Nutrient Intake Optimization in Karnataka: A Linear Programming Approach^§

The present study has analysed the food consumption pattern in the rural and urban areas of Koppal district of Karnataka. The study has assessed the present nutritional status and has suggested the optimal food-mix. The monthly per capita expenditure (MPCE) on both food and non-food items together has been found almost double in urban areas than in rural areas. In the rural areas, the MPCE is higher on food items than on non-food items, while in the urban areas, it is the reverse. The urban people consume less cereals and more pulses than their rural counterparts. Further, the expenditure on non-food items, especially on education, healthcare, insurance, etc. in the rural area has been found far from satisfactory. The consumption per capita per day of all the food items is higher (2750 g) in optimal food consumption plan as compared to the existing food consumption plan (860 g); the corresponding food expenditures were 45.18 and 28.19, respectively. At a cost of 45.18 per day per capita, the optimal plan ensures the dietary requirements in terms of energy (2425 kcal), protein (80.2 g), fats (61.5 g), carbohydrates (366.1 g), minerals (15.0 g) and fibres (26.6 g), through the consumption of jowar, greengram, groundnut, palm oil, sugar, milk, brinjal, methi, pomegranate, potato and dry chilli. Given the forced post-harvest sale of farm produce by the farmers for their cash needs, the study has suggested the need of educating them on the ‘nutrition aspect’, so that they appropriately use their farm produce for food and nutritional security. The study has also suggested that the policy aiming at achieving nutritional security should have different strategies for different income categories of households.