The government will supply 35 million tonne (MT) of

Solution

The government will supply 35 million tonne (MT) of iron-fortified rice to the 800 million beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) by March 31, 2024. Additionally 3.4 MT of fortified rice will be supplied to 83 million beneficiaries under the social sector programme such as Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) and PM Poshan by the end of the current fiscal. Out of 660 districts that are covered under the public distribution system, 22 wheat-consuming districts would be excluded from coverage under rice fortification. Annual estimated cost of 2,700 crores is anticipated for the fortified rice program under NFSA, by 2024. The extra outlay would be part of the central government’s food subsidy budget estimated at Rs 2 trillion in FY24.