Nafed launches Fortified Rice Bran Oil to boost healthy living

New Delhi, 15 June 2021

“Nafed Fortified Rice Bran Oil” was e-launched today by Sudhanshu Pandey, Secretary, Food and Public Distribution, Ministry of Consumer Affairs. It will be marketed by the National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India Ltd (Nafed), according to a press release issued by the organization.

Chief guest Sudhanshu Pandey stated that this initiative by Nafed would reduce the country's consumption dependence on imported edible oil in the future. He also said that this would provide opportunities for Indian edible oil manufacturers further and give an impetus to the Prime Minister's Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. 

Arun Singhal, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), was the guest of honour for this occasion. The release said he highlighted the benefits of rice bran oil, stating it was one of the healthiest cooking oils and had numerous benefits like being rich in anti-oxidants, anti-cancerous, and anti-ageing.

According to the release, Atish Chandra, Chairman & Managing Director (CMD), Food Corporation of India (FCI), also graced the e-launch. He outlined the various health and lifestyle benefits of rice bran oil and the importance of standardization of this product in the industry. Recently, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed between Nafed and FCI for the production and marketing of fortified rice kernels.

Regarding this initiative, Sanjeev Kumar Chaddha, Managing Director, Nafed, said, “Nafed aims to support consumers by providing immunity-boosting products in the present scenario of Covid-19 pandemic and their busy lifestyles by introducing products aimed at promoting healthy food habits.” He also mentioned that “this initiative will provide easy access to Nafed-branded high-quality rice bran oil, which will also give a boost to the indigenous oil manufacturing industry.”

Pankaj Kumar Prasad, Nafed's Additional Managing Director, concluded the event by highlighting that such initiatives will broaden Nafed's consumer marketing segment by offering daily essential healthy products at an affordable price, the release said.

Rice bran oil has multiple health benefits, including lowering cholesterol levels due to its low trans-fat content and high monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat contents. It also acts as a booster and reduces the risk of cancer due to the high amount of Vitamin E it contains. This oil is recommended by The American Heart Association and the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the best substitutes for other edible oils.

According to the press release, the rice bran oil from Nafed will be fortified and it will be ensured that it will contain additional nutrients and vitamins. According to the FSSAI, fortified oil can help a person fulfil 25-30% of the recommended dietary intake for vitamins A and D.

Nafed Fortified Rice Bran Oil will be available at all Nafed Stores and also on various online platforms. Nafed is India’s apex agri-marketing organization serving the country since 1958.