Central and state governments distribute essential commodities like rice, sugar, and oil through ration cards to ensure quality food for the public. This scheme is implemented in several states, primarily to provide nutritious food to below-poverty-line families.
Ration rice is provided only to economically weaker families with annual incomes below Rs. 1.20 lakhs, those living without family support, marginalized communities, and single women.
Many ration card holders avoid cooking ration rice due to its texture and perceived quality. However, they are unaware of the rich nutrients it contains, including added vitamins and minerals by the Welfare Department.
The fortified rice provided to ration card holders is rich in nutrients like zinc, vitamin A, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin B6, in addition to naturally occurring nutrients. Consuming this rice can help overcome several health issues.
Selling nutrient-rich ration rice and consuming polished white rice can lead to health problems like gastric issues, indigestion, shortness of breath, and diabetes. Brokers often polish the sold ration rice and reintroduce it into the market.