The study depicts a surprising paradox as protein deficiency remains widespread in rural households that sufficiently produce or have access to protein-rich foods.
- More than >2/3rd of households (across semi-arid tropics in India) consume less protein than recommended protein sources leading to hidden hunger.
- Hidden hunger (also known as micronutrient deficiencies) occurs when the quality of food that people eat does not meet their nutrient requirements (FAO)
Key findings
- Underutilisation of protein-rich foods such as pulses,dairy,eggs: It is mainly due to cultural food preferences, limited nutritional awareness, and financial constraints.
- Unbalanced Nutrient uptake: Cereal-heavy diets (rice and wheat) lack Essential Amino Acids leading to imbalanced nutrition."
- Public Distribution System (PDS): PDS has improved calorie intake but inadvertently promoted cereal-dominated diets.
- Women's Education: Households with women’s education were more likely to consume balanced food.
Recommendations:
- Nutrition education: Integrating nutrition education into public health programmes and school curriculum.
- Context specific approach: Need to adopt context-specific approach and region specific strategies rather than One-size fits all approach.
- Reforming PDS: Need to include protein rich food items.
- Diversification of Farming Systems: Including the cultivation of nutrient-dense crops like millets,legumes, and integrating dairy animals.
International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)
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