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COMPENDIUM, IEEC-2023   ( ISBN : 978-81-967860-4-5 )
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Theme- 6: Community based Farming System for Nutrition - Achieving Nutritional Security for the Farm Families and Community

Assessment of Food and Nutritional Security Status of Farm Women of Yadadri Bhuvanagiri District in Telangana State

Khushboo Yadav, M. Preethi, R. Geetha Reddy and K. Aparna

PJTSAU, Hyderabad
yadavkhushboo1616@gmail.com

Abstract

India faces significant challenges in achieving food security, as highlighted by the United Nations' estimation that approximately 149 million children under the age of five worldwide were affected by stunting in 2020. The National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5) data reveals alarming figures, with 35.7 per cent of children under the age of five being stunted, 17.3 per cent wasted, and 33.4 per cent underweight. These statistics indicate both chronic and acute undernutrition among children. In the Food Security Index 2022 by The Economist Group, India ranks 68th out of 113 major countries, further emphasizing the need for improvement. While food security is crucial, it is important to consider "nutrition security," which encompasses adequate nutritional status in terms of protein, energy, vitamins, and minerals for all household members at all times. A study focusing on farm women in the Choutuppal village of Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district, Telangana, sheds light on their food and nutritional security status. The findings reveal that the majority of these women have a medium level of food and nutritional security. Factors such as age, education, landholding, annual income, types of crops grown and social participation were found to be positively significant at one per cent level on the food and nutritional security status of the farm women. To address these challenges, India has implemented various strategies, including the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) program, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) cash transfer scheme, Mid-Day Meal Scheme, National Food Security Act (NFSA), and Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY). These initiatives aim to provide supplementary nutrition, healthcare, education, subsidized food grains, and incentives for safe childbirth, ultimately ensuring the well-being and nutritional security of children and women in the country.

IEEC-2023 at RARI (SKNAU, Jobner), Jaipur, Rajasthan organised by Society of Extension Education, Agra, India