On 18th August 2023, an awareness program on fortified rice was held at White Hall Noklak village.
Deputy Commissioner of Noklak, Arikumba, in his address, emphasized the importance of fortified rice for health benefits. He urged attendees to disseminate accurate information about fortified rice to beneficiaries.
Additionally, the Deputy Commissioner urged all Village Councils within the district to establish Village Disaster Management Committees. In case of any disasters or emergencies, he emphasized the importance of proper verification and reporting to the relevant authorities for necessary assistance.
Further, the Deputy Commissioner highlighted the certification process for Indigenous Inhabitant Certificates, backward certificates, Schedule Tribe certificates, and Permanent Resident Certificates (PRC). He advised conducting thorough verifications before certifying.
The Deputy Commissioner expressed appreciation for the successful conduct of the Independence Day celebrations by Village Councils and village authorities, observing the themes of "Meri Maati, Mera Desh" and "Har Har Ghar Teranga."
Shanpanthung Ezung, State Technical Officer (Nagaland) 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. He reassured that fortified rice when consumed by children during the Mid-Day Meal, looks, smells, tastes, and cooks like regular rice. Ezung urged attendees not to be misinformed about fortified rice and to spread awareness that it is not plastic rice, but a nutrient-enriched food. He encouraged sensitizing co-workers and beneficiaries and suggested contacting Food Safety Officers for more information. The session was followed by interactions.
The welcome address was delivered by Metsisieto Zhasa, Assistant Director of Food & Civil Supplies, Noklak. The Vote of Thanks was given by K. Okey Khiam, Inspector of Food & Civil Supply, Noklak.
The event was attended by FPS Dealers, Village Council Chairmen, Ward Chairmen, GBs, CSO members, and other stakeholders.
(K.K. Chim, IA, Noklak)
