| Introduction: Contextual Introduction Body: Relationship between agri productivity & nutritional security and measures to enhance both Conclusion: Way forward |
According to the FAO (2009), nutritional security refers to the ability of every individual to access a balanced diet, clean drinking water, a safe environment, and adequate health care (both preventive and curative).
Relationship between Agricultural Productivity and Nutritional Security in India
- Agricultural Productivity as a Foundation: Agricultural productivity directly influences food availability, access, and affordability, which are crucial for nutritional security. High productivity in staple crops like rice and wheat has historically ensured calorie security for a large portion of India’s population.
- Nutritional Security Requires Diversity: While increased agricultural productivity has enhanced food security, it has not necessarily translated into nutritional security. The focus on staple crops has led to a decline in the production of nutrient-rich crops like pulses, fruits, and vegetables, contributing to widespread micronutrient deficiencies.
- Economic Access and Affordability: Increased agricultural productivity can reduce food prices, making it easier for low-income households to access a variety of foods. However, the current model, which prioritizes staple crops, limits access to diverse diets essential for nutritional security.
Measures to Enhance Agricultural Productivity and Nutritional Security Sustainably
- Promotion of Nutritious Crops: Encourage the cultivation of pulses, millets, fruits, and vegetables through government support and incentives. Diversifying cropping patterns will not only improve soil health but also enhance the nutritional quality of diets.
- Agroecological Approaches: Implement sustainable farming practices that include crop rotation, organic farming, and intercropping. These practices improve soil fertility, reduce dependency on chemical inputs, and increase the resilience of farming systems.
- Incorporating Nutrition into PDS: Reform the PDS to include a broader range of food items, such as millets and pulses, which are more nutritious and locally adapted.
- Bio-Fortification: Promote the development and distribution of bio-fortified crops that are enriched with essential vitamins and minerals, addressing specific nutritional deficiencies.
- Enhancing Economic Access: Implement policies that increase the income of smallholder farmers, allowing them to afford a more diverse diet. Subsidies and minimum support prices (MSP) should also be aligned with the production of nutritious crops.
Conclusion
The findings of the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey 2022-23 highlight the persistent issue of nutritional insecurity in India, particularly among the poorest segments of the population. Addressing this challenge requires a multi-faceted approach that includes policy shifts, innovative nutritional interventions, and a focus on women’s education and healthcare. Ensuring nutritional security is not only vital for individual health and well-being but also for the socio-economic development of the nation.
