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.