Hyderabad: According to a recent study conducted by the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), many rural families in Telangana are shifting to a carbohydrate-rich diet due to affordability, resulting in higher rates of obesity and malnutrition.
The study, which attempted to investigate the nutritional issues encountered by rural populations, found that the availability of protein and micronutrient-rich meals is limited, and this lack of access is encouraging people to consume more carbohydrates.
According to the ICRISAT, Telangana was chosen for the study because the state has a substantial proportion of people living in multidimensional poverty, citing the NITI Aayog’s Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) baseline report 2021. The report emphasized that, despite the state’s poverty percentage is lower than the national average, there are still significant nutritional and health issues.
The study also emphasized the significance of sugary packaged goods in the dietary transition. These items are frequently accessible in supermarkets and have a longer shelf life than fresh fruits and vegetables. Additionally, urbanization plays an impact, since those who relocate from rural to urban regions are exposed to more packaged food advertising.
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Dr. Jacqueline Hughes, Director General of ICRISAT, stressed the importance of taking action to solve this nutritional concern, proposing collaboration with the food processing industry to promote more nutritious products like millets.
To address this issue, the study suggested numerous measures, including nutritional education, raising knowledge about healthy food choices, employing digital platforms for information dissemination, and supporting the cultivation and consumption of local, nutrient-rich foods.
The study’s lead author, Dr. Shalander Kumar, Cluster Leader – Markets, Institutions, and Policy, emphasized that the findings provide substantial evidence for policymakers to address the complex issue of malnutrition in rural India, which includes undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and overnutrition.
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