Missing Link between Nutrition and Agriculture in India

Abstract

Although undernutrition is getting attention, it remains in India. Studies show that agriculture plays an important role in the improvement of nutritional level. But malnutrition among children, high infant mortality rate and prevalence of men and women with low body mass index (BMI) raise doubts on the connection between agriculture and nutrition. In this backdrop, the present study seeks to identify the linkage between agriculture and nutrition in India using the UNICEF framework. Its findings are based on correlation and multiple regression analysis, using cross section data collected from secondary sources. It indicates that agricultural diversification, household amenities and child-care practices have a significant impact on nutrition and emphasis should be laid on increasing farmers’ income.