Experts opine Kerala should focus on nutrition rather than food security

Thiruvananthapuram: At the Food security seminar organised as part of the ‘Keraleeyam’ event, it was pointed out that the biggest threat Kerala faces today is not food security but malnutrition. Even though Kerala is a model for the country in terms of the public distribution system (PDS), experts opine that steps should be taken to ensure nutritional security.

Columbia school of International studies professor Dr. Glen Denning said that not just quality and weight but rather the nutritional element of the food grains should also be ensured. Nutritionist Neeti Sharma explained that the picture in Kerala is as follows:

• Anemia in children under five years of age: 39 percent
• Anemia in women aged 15-49: 37 percent
• Anemia in pregnant women: 31 percent
• Underweight children under five years of age: 20 percent
• Underweight women: 10 percent.

Dr. Madhur Swaminahan advised that Kerala should switch to a diet that includes less carbohydrates and small grains. Food expert Dr. R.V Bhavani said that instead of focusing on poverty-free Kerala, the state should focus on becoming a land without nutritional deficiencies.