Stressing on the role of Anganwadi functionaries, joint director of (ICDS) Social Welfare Bantee Singh Konthoujam, on Sunday pointed out that the Anganwadi functionaries play a vital role in eradicating malnutrition and anaemia from the country.
He was delivering the chief guest speech during the celebration of 56th foundation day of Manipur Cultural Integration Conference (MCIC) cum Awareness Programme on Fortified Rice held at its office premises at Palace Compound in Imphal East.
Concerning the country's recent downfall in global hunger index rank from 100 to 107, Bantee said it is a serious matter and it needs to be discussed thoroughly.
He stated that the awareness programme on fortified rice really matches with the Rashtriya Poshan Mah, also known as National Nutrition Month, a flagship programme of the central government to improve nutritional outcomes, eradicate malnutrition and ensure good health and nutrition to all.
Talking about the MCIC, Bantee informed that it is an organisation which works behind the scene for the integrity and overall development of Manipur besides conducting various research studies to preserve the culture of Manipur.
Moreover, the MCIC also plays a big role in the establishment of RIMS, Manipur University, Central Agricultural University Imphal and also the National Sports University, he added.
Manager (QC) of FCI, Divisional Office Imphal, A Khomei, while giving the awareness lecture on fortified rice stated that fortification of rice is a cost-effective and complementary strategy to increase vitamin and mineral content in diets.
Stating that the fortified rice was launched with the aim to eliminate anaemia and micro-nutrient deficiency in India, he said starting from 2021-2022, FCI has been asked to make procurement and distribution plans for fortified rice under ICDS and PM POSHAN scheme.
There were cases where the fortified rice was mistaken as plastic rice due to the added vitamins and minerals, he said adding that the rice helps maintain healthy micronutrient levels of a person.
Functionaries of ICDS were also felicitated during the programme in recognition of their dedicated services. The function was presided by president of MCIC A Brajakumar Sharma.
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