How to tackle hidden hunger in India.
Answers
Answer:According to World Health Organization (WHO), hidden hunger occurs when the quality of
food people eat does not meet their nutrient requirements, so the food is deficient in
micronutrients such as the vitamins and minerals that they need for their growth and
development. Deficiencies in iron, vitamin A and iodine are the most common around the
world, particularly in children and pregnant women.
Two billion people suffer from vitamin and mineral deficiencies, said the panel in the
webinar organised by Hexagon Nutrition and ASSOCHAM.
Food fortification is a low-cost breakthrough with long-term social and economic benefits.
As part of broader national efforts to combat chronic under nutrition, food fortification is
one of the most cost-effective and reliable investment opportunities, said the experts.
According to Vivek Chandra, CEO, LT Foods and Co-Chair, National Food Processing Council,
ASSOCHAM, the current Indian food plate normally does not deliver the required amount of
nutrients and micronutrients. “The National Nutrition Monitoring Bureau also has time and
again proved that apart from cereals and millets, the Indian households fail to have the
desired amounts of Recommended Dietary Allowance. As per ICDS, the strategies adopted
to address malnutrition and hidden hunger are nutrition and health education, dietary
diversification and micronutrient supplementation. Food fortification is seen as a viable,
scientifically proven, WHO-approved and cost-effective strategy to address the problem of
malnutrition.”
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