Food Consumption Pattern and Nutritional Health Status of Hill Farm Women

Diet composition plays an important role in nutritional status of an individual. An ample and diverse supply of calories, protein, vitamin and minerals is necessary for good nutrition. Balanced diet must include food items from the various food groups in sufficient quantities to meet the needs of an individual and for maintenance of good health throughout the life. The present study focuses on the health and well-being of farm women from four villages of district Kullu in Himachal Pradesh. The mean daily intake of nutrients was calculated by using the Food Composition Tables and was compared with the Recommended Dietary Allowances for adult women as recommended by Indian Council of Medical Research. The present study revealed that diet consumed by the farmwomen of the area was sufficient only in meeting the energy requirements whereas all other nutrients were deficient in their diet. A majority of the farm women suffer from iron-deficiency anemia.