Addressing nutrition along with hunger
Business Standard
Core Theme
The article argues that India’s post–Green Revolution agricultural strategy succeeded in raising food production but neglected nutritional quality. As a result, caloric sufficiency improved, yet micronutrient deficiencies and malnutrition persist. The central claim is that food security must now transition into nutrition security.
Key Arguments
1. High-Yielding Varieties and Nutrient Dilution
Modern high-yield crop varieties, bred primarily for productivity, may contain lower concentrations of essential micronutrients like zinc, iron and magnesium compared to traditional varieties. Yield gains have sometimes come at the cost of nutrient density.
2. Persistent Malnutrition Despite Grain Surplus
India is a major food grain producer and exporter, yet stunting, wasting, and anaemia remain high. The paradox underscores that availability of calories does not guarantee balanced nutrition.
3. Impact of Crop Breeding Priorities
Green Revolution breeding prioritised yield and pest resistance over nutrient content. Nutritional traits were secondary considerations in crop improvement programmes.
4. Polished Rice and Nutrient Loss
The article links micronutrient deficiencies to the dominance of polished rice, which removes fibre, vitamins and minerals during processing.
5. Need for Biofortification and Gene Editing
Recent breeding techniques, including biofortification and gene-editing tools, offer solutions to enhance nutrient density without compromising yield. However, institutional support and funding are necessary.
Author’s Stance
The tone is reformist and science-driven. The author supports agricultural modernisation but urges a shift in breeding priorities toward nutrient enrichment. The argument is not anti–Green Revolution but calls for course correction.
Possible Biases
Technological Optimism
The article assumes biofortification and gene-editing as primary solutions, possibly underemphasising dietary diversification and socio-economic determinants of malnutrition.
Limited Socioeconomic Lens
Structural causes such as poverty, sanitation, women’s education, and health services receive less attention compared to crop science.
Institutional Emphasis
The focus is heavily on ICAR and research infrastructure, reflecting a technocratic orientation.
Pros and Cons of the Proposed Shift
Pros
- Integrates nutrition into food policy
- Strengthens human capital formation
- Reduces hidden hunger (micronutrient deficiencies)
- Enhances long-term productivity and health outcomes
Cons
- Biofortified seeds may face adoption barriers
- Regulatory challenges in gene editing
- Risk of overreliance on technological fixes
- Public skepticism regarding genetically modified crops
Policy Implications
From Food Security to Nutrition Security
India must expand the policy lens beyond grain output to nutrient density. This aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger).
Reorientation of Agricultural Research
Breeding programmes should integrate yield, resilience, and nutrient content simultaneously.
Convergence with Health and Nutrition Missions
Coordination with POSHAN Abhiyaan, ICDS, Mid-Day Meal Scheme and Public Distribution System is essential.
Incentivising Farmers
Price support and procurement mechanisms must encourage cultivation of nutrient-rich varieties.
Real-World Impact
If implemented effectively:
- Reduced anaemia and stunting rates
- Improved learning outcomes and workforce productivity
- Lower public health burden
- Strengthened resilience against climate-induced nutritional shocks
However, without parallel improvements in sanitation, healthcare access, and dietary diversity, crop-level interventions alone may yield limited results.
UPSC GS Paper Alignment
GS Paper III – Agriculture & Food Security
- Green Revolution: achievements and limitations
- Biofortification and agricultural biotechnology
- Food vs nutrition security debate
GS Paper II – Social Justice
- Malnutrition, public health policy
- Role of state in welfare and nutrition programmes
GS Paper I – Indian Society
- Impact of malnutrition on demographic dividend
Essay Themes
- “From Calorie Security to Nutrition Security”
- “Technology as a Tool, Not a Substitute, for Social Reform”
Balanced Conclusion and Future Perspective
The article correctly highlights a structural shift needed in India’s agricultural paradigm. The first Green Revolution addressed hunger; the next must address hidden hunger.
The way forward lies in integrating crop science with public health, incentivising nutrient-rich agriculture, and ensuring equitable access to diverse diets. Productivity remains essential, but quality must complement quantity.
India’s challenge is not merely to feed its population, but to nourish it.
