The Global Hunger Index 2023 ranks India 111th out of 125 countries, highlighting that malnutrition, stunting and micronutrient deficiencies remain widespread

While India is not a country of widespread starvation, it does face significant challenges related to undernutrition and hidden hunger, particularly in rural areas. India has achieved self-sufficiency in food production and implemented programs to improve food access, such as the National Food Security Act and the National Nutrition Mission. However, issues like micronutrient deficiencies and income disparities exacerbate food insecurity in certain regions.

India’s Nutrition Paradox: The Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2023 ranks India 111th out of 125 countries, highlighting significant challenges with undernutrition, particularly among children. Though India produces enough food to meet caloric needs, ensuring nutritional adequacy remains a challenge. The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5, 2019-2021) shows that while caloric intake is generally adequate, undernutrition persists—35.5 per cent of children under five are stunted, and 19.3 per cent suffer from wasting. Micronutrient deficiencies, such as anaemia due to iron deficiency among women and vitamin deficiencies among children, further contribute to hidden hunger. Economic disparities and social inequities, including gender inequality and limited healthcare access, play significant roles in perpetuating undernutrition.

Poorer segments of the population often lack access to a diverse, nutritious diet and rely heavily on staples like rice and wheat, with inadequate consumption of fruits, vegetables, and proteins.

Community-Led Nutrition Hubs: A Promising Solution Community-led nutrition hubs provide a grassroots approach to addressing food insecurity. Unlike top-down methods, these hubs leverage local knowledge and leadership to create sustainable, context-specific solutions. They focus on balanced, nutritious diets rather than just caloric intake, helping to build community resilience against undernutrition.

Promoting Dietary Diversity: Nutrition hubs encourage the consumption of diverse foods, including fruits, vegetables, legumes, and animal products, essential for a balanced diet. By promoting dietary diversity, these hubs address micronutrient deficiencies and hidden hunger.

Supporting Vulnerable Groups: These hubs effectively reach vulnerable populations like children, pregnant women, and the elderly. They provide tailored nutritional support, fortified foods, supplements, and education on specific nutritional needs. Leveraging Local Agriculture: Nutrition hubs support local food production and sustainable agricultural practices, increasing access to fresh, nutritious foods. This approach reduces dependence on external food supplies, which can be affected by price fluctuations and supply chain disruptions, particularly amid climate change.

Impact of Community-Led Nutrition Hubs: Data from various studies highlight the effectiveness of community-led initiatives in improving nutritional outcomes and resilience. For example, a 2022 report by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) noted a 20 per cent reduction in stunting rates among children under five in regions of Uttar Pradesh following the introduction of nutrition hubs.

The Global Nutrition Report 2023 showed that such hubs have improved micronutrient intake, with a 30 per cent increase in iron-rich food consumption among women in Maharashtra, significantly reducing anaemia. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) also found that communities practising sustainable agriculture supported by nutrition hubs had a 20 per cent increase in crop yields during droughts compared to traditional methods.

A Whole-of-Society Approach: Achieving the vision of a "Viksit Bharat" hinges on ensuring food security and building resilience through community-led initiatives. However, these goals require a whole-of-society approach that involves all community members, not just women. Men as Partners: Encouraging men to participate in nutrition hubs, whether through farming, cooking, or community organising, helps distribute responsibility more equitably and promotes gender equity.

Youth Engagement: Involving young people in these efforts ensures the continuation of community-led initiatives and brings fresh ideas and energy to the table.

Local Govt Support: Local governments can support and scale these initiatives by providing funding, policy support, and infrastructure, making nutrition hubs integral parts of community development.

Gender Equity and Shared Responsibility: While women are often on the frontlines of nutrition and food security, the burden should not fall solely on them. Engaging men, youth, and local governance helps create more equitable and sustainable solutions.

(The writer is Director - Centre for Strategic Communications for Public Health at Swasti; views are personal)