Nidhi Bhatiwada ¹, V. Indira ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Biochemistry and Nutrition, Central Food Technological Research Institute, CSIR, Mysore, Karnataka, IN
2 Department of Home Science, College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur, Kerala, IN

Abstract

Malnutrition continues to plague the Indian population particularly the vulnerable section, which calls for effective steps to improve the nutrient content and quality of the Indian diets. The global prevalence of micronutrient deficiency is estimated to be about two billion and most of the afflicted people are living in the developing countries. The intake of micronutrients in daily diet of Indian population is far from satisfactory and largely less than 50per cent RDA is consumed by over 70 per cent of Indians.

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Lincy Lawrence ¹, V. Indira ¹, S. Krishna ², Paul Lazarus ³

Affiliations
1 Department of Home Science, College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur, Kerala, IN
2 Department of Agricultural Statistics, College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur, Kerala, IN
3 Department of Agricultural Economics, College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur, Kerala, IN

Abstract

At the threshold of the 21^st century perhaps the most critical task facing Indian agriculture is to feed its ever burgeoning populace. Since independence, though the food grain production has increased four fold the population also increased three times. The country has accumulated about 70 million tonnes of food stocks that remain unused and this gives the impression of excess production and high consumption. Though there is 'food for all' the biggest challenge facing the nation is to ensure 'food to all' to achieve food security. Food security is defined as 'when all people at all times have both physical and economic access to sufficient food to meet their dietary needs for a productive and healthy life.

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Mini P. Jose ¹, V. Indira ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Home Science, College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Trichur, 680656, IN

Abstract

Malnutrition among preschool children is one of the most important health problems and it accounts for over half of the deaths occuring among young children ot developing countries. Among the several contributing factors influencing the nutritional status of children, the role of mother is important. In recent years a transition has taken place in their role from wife and mother to member of the work force. Women working in the organised sector constitute 10 per cent of the working force while in the unorganised sector it is 90 per cent. Though, women's work for wages results in higher family income enabling them to purchase more food leading to better family health and nutrition, it decreases the time available for child care. This may adversely affect the health and nutritional status of their children. Various studies conducted in our country on employed mothers and nutritional status of their children had revealed inconsistent results and hence the present study was undertaken to find out the impact of maternal employment on the nutritional status of preschool children.

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