Addressing India's Persistent Hunger: Challenges and Solutions
Over the past four decades, India has achieved self-sufficiency in food production. However, the stark reality remains that despite surplus food, hunger continues to afflict a significant portion of the population.
?The National Family Health Survey (NFHS) conducted during 2019-21 reveals a concerning trend of food insecurity among young children, casting shadows on their development and future prospects. To realise Sustainable Development Goal 2 of zero hunger, India must take strategic actions to eradicate food insecurity and ensure accessible and nutritious food for all.
Statistics that Speak Volumes
The NFHS-5 results are telling
- 18% of mothers with children aged 6-23 months reported "zero-food" intake in the 24 hours
preceding the survey, raising alarms about severe food insecurity.
- The prevalence of zero-food was highest among infants aged 6-11 months (30%), followed by 12-17 months (13%), and 18-23 months (8%). Going without food during this critical? ? ? developmental period has far-reaching consequences.
The Global Hunger Index 2022 paints a sobering picture
- India ranks 107 out of 121 countries.
- Child wasting rate stands at 19.3%, surpassing levels recorded in 2014 (15.1%) and even
2000 (17.15%).
- Undernourishment prevalence rose from 14.6% in 2018-2020 to 16.3% in 2019-2021.
Limitations of Current Approaches
Anthropometric measures like stunting and wasting, while valuable, fall short in assessing the extent of nutritional deprivation among young children. Specific deprivations in food groups are evident, with alarming proportions of children not consuming protein-rich foods or grains.
Poshan 2.0's Role and Limitations
Poshan 2.0, a flagship program for maternal and child nutrition, is promising. However, it lacks developed food-based metrics to effectively monitor and assess its impact.
?
Root Causes of Hunger
1. Poverty
Limited food choices due to poverty and high food prices contribute to hunger-related deaths. Regional disparities hinder access to balanced nutrition.
2. Associated Factors
?Hunger is influenced by factors such as water, sanitation, access to food, and demographic attributes like gender, caste, and age. Neglect of the nutritional needs of girls and the elderly exacerbates the issue.
3. Ineffective Policy Implementation
Poor execution of schemes like ICDS and NHM contributes to persistent hunger.
4. Climate Change
Erratic rainfall and climate extremes disrupt agriculture, affecting food production.
领英推荐
5. Micronutrient Deficiency
Poor diet, disease, and unmet micronutrient needs during pregnancy and lactation result in hidden hunger.
Tackling Hunger: A Holistic Approach
1. Better Data Collection
Establishing routine dietary and nutritional assessments for the entire population is crucial. Measuring food availability, accessibility, and affordability is essential for evidence-based policies.
2. Focus on Young Children
Elevate food intake among young children as a primary concern, rather than just complementary, in policies and guidelines.
Government Initiatives
1. The Eat Right India Movement Encourages citizens to adopt healthier eating habits.
2. POSHAN Abhiyan: Aims to reduce stunting, undernutrition, and anaemia.
3. Mid-day Meal Scheme :Enhances nutritional levels among school children.
4. Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana :YojanaProvides maternity benefits.
5. Food Fortification:Enriches staple foods with key vitamins and minerals.
6. National Food Security Act, 2013: Provides subsidised food grains.
7. Mission Indradhanush:Immunisation for young children and pregnant women.
The Way Forward
1. Top-Level Initiative
A strategic initiative led by the PMO is essential, with a special focus on young children.
2. Robust Monitoring
Implement the zero-food metric to monitor initiatives like Poshan 2.0 effectively.
3. Global Practices
Adapt household-level food insecurity modules for accurate measurement.
4. Assessment and Awareness
Establish routine dietary and nutritional assessments and initiate a nationwide awareness campaign.
The road to a hunger-free India requires multifaceted efforts, spanning policy reform, data-driven strategies, and community engagement. By addressing the root causes of hunger and prioritising the nutritional needs of the most vulnerable, India can overcome this persistent challenge and pave the way for a healthier, prosperous future for all.
Photovoltaic and wind energy engineer
1 年In fact, we can start with the source of water, which solves the fundamental problem. The Ganges is the mother river of India, but people always throw pollutants into the Ganges, and then people drink it, which is not good.
Vice President
1 年Hunger and food insecurity have been significant challenges in India, affecting a substantial portion of the population. Despite progress in recent years, there are still many people who face issues related to inadequate access to nutritious food.
Yoga and Zumba trainer
1 年India's growth story remains incomplete without addressing the haunting pangs of hunger..
Chief Operating Officer
1 年Hunger in India is a call to action, a plea for solidarity and a promise for change.
Public Relationship Officer
1 年India's persistent hunger challenge demands immediate attention. Strengthening social safety nets, investing in agriculture, and promoting education can pave the way for a hunger-free nation. Collaborative efforts can bring positive change and brighter futures for millions.