PMGKAY (Agriculture)
PMGKAY (Agriculture)
Why In News:
The government has approved the supply of improved-quality rice under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), benefiting over 80 crore beneficiaries through the Public Distribution System (PDS).
Source: PIB, 2 July 2026, 'Government approves improved-quality rice under PMGKAY'; Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.
PMGKAY: Origin and Evolution
The PMGKAY was launched by the Government of India in April 2020 as a relief measure in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The scheme aims to provide financial and food security support to economically weaker sections, particularly those severely affected by the pandemic.
It was introduced as part of the broader Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package, targeting the poor and vulnerable sections of society.
Under the scheme, the government provides 5 kg of free food grains per person per month, in addition to the subsidised ration under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).
The benefits of PMGKAY are available to households covered under the Public Distribution System (PDS).
Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) families and Priority Household (PHH) beneficiaries are eligible for the scheme.
PHH beneficiaries are identified by State Governments and Union Territories based on their own criteria.
AAY households are identified by States/UTs as per criteria prescribed by the Central Government.
The scheme covers vulnerable households and economically disadvantaged groups.
In general, the scheme covers individuals belonging to Below Poverty Line (BPL) families.
Fortification and Quality Push
The Centrally Sponsored Fortified Rice Distribution Scheme aims to supply fortified rice (rice fortified with iron, folic acid and vitamin B12) across all government welfare schemes to address widespread micronutrient deficiency and anaemia.
Improving rice quality under PMGKAY builds on this fortification push, aiming for both quantity security (adequate calories) and quality security (adequate micronutrients) in India's food safety net.
Rice fortification technology mixes Fortified Rice Kernels (FRK), manufactured through extrusion, with normal rice in a fixed ratio.
One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC) complements this by allowing portability of ration entitlements across states, benefiting migrant workers.
Key Facts for Prelims
PMGKAY foodgrains are distributed free of cost, unlike the earlier NFSA scheme which charged a nominal subsidised price.
The Food Corporation of India was established in 1965 under the Food Corporations Act, 1964, in the backdrop of the Green Revolution.
FCI's foremost priority is to ensure food security for the nation by effectively managing the procurement, storage, and distribution of essential commodities.