Quantifying, Projecting, and Addressing India's Hidden Hunger

Abstract

It is estimated that more than two billion people suffer from 'hidden hunger' (micronutrient malnutrition) globally, with nearly half living in India. Despite being highlighted as one the most cost-effective investments for human development, progress on addressing micronutrient deficiencies (MiND) has been slowing. The severe social, health, and economic costs of MiND in India should make it a top priority for domestic governance and international donors alike. This study, for the first time, maps food system pathways from crop production through to household-level food availability, for a range of key vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Results suggest widespread (>80% total Indian population) risk of deficiencies in calcium, vitamin A, B 12, folate, in addition to lysine limitation, with more localized deficiencies (<25% population) in iron, zinc, and vitamin B 6 . These deficiencies are the result of a combination of a monotonous cereal-dominated diet lacking in diversity, and overall insufficient food intake. This approach also allowed for "MiND by micronutrient" scenario analysis to 2030, to identify potential intervention points in the food system and the capacity of these interventions to address deficiency. Scenario analysis to 2030 and 2050 indicates that, although increased availability of animal-based products, reduction of supply chain losses, and close to maximum (90%) attainable yields could make some contribution to addressing Indian MiND, additional intervention strategies will be essential. Recommendations for intervention in the short (urgent), near-term (2030), and long-term (2050) have been formulated based on this analysis.

Genome-Wide SNP Discovery and Mapping QTLs for Seed Iron and Zinc Concentrations in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

“…However, a majority of the world's population face difficulties in meeting the recommended daily allowances (RDA). This has led to micronutrient malnutrition (also known as “hidden hunger”) that affects one in three people worldwide ( 1 ). Iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) are important micronutrients that play a major role in the normal growth and development of humans by acting as cofactors for several proteins including hemoglobin, cytochrome, and transcription factors ( 2 ).…”

Climate-Smart Potatoes

“…In India, the successful introduction of new heat-tolerant and disease-resistant potato varieties has been helped by direct participation of farmers in what is selected, and where and how it is used. With malnutrition a big and still-growing problem in India [41], the provision of biofortified potato plants (ones that produce crops especially enriched in key nutrients) also has huge potential-more than half of children in India are currently at risk of vitamin A deficiency and its resulting health problems, including childhood blindness [42].…”

Genetic variation among biofortified and late blight tolerant potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) (mini tuber) production in Bangladesh

“…Micronutrient deficiency is a major problem, which is often termed as hidden hunger. It affects over two billion people worldwide (1). Potato could contribute to a major role in food security for millions of people.…”