Roadmap for Answer Writing

1. Introduction

   • Define the relationship between poverty and malnutrition, emphasizing how they create a vicious cycle that adversely affects human capital formation.
   • Mention the significance of addressing this issue for sustainable development.
2. Understanding the Vicious Cycle
   • Explain how poverty leads to malnutrition:
     • Economic barriers restrict access to nutritious food.
     • Example: According to the FAO, 690 million people go to bed hungry due to economic disparities.
   • Discuss how malnutrition perpetuates poverty:
     • Impaired cognitive and physical development reduces productivity and earning potential.
     • Example: The Poshan Tracker indicates that 35% of children under six are stunted, affecting their future productivity.
3. Impact on Human Capital Formation
   • Highlight the consequences of this cycle on education, health, and economic productivity:
     • Malnutrition leads to higher healthcare costs and absenteeism in schools.
     • Example: The World Bank reports that India loses 2-3% of its GDP annually due to undernutrition in children under two.
4. Steps to Break the Cycle
   • National Nutrition Strategies: Strengthen initiatives like Poshan Abhiyan to target malnutrition reduction.
   • Enhanced Public Distribution System: Improve access to food grains for vulnerable populations, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic when the PDS distributed food to over 800 million people.
   • Mid-Day Meal Program: Expand this program to ensure children receive nutritious meals in schools, improving attendance and learning outcomes.
   • Empowerment through Education and Employment: Focus on women’s education and employment to enhance family nutrition.
     • Example: Kerala’s Kudumbashree program has empowered women, leading to better family health.
   • Public-Private Partnerships: Foster collaborations to improve food storage and distribution, reducing waste and enhancing farmer incomes.
   • Community Nutrition Education: Implement grassroots education programs to promote better dietary practices.
5. Conclusion
   • Summarize the importance of breaking the cycle of poverty and malnutrition for enhancing human capital and achieving sustainable development goals.

Relevant Facts

• India ranks 111th out of 125 countries in the 2023 Global Hunger Index, indicating significant nutritional deficiencies.
• Approximately 35% of children under six are stunted, according to the Poshan Tracker .
• The World Bank estimates that India loses 2-3% of its GDP annually due to undernutrition in children under two.
• During the COVID-19 pandemic, the PDS distributed food grains to over 800 million people, ensuring food security .
• Kerala’s Kudumbashree program has empowered women, leading to better family health and reduced malnutrition .

By following this roadmap and incorporating relevant facts, you can effectively address the question regarding the vicious cycle of poverty and malnutrition and propose actionable steps to break it.