Food Security and the PDS in India
From Calories to Nutrition
Beyond grain, India focuses on nutrition through meals for children, fortified rice and pulses, since hunger is not only about calories.
Enough food does not always mean good nutrition.
Hidden hunger
Diets low in protein and micronutrients cause stunting and anaemia even when calories are sufficient.
School meals
The PM POSHAN scheme serves cooked meals to crores of schoolchildren.
Anganwadis
Centres provide supplementary nutrition to young children and mothers.
Fortification
Rice fortified with iron, folic acid and vitamin B12 is being added to PDS supplies.
A school meal
A child gets a hot lunch, which also encourages attendance.
Equating food security with calories only
Nutrients matter.
Key takeaways
- Hidden hunger persists.
- School meals help.
- Anganwadis serve mothers and children.
- Fortification adds nutrients.
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