Fortified rice for ’Akshaya Patra’ midday meals in DK

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Feb 26, 2018: The Akshaya Patra Foundation plans  enrich the rice delivered to children from this year, said Tirumala Rao of the Foundation.

“We will mix the fortified rice kernels in the rice which includes Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B 12, folic acid and iron. At present, mid-day meals are distributed to 14,260 children in 135 government schools in Mangaluru and Bantwal.

“Enrichment of rice with micronutrients post harvesting will increase nutrient value. Fortified rice kernels are made of rice flour, with vitamins and minerals mix. They are added to normal rice in a ratio of 1:100 resulting in fortified rice nearly identical to traditional rice in aroma, taste, and texture. It is then distributed for regular consumption,” he said.