Rising carb consumption in rural India poses health concerns: Study

• A recent study by ICRISAT highlights a growing trend of carbohydrate-heavy diets and sugary packaged foods lacking essential nutrients in rural India.
• Factors such as affordability and convenience contribute to increased carbohydrate consumption, while packaged foods offer longer shelf lives than fresh produce.
• This dietary shift raises concerns about rising obesity and malnutrition rates in rural areas, with Telangana's Orepalle, Dokur, Amangal, and Devarakadra as case studies.
• Limited access to protein-rich foods and urban migration towards packaged options amplify the challenge.

In a recent interview-based study conducted by the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), a significant dietary trend has emerged in rural areas of India. The study sheds light on the prevalent consumption of carbohydrate-heavy diets and sugary packaged foods, which are often lacking in protein and essential nutrients.

Carbs rise due to affordability, convenience

The surge in carbohydrate consumption is attributed to factors like affordability and convenience. In an era where financial constraints are a reality, carbohydrates have become a cheaper alternative, while packaged sugary foods are readily accessible and boast longer shelf lives compared to fresh fruits and vegetables.

The study's findings underscore a pressing health crisis in rural India, unveiling the underlying causes of rising obesity and malnutrition rates. The research was conducted in the Indian state of Telangana, specifically in Orepalle, Dokur villages, and Amangal and Devarakadra towns. These locations exemplify the prevailing shift towards processed carbohydrate-rich foods, often at the expense of protein-rich and nutrient-dense alternatives.

Researchers at ICRISAT emphasize the study's revelation of limited protein access, emphasizing the importance of reinforcing traditional food systems and nutrition-focused supply chains. Urban migration also plays a pivotal role in dietary changes, as city dwellers succumb to the allure of advertised packaged foods.

To address this dietary shift, the study calls for collaboration with the food processing industry to create appealing and nutritious products, such as incorporating millets, while maintaining cultural heritage.

ICRISAT promotes nutritious

ICRISAT, along with its partners, strives to promote cost-effective, nutritious products and educate communities about the health benefits of these offerings through its agribusiness innovation platform.

The study illuminates the need for a balanced approach that blends nutrition with tradition. The researchers advocate for revitalizing and enriching traditional food systems in rural India to counteract the alarming rise in obesity and malnutrition.

A resident of Aurepalle village in Telangana reflected on the transition in eating habits, noting the shift from consuming jowar (sorghum) to rice due to cost and availability. Traditional practices of foraging wild fruits and forest produce have waned due to deforestation, leading to reduced access to once-abundant resources.

Experts assert that promoting local and nutritious food consumption is pivotal to addressing this challenge. By grasping the intricate mechanisms of market dynamics, a path forward can be forged, allowing rural communities broader access to healthier dietary choices.

ICRISAT researchers have pioneered a computational-based approach to unravel the interconnectedness of farming, food, and nutrition. Their study underscores a dire need for policymakers to combat the triple burden of malnutrition – undernutrition, micronutrient deficiencies, and overnutrition – prevalent in rural India.

The study underscores the pivotal role of traditional agricultural systems and local markets in ensuring access to nourishing food for rural communities. ICRISAT aims to continue providing innovative solutions to tackle this issue and bridge the gap between nutritional needs and cultural practices.

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