Food Consumption Pattern and Dietary Diversity among the Farmers in Kanyakumari and Perambalur Districts of Tamil Nadu

Abstract

Aims: To study the consumption pattern and dietary diversity among the farmers in rural areas.
 Study Design: Random Sampling.
 Place and Duration of Study: Primary data were collected from the Kanyakumari and Perambalur districts of marginal and small farmers between July and August 2020.
 Methodology: The study was conducted in Kanyakumari and Perambalur districts based on Tamil Nadu state planning commission report 2017.The Simpson index of dietary diversity was calculated to score the quantity and consumption of food items were consumed. The multiple linear regressions were used to understand the variation of socio-economic and demographic features of the household members.
 Results: The overall result of the SIDD score for Kanyakumari district was 0.73 and 0.72 for Perambalur district. When compared to Perambalur district, the results clearly showed that Kanyakumari district farmers had a higher dietary diversity. Because the food habits of Kanyakumari district farmers differ significantly from those of Perambalur district farmers, owing to a higher intake of nutritious foods in Kanyakumari district farmers.
 Conclusion: The factors like monthly income and education most influence the household dietary pattern and nutrition status of Kanyakumari district rather than the Perambalur district.

Agriculture and Allied Sectors in Nutritional Security

“…But there was an overall decline in dietary diversity over time in the same households as their production diversity has declined. Melba and Ashok (2021) analysed household dietary diversity (HDD) among the marginal farmers through a Poisson regression model wherein the HDD is the dependent variable and crop production diversity and socio-economic variables as determinant variables. Crop production diversity, measured in crop species count, farm income and education had significant positive impact HDD while distance to markets, and age had significant negative impact on HDD (Table 1).…”