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Challenges in Nutrition

Nutritionally sensitive agriculture—an approach to reducing hidden hunger

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition volume 75, pages 1001–1009 (2021)Cite this article

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Abstract

Cereal-based diets of the people in developing countries are qualitatively deficient in micronutrients—vitamins and minerals—due to low intake of vegetables, fruits, legumes and foods of animal origin. Consumption of nutritious millets has also come down in India. Calorie sufficiency may ensure protein sufficiency (though not protein quality), but it does not ensure adequacy of micronutrients. Studies in several countries in Asia, and India show that with education and advocacy even farmers with small and marginal land holdings can be persuaded to raise homestead vegetables and fruits gardens and increase household vegetables consumption. Backyard poultry also has good acceptance and impact on household egg consumption. For best results, the community, especially the mothers have to be educated about the importance of nutrition for health and wellbeing. Studies done by the authors in the villages of Medak district, of the South Indian state of Telangana, show remarkable improvement in the knowledge of food, nutrition, hygiene and health of mothers with children under 3 years of age, with education–behavioural change communication. Impact of nutrition gardens and backyard poultry with high egg-yielding breeds had positive impact on the household consumption of vegetables and eggs.

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Acknowledgements

The technical support for the studies conducted by the Dangoria Charitable Trust was provided by N. Venkatesh (agriculture and horticulture), P. Pentiah (poultry) and K. V. Lakshmi (cooking demonstrations). Help from the following scientists as resource persons for conducting the training programmes is gratefully acknowledged: A. Lakshmiah, G. M. Subba Rao and Raja Siswan Mamidi, National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad. M. Srinivs, (horticulture), M. Uday Kumar, (agricultural engineering) and K. Murli Mohan (soil science), Ekalavya Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Tuniki, Medak district. K. Kotaiah Indbro Research and Breeding Farms Ltd., Hyderabad. Dangoria Charitable Trust for all the facilities provided. Last but not the least the ICDS authorities, functionaries and the community for their cooperation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dangoria Charitable Trust (DCT), Hyderabad, 500020, India

    Mahtab S. Bamji & P. V. V. S. Murty

  2. Department of statistics, Aurora’s Degree & PG College, Hyderabad, 500020, India

    Parimala Diana Sudhir

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  1. Mahtab S. Bamji
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Correspondence to Mahtab S. Bamji.

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Bamji, M.S., Murty, P.V.V.S. & Sudhir, P.D. Nutritionally sensitive agriculture—an approach to reducing hidden hunger. Eur J Clin Nutr 75, 1001–1009 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41430-020-00760-x

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