Protein Deficiency in Rural India | 04 Mar 2025

For Prelims: Malnutrition, Poverty, Calorific Deficiency, Hidden Hunger, Micronutrient Deficiency 

For Mains: Issues Associated with Malnutrition in India, Current Government Initiatives to Tackle Malnutrition. 

Source: DTE 

Why in News? 

A recent study conducted by the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) revealed that rural Indians suffer from ‘hidden hunger’ despite the availability and affordability of protein-rich foods. 

Note 

  • Hidden Hunger: It refers to a form of malnutrition where people consume sufficient calories but lack essential micronutrients and macronutrients, particularly proteins.  
  • International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT):  
    • Established: 1972 
    • Status: Recognized as a specified “International Organisation” by the Government of India under Section 3 of the United Nations (Privileges and Immunities) Act, 1947. 
    • Vision: Achieving prosperity, food security, and resilience in dryland tropics. 
    • Mission: Alleviating poverty, hunger, malnutrition, and environmental degradation in dryland regions. 

What are the Key Findings of the ICRISAT Study on Hidden Hunger? 

  • Dominance of Cereal-Based Diets: Rural diets are heavily dependent on rice and wheat, which contribute 60–75% of daily protein intake.  
    • However, these cereals lack essential amino acids, leading to an imbalanced diet. 
  • Underutilization of Protein-Rich Foods: Despite the availability of protein-rich foods like pulses, dairy, and livestock products, their consumption remains low due to cultural preferences, limited nutritional awareness, and financial constraints. 
  • Public Distribution System (PDS) Limitations: While the PDS effectively ensures calorie intake, it reinforces a cereal-heavy diet without incorporating sufficient protein-rich options, exacerbating protein deficiency. 
  • Education and Nutrition Link: Women’s education levels significantly influence household dietary patterns. Better-educated women tend to ensure a more balanced and diversified diet for their families. 
  • Regional Variations in Protein Consumption: Factors affecting protein intake vary across states and districts, highlighting the need for region-specific nutritional interventions. 
    • Many wealthier families, despite economic capability, fail to consume adequate protein. 
Click Here to Read: Rising Obesity Burden in India 

What are the Consequences of Protein Deficiency in the Human? 

  • Muscle Atrophy and Weakness: Long-term protein deficiency leads to muscle atrophy, causing weakness, fatigue, and reduced mobility.  
    • Severe cases result in frailty, impairing daily activities. 
  • Weakened Immune System: Protein is essential for antibody and immune cell production, and its deficiency weakens immunity, increasing infection risk and slowing recovery. 
  • Stunted Growth and Developmental Delays: In children, protein deficiency causes stunted growth, cognitive impairment, and delayed puberty.  
    • If untreated, it leads to permanent developmental issues, impacting long-term health and productivity. 
  • Organ Damage: Protein deficiency strains the liver and kidneys, causing metabolic imbalances, fatty liver, and renal dysfunction over time. 

What are the Key Recommendations as per ICRISAT Report? 

  • Diversification of PDS: Reform the PDS to include pulses, millets, and protein-rich foods while expanding fortified food distribution programs to enhance protein intake among vulnerable populations. 
  • Nutrition Education: Integrate nutrition education into school curricula and public health initiatives while promoting community-based awareness programs on balanced diets and protein consumption. 
  • Empowering Women: Enhance women's education to improve dietary choices and strengthen self-help groups to facilitate better access to protein-rich foods. 
  • Diversified Farming Practices: Provide incentives for cultivating protein-rich crops like pulses and millets while promoting sustainable agriculture models to ensure both food and nutrition security. 
  • Targeted Regional Strategies: Given that factors influencing protein consumption vary by region, customized policies should be developed to address state-specific nutritional gaps. 
Drishti Mains Question: 
Q. Evaluate the challenges to food security in India and their impact on hunger. How can India ensure sustainable food security to eliminate hunger?