How India is tackling its hunger and malnutrition crisis

Gujarat’s migrant workers’ plight

The plight of migrant workers and their families in Gujarat is a stark reminder of the invisible crisis that often goes unnoticed and underreported.

Sheila, a migrant worker from Bihar’s Manjhi village in Chhapra district, voiced her struggles: “Arhar dal (lentils) is 150 rupees per kilo. We buy milk packets for eleven rupees every day to make tea. It is not an item that we can buy [in adequate quantity] for our children to drink.”

Her words echo the harsh reality faced by thousands of disadvantaged migrant families in India, trapped in a cycle of poverty and malnutrition.

According to the NITI Aayog’s multidimensional index for 2023, Gujarat has a poor headcount ratio of 18.47 percent, with over 23 percent of people deprived and over 9 percent deprived of nutrition.

The National Family Health Survey (NFHS) – 5 data (2019-21) reveals a disturbing reality: 25 percent of children in Gujarat are “wasted” – excessively thin in relation to their height, posing a heightened risk of mortality.

Shockingly, 11 percent of children in the state are severely wasted, a condition that can lead to a host of long-term consequences.

What are the long-term consequences of malnutrition?

The consequences of childhood malnutrition extend far beyond physical growth and development, casting a long shadow over the lives of those affected.

Research has established links between malnutrition and cognitive impairments, including lower IQ levels, reduced cognitive function, behavioral problems like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, socialization issues, and poor emotional regulation.

These impacts can have profound effects on a child’s educational attainment, future employment prospects, and overall quality of life.

In severe cases of malnutrition, children suffer from protein deficiency, resulting in kwashiorkor – a condition characterized by a swollen abdomen due to excessive fluid retention.

This life-threatening condition can lead to organ failure and even death if left untreated.

The vicious cycle of malnutrition and poor hygiene further exacerbates the crisis, as research has established a direct link between the two, with each factor perpetuating the other.

As India grapples with this invisible crisis, urgent action is needed to address the root causes of hunger and malnutrition through a multi-pronged approach.

Targeted interventions, such as improving access to nutritious food through subsidized distribution channels and fortification programs, strengthening social safety nets, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices, are crucial steps towards ensuring a future where no child or family is left behind.

Additionally, comprehensive data collection and monitoring systems that capture the experiences of migrant workers and other vulnerable communities are essential to inform evidence-based policymaking and tailored solutions.