Linkages Between Agriculture and Nutrition in Bihar

Abstract

Despite high growth, nutritional deficiencies remain a critical problem, affecting infants, children, men and women in Bihar. Although, there is an improvement in the situation of malnutrition in the state, the agenda remains incomplete. Studies show that agriculture plays an important role in the improvement of nutritional levels. Though the state government has initiated schemes related to agricultural development in the region, the prevalence of malnutrition among children, a high infant mortality rate and a high percentage of men and women with low body mass index (BMI) continue to raise serious questions about the connection between agriculture and nutrition in Bihar. Against this background, the present study seeks to identify linkages between agriculture and nutritional status in the state. The findings of this study is based on a correlation analysis and factor analysis, using cross-section data collected from secondary sources. The analysis indicates that diversification in agriculture, an improvement in women’s literacy levels and women’s access to household resources has had a significant impact on the nutritional situation in Bihar.