Malnutrition can be reduced by combating nutritional food insecurity

Team L&M

In order to meet health demands, we need to focus on the fortification process and understand how nutrient-rich food will reach consumers. We must know what nutritional value is added after food products leave the farm, said Inoshi Sharma, Director, FFRC-FSSAI, speaking at the national conference of the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) on Achieving Nutritional Security Through Agri-Nutri-Food Value Chain, held early today.

A joint ASSOCHAM-Nangia Anderson LLP report on Curbing Nutritional Attrition to Achieve Nutritional Security through Agri-Nutri-Food Value Chain was released by eminent dignitaries and panellists during the conference.

For food conservation, it is important to save the produce and have a proper food wastage management system. She further added that by aligning with the International Millets Year 2023, we need to revive traditional foods such as millets in our dietary habits. All sections of society need to undergo change to achieve food security.

“The impact and extent of malnutrition is huge on economy as India loses 10 billion dollars every year with impact of illnesses, malnutrition or death cases. Societal and national nutrition is the future of the country and everyone in the vulnerable sector of the country,” said Vivek Chandra, Chairman, Food Processing and Value Addition Council, ASSOCHAM & CEO-Global Branded Business, LT Foods Ltd in his welcome address.

He further stated that nutrition aims to bring better physical, mental, cognitive health, longevity and stronger immune system and healthy people can bring a change in the society and break the cycle of poverty and hunger for long term success.

Nutritional security is a global challenge and there is a need to increase food production. The Agri system to consumer process must be supportive of the resources delivering nutritious food and an integrated multi sectoral approach is required in the supply chain, he added.

Said Akshat Khandelwal, founder and CEO of Nuflower Foods and Nutrition Pvt. Ltd., “Urban populations are more susceptible to ailments like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and obesity due to a lack of a nutrient-rich diet. The rest is mostly dependent on eating foods with adequate nutritional value. Public-private partnerships for food production burden and a serious consideration of the macronutrient balance are essential for the agricultural sector. He continued, “We need to reintroduce traditional foods into our diet.”

Whole Foods Founder Nutritionist Ishi Khosla shared her thoughts on the value of millets in this era for food consumption. She stated that emphasis must be given to nutritional needs of children under five years of age and women as 50 per cent of women are anemic in India.