Study on dietary pattern and nutritional status of farmers in different states of India

During the period 1987–88 to 1999–2000, the consumption of cereals has reduced in different states of India and in some states the consumption of pulses has also reduced. The reduction in consumption of pulses is serious concern. However it is a good sign that in most of the states, the consumption of other nutritive foods like milk and milk products, fat, egg, fish and meat, fruits and vegetables has increased. In most of the states, it was found that there is awide difference in consumption of food quantity (dietary pattern) among different categories of farmers. It may be said that there is an improvement in dietary pattern of farmers, however, a large segment of population engaged in agriculture is still under nourished and malnourished in which the proportion of landless, sub-marginal and marginal fanners is higher then other categories of farmers. There is a need for special attention to improve there nutritional status.