An awareness programme on “fortified rice” was held at White Hall, Noklak village on August 18.
According to a DIPR report, Deputy Commissioner of Noklak, Arikumba, in his address, emphasized on the importance of fortified rice for health benefits. He urged the attendees to disseminate accurate information about fortified rice to the beneficiaries.
The DC also urged all Village Councils within the district to establish Village Disaster Management Committees.
He said on the event of any disasters or emergencies, the committee could carry proper verification and report to the relevant authorities for necessary assistance.
Arikumba also highlighted on the certification process for Indigenous Inhabitant Certificates, Backward Certificates, Schedule Tribe Certificates, and Permanent Resident Certificates (PRC). He advised conducting thorough verifications before certifying.
State Technical Officer (Nagaland) from PATH, Shanpanthung Ezung, delivered on rice fortification. He explained the significance of fortified rice and its micronutrient content including Iron, Vitamins B12, and Folic Acid. Ezung clarified that fortified rice was not plastic rice but kernels enriched with micronutrients.
Ezung informed that fortified items were labelled with the Plus F logo. He reassured that fortified rice when consumed by children during the Mid-Day Meal, looks, smells, tastes and cooks like regular rice. Ezung urged attendees not to be misinformed about fortified rice but a nutrient-enriched food.
The welcome address was delivered by assistant director of Food & Civil Supplies Noklak, Metsisieto Zhasa, vote of thanks was proposed by inspector of Food & Civil Supply Noklak, K. Okey Khiam. The event was attended by FPS dealers, Village Council chairmen, Ward chairmen, GBs, CSO members, and other stakeholders.