Nutritious rice in 5 districts of Karnali

Acting head of the company's regional office, Surkhet, Madhav Mishra said that now the sales and distribution work has started from the respective depots in 5 districts and gradually the sales will be started from other depots as well.

Bhim Thapa, the departmental head of the company, said that the sale of this rice, which will be produced in Rajapur of Bardia, has been started in 5 districts of Karnali province, where the problem of malnutrition is the most, for the reduction of malnutrition and prosperity of Karnali. It is the government's goal to continue this campaign in a sustainable manner.

He says that 600 tons of rice have been produced and sent to the respective districts for sale and distribution.

Upgraded polished rice is enriched with nutrients including iron, zinc, vitamin A, folic acid, vitamin B-12, thiamine, niacin and pyridoxine. According to the food company, this rice has been tested in Bajura in 074.

The target is to produce 76 thousand quintals of rice by the end of 2024. This rice, which must be consumed within 24 months of production, will be in 25 kg packs. Pramod Koirala, Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, said that the government has started the distribution of rice with improved nutrients in Karnali because it provides nutrients in a low-cost and simple way.

The government aims to end all forms of malnutrition by 2030. Therefore, the government plans to make this rice easily available all over the country. He said that this method was used because it is considered to be the most effective to upgrade micronutrients in rice in countries where rice is consumed more. Upgrading the nutritional content of rice will help in improving the nutritional status. There is no difference in the taste, smell and color of the rice even after upgrading. It has been proven that this method of reducing malnutrition is effective from the practices of different countries," said Koirala. From the point of view of expenses, he says that this rice is a program that will give a lot of returns at a low cost.

National Planning Commission's 2021 survey on Nepal's nutrient needs and costs has shown that upgraded rice can reduce Nepalese food expenditure by 27 percent to get all nutrients. A feasibility study was conducted in 2016 on upgradation of nutritional content in rice in Nepal. For the upgrading of rice, there has been cooperation with the Ministry of Health and Population, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supply, Department of Food Technology and Quality Control, Food Management and Trade Company and World Food Program.

There is food insecurity in 23 percent of the households in the Himalayan district of Karnali Province. According to government data, there is a shortage of 19 thousand 116 metric tons of food grains in Karnali every year. According to the State Planning Commission, 36 percent of the people in Karnali are suffering from malnutrition due to malnutrition. 4 percent of children are affected by malnutrition. 36 percent of children are underweight. Provincial Planning Commission Vice Chairman Yogendra Bahadur Shahi said that a plant should also be established in Karnali to fortify food grains. "Let's propose to investors to establish a plant to use this method at the upcoming investment conference in Karnali," he said.