The problem of nutritional crisis is as big as the problem of hunger in India and has been a matter of long standing public threat. Discuss and suggest remedial measures.

The nutritional status in India is poor, as highlighted by NFHS-5. According to it, 67% of children and 57% of total women are anaemic, stunting stands at 35% and about 19% of children have issue of wasting.

Nutritional status in India has always been a matter of threat as:

• It pushes India into a cycle of hidden hunger.
• Increases disease vulnerability.
• It lowers human capability by hindering cognitive abilities.
• It also proves to be a threat for women empowerment and gender justice.
• Poor nutritional status hampers India’s capability to use its demographic dividend.

Measures to address nutritional crisis:

• Diversity of agriculture – millets, coarse green cultivation should be promoted.
• Diversity in PDS, mid day meal – Shifting focus only from rice/wheat.
• Including dairy products, eggs in mid day meals.
• Ensuring quality of mid-day meals by parents, teachers, and community cooperation.
• Incentivize localized sourcing of nutritional food, veggies in school.
• Promote school garden.
• Women education – increase awareness.

Nutrition is the basic requirement to utilize the demographic dividend in India.

Topics: GS-I: Poverty and Developmental Issues • GS-III: Public Distribution System Buffer Stocks and Food Security