DIETARY HABITS AND NUTRITIONAL CHALLENGES IN INDIA

Source: DownToEarth

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Context

• The 2024 Global Food Policy Report by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) highlights concerning trends in dietary habits in India, revealing a significant preference for unhealthy foods over nutritious options.
• The report underscores the prevalence of malnutrition and the rising consumption of processed foods, reflecting broader global nutritional challenges.

Details

Key Findings

Unhealthy Food Consumption:

• Prevalence:38% of the Indian population consumes unhealthy foods such as salty or fried snacks.
• Healthy Diets:Only 28% of the population consumes all five recommended food groups, including starchy staples, vegetables, fruits, pulses, nuts, seeds, and animal-source foods.

Malnutrition Rates:

• Overall Malnutrition:6% of India’s population suffers from malnutrition, up from 15.4% in 2011.
• Impact:Nearly 17% of the population’s regular food consumption fails to meet the dietary energy levels necessary for an active and healthy life.

Trends in Processed Food Consumption:

• Increase in Processed Foods:The consumption of processed foods, such as chocolates, sugary snacks, beverages, and convenience foods, is rising.
• Household Expenditure:Expenditure on paid meals consumed away from home increased significantly from ₹619 billion ($8.8 billion) in 2015 to ₹820 billion ($11.6 billion) in 2019.
• Processed Foods:The share of packaged foods in household food budgets nearly doubled, from 6.5% to 12%.

Nutritional Challenges

 Double Burden of Malnutrition:

• Undernutrition and Obesity:Many countries, including India, face a double burden where undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies coexist with overweight and obesity.
• Micronutrient Deficiencies:Over half of children under five and two-thirds of adult women suffer from micronutrient deficiencies.

Economic Factors:

• Cost of Healthy Foods:Micronutrient-rich foods are significantly more expensive than calorie-dense, nutrient-poor options like cereals and snacks.
• Example Costs:Dark green leafy vegetables and vitamin A-rich fruits and vegetables cost 22 times more per calorie than starchy staples.

Agricultural Policies:

• Cereal-Centric Policies:Agricultural policies in South Asia prioritize starchy staples (rice, wheat, sugarcane) over diverse diets necessary for long-term health.
• Investment Bias:Public investments in agricultural research and development focus on enhancing the productivity of rice and wheat, neglecting coarse grains and pulses.

Recommendations

Policy Interventions:

• Equitable Food Systems:Transform global food systems to ensure equitable access to sustainable, healthy diets.
• Focus on Nutrition:Address the bias towards starchy staples in agricultural policies and prioritize nutrient-dense foods.

Public Awareness:

• Dietary Guidelines:Follow the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) guidelines, which emphasize minimizing high-fat, sugar, and salt foods.

Addressing the Double Burden:

• Comprehensive Strategies:Implement strategies that address both undernutrition and diet-related noncommunicable diseases (NCDs).
• Strengthen Healthcare Systems:Develop resilient healthcare systems capable of responding to nutritional challenges and pandemics.

International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) is a global research organization dedicated to providing research-based policy solutions aimed at sustainably reducing poverty, hunger, and malnutrition in developing countries. Established in 1975, IFPRI works to achieve a vision of a world free of hunger and malnutrition. Vision: A world free of hunger and malnutrition. Mission: To provide research-based policy solutions that sustainably reduce poverty, hunger, and malnutrition. Strategic Research Areas IFPRI focuses on five key strategic research areas: Fostering Climate-Resilient and Sustainable Food Supply: Develop and promote practices, technologies, and policies that help agricultural systems adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change, ensuring a sustainable and resilient food supply. Promoting Healthy Diets and Nutrition for All: Enhance access to and availability of nutritious foods, and promote dietary practices that improve health outcomes and reduce malnutrition across diverse populations. Building Inclusive and Efficient Markets, Trade Systems, and Food Industry: Strengthen market systems and trade policies to enhance food security, economic opportunities, and the efficiency of the food industry, ensuring equitable access and fair practices. Transforming Agricultural and Rural Economies: Support the transformation of agricultural and rural economies through innovations, investments, and policies that promote inclusive growth, increased productivity, and improved livelihoods. Strengthening Institutions and Governance: Enhance the effectiveness of institutions and governance structures at all levels to support sustainable development goals, with a focus on accountability, transparency, and stakeholder participation.

Sources:

DownToEarth

PRACTICE QUESTION Q.  The 2024 Global Food Policy Report serves as a clarion call for urgent action to improve dietary habits and address malnutrition in India. Critically Analyse. (250 Words)