The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, has called for a nationwide “nutrition revolution” aimed at eliminating malnutrition through community-driven action, particularly led by women at the grassroots level.
Key Proposal: Women Nutrition Warriors
- Suggested creation of “women nutrition-warriors” or change leaders at village/hamlet level
- These workers would:
- Visit households in rural areas
- Spread awareness on nutrition
- Provide counselling on dietary practices
Call for National Movement
He proposed launching a national mission on nutrition, similar to:
- Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
- Beti Bachao Beti Padhao
The goal is to:
- Eliminate malnutrition
- Address nutrition-related health issues
- Improve maternal and child health outcomes
Focus on Maternal and Child Nutrition
The Vice President stressed:
- Special attention to pregnant and lactating mothers
- Importance of the first 1,000 days of life
- Strengthening child development and long-term human capital
Key Concerns Highlighted
- High levels of:
- Child stunting
- Anaemia
- Micronutrient deficiencies
- Rising obesity alongside undernutrition, creating a “double burden”
Suggested Interventions
He emphasized a multi-pronged strategy:
- Promotion of traditional and bio-fortified foods (millets, amla, drumstick)
- Food fortification and dietary diversification
- Stronger immunization drives (Mission Indradhanush)
- Nutrition-sensitive agriculture and use of technology (AI, precision farming)
Institutional & Policy Measures
- Greater role for:
- Anganwadi centres
- ASHA workers
- Panchayats and Self Help Groups
- Increased use of:
- CSR funds
- MPLAD funds
- MGNREGA for nutrition-linked activities.
