Measuring hunger across States

Context:

According to the State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report of 2022, India is home to 224.3 million undernourished people. Although there is need for India-specific hunger index, at the level of States and Union Territories that will help to evaluate the extent of undernourishment at a more localised scale.

Persistent Food Insecurity in India

• Global Hunger Index Ranking: India ranks 107 out of 121 countries in the Global Hunger Index 2022, highlighting continued food insecurity, child malnutrition, and hunger.
• Disparities across States: There are stark differences among states. A subnational hunger index is essential for targeted action.
• Components of the State Hunger Index (SHI): The SHI considers indicators such as child stunting, wasting, under-five mortality, and BMI undernourishment for working-age adults to assess hunger levels at the state level.

Alarming State Hunger Index Scores

• Alarming Scores: States like Bihar, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh scored 35, categorized as 'alarming' hunger levels, comparable to African nations. Several other states performed above the national average.
• Moderate Hunger: States like Chandigarh, Sikkim, Puducherry, Kerala, and others scored below 16, falling into the 'moderate hunger' category. No state is classified as 'low hunger.'
• Impact of COVID-19 Not Included: The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on SHI are not considered due to the lack of post-pandemic data.

Challenges in Combating Hunger and Malnutrition

• Deteriorating GHI Score: India's GHI score has worsened in recent years, primarily due to increasing calorie undernourishment. Data disputes exist with no recent National Sample Survey on nutritional intake.
• Child Malnutrition: India faces challenges in child nutrition, with high rates of stunting, wasting, and underweight children. Despite poverty reduction, food insecurity persists.
• Need for Targeted Action: While the GHI has limitations, it sheds light on undernourishment and child malnutrition. India must address these issues to improve food security and child well-being.