS, MDM/PM-Poshan, and PDS.
Fortified items are labeled with the Plus F logo. Ezung urged the attendees not to be misinformed about fortified rice and to spread awareness that it is not plastic rice but a nutrient-enriched food. He further encouraged to sensitise co-workers and beneficiaries and suggested contacting food safety officers for more information.
The welcome address was delivered by Metsisieto Zhasa, assistant director of Food and Civil Supplies, Noklak, while the vote of thanks was delivered by K Okey Khiam, inspector of Food and Civil Supply, Noklak.
The event was attended by FPS dealers, village council chairmen, ward chairmen, GBs, CSO members and other stakeholders.
