Nutritional Properties of Fortified Rice (PDS) Distributed at KGBV Hostels of Telangana State, India

Rice is a vital staple crop that serves as the primary source of calories for over half of the global population, particularly in Asia. Despite its importance, rice is inherently deficient in several essential micronutrients, and the nutritional value is further diminished through processing. This study examines the nutritional composition of fortified rice provided through the Public Distribution System (PDS) in KGBV hostels, emphasizing its potential to address nutritional deficiencies. The analysis focused on key parameters including moisture, ash, fat, crude fiber, protein, carbohydrates, energy, and iron content. Results revealed that fortified rice contains 11.8% moisture, 1.57% ash, 0.78% fat, and 31.05 mg of iron, crude fiber content was 0.3%, protein levels were 7.7%, carbohydrate content was 77.85g, and energy content was 349.22 kcal. These findings highlight the superior nutritional profile of fortified rice, particularly in terms of its ash, energy, and iron content, making it a highly beneficial option for addressing nutritional deficiencies and improving public health outcomes.