NEWS & EVENTS

A healthier food option is set to arrive on the tables of Bhutanese households with the introduction of Fortified Rice, enriched with essential micronutrients including Iron, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12, and Zinc. This initiative aims to support the health and well-being of the population, addressing micronutrient deficiencies commonly referred to as "hidden hunger." Fortified Rice is designed to look, cook, and taste like regular rice, ensuring that consumers can enjoy it without altering their traditional dietary habits. However, the key difference lies in its enhanced nutritional value, offering an effective solution to improve overall nutrition. In a country where rice is a dietary staple, the introduction of Fortified Rice holds significant promise in addressing long-standing nutritional challenges. The Food Corporation of Bhutan Limited (FCBL), which is spearheading this initiative, will handle the processing and distribution. The fortified rice will soon be made available to the general public in 10-kilogram bags at affordable prices across all FCBL outlets nationwide. This public rollout builds on FCBL's earlier success in supplying fortified rice to schools following the establishment of its Rice Fortification Plant in Phuentsholing. The program was later expanded to serve the Gyalsung Academies, ensuring that young Bhutanese receive the necessary nutrients to support their growth and development. With the next phase, FCBL is extending this vital nutrition intervention to the general public. This effort aligns closely with national goals of ensuring food and nutritional security, contributing to a healthier and more resilient society. By choosing Fortified Rice, Bhutanese families are not only investing in their own health but are also supporting the nation's broader vision of eradicating malnutrition.