The Government of India has decided to temporarily discontinue the universal supply of fortified rice under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana and other welfare schemes until a more effective mechanism for delivery of nutrients to beneficiaries is identified.
In a communication dated February 27, 2026, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution informed Principal Secretaries and Secretaries of Food and Civil Supplies Departments in all States and Union Territories about the decision and outlined a phased transition plan.
The order stated that the move is aimed at ensuring optimal utilisation of existing stocks of Fortified Rice and Fortified Rice Kernels while reviewing the framework for nutrient delivery under central welfare programmes.
Under the revised plan, in States and Union Territories where the empanelment process for Fortified Rice Kernel manufacturers has not yet been finalised, the process will be discontinued with immediate effect. No fresh empanelment of Fortified Rice Kernel manufacturers will be undertaken in any State or Union Territory.
All Fortified Rice Kernel batches currently under manufacture are required to upload requisite details on the FORTRACE portal by March 30, 2026. The portal will not allow any new batches to be uploaded after that date.
For the Kharif Marketing Season 2025–26, as well as pending receipts from the Kharif Marketing Season 2024–25, States and Union Territories may, as a transitional measure, deliver either fortified rice or non fortified rice at their discretion, depending on operational considerations.
From the Rabi Marketing Season 2025–26 onwards, only non fortified rice will be procured.
Fortified rice available in the Central Pool as of the date of the order, including pending receipts from the Kharif Marketing Season 2024–25 and receivables from the Kharif Marketing Season 2025–26, will continue to be distributed under PMGKAY and other welfare schemes until existing stocks are exhausted.
States and Union Territories have been directed to take necessary steps to ensure smooth operational transition and to issue suitable instructions to implementing agencies for compliance.
The communication was issued with the approval of the competent authority and signed by Virendar Singh, Under Secretary to the Government of India.
