Abstract
It is estimated that more than two billion people suffer from 'hidden hunger' (micronutrient malnutrition) globally, with nearly half living in India. Despite being highlighted as one the most cost-effective investments for human development, progress on addressing micronutrient deficiencies (MiND) has been slowing. The severe social, health and economic costs of MiND in India should make it a top priority for domestic governance and international donors alike. This study, for the first time, maps food system pathways from crop production through to household-level food availability, for a range of key vitamins, minerals and amino acids. Results suggest widespread (>80% total Indian population) risk of deficiencies in calcium, vitamin A, B12, folate, in addition to lysine limitation, with more localised deficiencies (<25% population) in iron, zinc, and vitamin B6. These deficiencies are the result of a combination of a monotonous cereal-dominated diet lacking in diversity, and overall insufficient food intake. This approach also allowed for 'MiND by micronutrient' scenario analysis to 2030, to identify potential intervention points in the food system and the capacity of these interventions to address deficiency. Scenario analysis to 2030 and 2050 indicates that, although increased availability of animal-based products, reduction of supply chain losses, and close to maximum (90%) attainable yields could make some contribution to addressing Indian MiND, additional intervention strategies will be essential. Recommendations for intervention in the short (urgent), near-term (2030) and long-term (2050) have been formulated based on this analysis.
Highlights
India’s “Hidden Hunger” ChallengeIt is estimated over two billion people—more than one-in-three—suffer from micronutrient deficiencies globally (FAO, 2013)
Targeted Interventions Results presented in this study indicate an important distinction in deficiency risk between micronutrients: iron, zinc, and vitamin B6 deficiency is likely to be most prevalent in a particular subsection of the population— so targeted interventions which reach the affected demographics are necessary
Scenario analysis suggests that current agricultural policies will be wholly insufficient in addressing micronutrient malnutrition— orientation toward maximizing macronutrients may serve to exacerbate this issue
Summary
India’s “Hidden Hunger” ChallengeIt is estimated over two billion people—more than one-in-three—suffer from micronutrient deficiencies globally (FAO, 2013). India’s latest National Health Survey (NFHS-4, 2015-2016) results indicate that at the national level 58.5% of children are anemic (International Institute for Population Sciences, 2016a), and the FAO estimates that ∼74% are at risk of anemia as a result of iron deficiency, and 62 and 31% at risk of vitamin A and iodine deficiency respectively (FAO, 2013). Quantification of India’s Hidden Hunger suggest a prevalence of anemia of 50% in pregnant women, and 53% in non-pregnant women of reproductive age (International Institute for Population Sciences, 2016a). At the sub-national level, there are large variations in degree of malnutrition; in the state of Haryana, for example, 72% of children; 55% of pregnant women; and 63% of non-pregnant women are estimated to be anemic (International Institute for Population Sciences, 2016b)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
